Remote hike-in camping

A yellow tent and tarp shelter is pitched in a clearing in front of some alpine shrubs

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Remote hike-in camping

Mount McLeod and Rocky Creek Camping Areas offer a great introduction to overnight camping in Mount Buffalo National Park.

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The two camping areas, accessed on foot from the Reservoir Picnic Area, offer a great opportunity to escape into the alpine surrounds of Mount Buffalo National Park.

Open year round but often under snow during winter, both campgrounds are best visited from November through April, when longer days bring more favourable weather. Also, between Queen's Birthday and Melbourne Cup long-weekends, the walk into the both campsites is 3km longer and begins at Mount Buffalo Road, as Reservoir Road is seasonally closed. Campers need to be well prepared for Alpine areas and prepared for a long walk and ski. Advance booking and payment are required year round.

Mount McLeod Hike-in Camping Area
This camping area is accessible along Mt McLeod track — approximately 8km from the Reservoir Picnic area.

The campground offers five unpowered campsites and a pit toilet. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of two people (children are charged as adults). Fires are prohibited, use fuel stoves only.

Water is seasonally available from where the road crosses a creek, approximately 100m southwest of the campsite. Hikers are advised to treat before consumption otherwise carry sufficient water supplies for the duration of their stay.

Rocky Creek Hike-in Camping Area
This camping area is accessible along Rocky Creek track — approximately 6.5 km from the Reservoir Picnic Area.

The campground offers five unpowered campsites and a pit toilet. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of two people (children are charged as adults). Fires are prohibited, use fuel stoves only.

Water is available from the nearby creek. Hikers are advised to treat before consumption.

Things To Do

 
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

Hiking and bushwalking

Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

Stargazing

Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.

How to get there

Remote hike-in camping

Access both campgrounds is from the trailhead at the end of Reservoir Road. From there follow the sign posts along management vehicle only tracks to Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod camping areas.

Head along Mount Buffalo road towards the Horn and Reservoir road is the first right after the Park Ranger's office. Reservoir Road is unsealed and depending on the conditions may not be suitable for some 2WDs with low clearance.

Remote hike-in camping

Sites

When you're there

Download the Mount Buffalo National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

Need to know

Remote hike-in camping

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Be prepared and stay safe

Mount Buffalo National Park is in the North East fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Reservoir Road – Closure for repair

    Reservoir Road will be closed for storm damage repairs starting Monday the 3rd of March 2025, with completion expected by Spring 2025.

    Reservoir Road will be closed to walkers, mountain bikers, and vehicles on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to operational construction activities including large machinery repairing damaged sections.

    The road will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.

    Alternative access to Mt McLeod, Rocky Creek, Eagle Point, and Og Gog & McGog is available via Long Plain Track.

    Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.

    Attachments: Reservior_Rd_Closure_Map (334KB)

  • Mt McLeod Hike-in Camping Area (Mount Buffalo National Park, North Buffalo Remote and Natural Area)

    Mt McLeod Track – Changing Track Conditions

    Repair works on storm-damaged sections of Reservoir Road from Monday the 3rd of March 2025 will close access to the Mt McLeod Track for walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday).

    Alternative access routes to the track includes:
    • Long Plain Track, Rocky Creek Track, Five Acre Track, and Og Gog & McGog Track (approximately 7.5 km to Mt McLeod Track)
     
    Refer to attached map. 

    Mt McLeod Campground Closure
    The Mt McLeod Campground will be closed Monday to Friday due to access restraints from Reservoir Rd.
     
    Bookings are available for Saturday nights.

    Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.

    Attachments: VG_MtBuffaloNP_Map2_MtMcleod (3,178KB)

  • Rocky Creek Hike-in Camping Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)

    Rocky Creek Track Alternative Access

    Alternative access to the Rocky Creek Track is required Weekdays due to the closure of Reservoir Road for repairs.


    Weekday access to the Rocky Creek track is available via the Long Plain Track.
     
    Refer to attached map. 

    Attachments: VG_MtBuffaloNP_Map2_RockyCk (3,142KB)

  • Mount Buffalo National Park

    Lake Catani campground is currently closed. Camping is not permitted. The campground is closed in the shoulder periods between the summer and winter seasons.

    Lake Catani campground is currently closed. Camping is not permitted. The campground is closed in the shoulder periods between the summer and winter seasons.
     
     
    Summer and holiday periods 
     
    Summer camping at Lake Catani is available from the beginning of November (Melbourne Cup weekend) until the end of April and campsites must be booked online in advance. Advance online bookings apply at Lake Catani Campground for selected holiday periods. Refer to the information on peak season bookings for release dates and minimum booking periods.
     
    Winter
     
    Available from the Friday before the King’s Birthday long weekend in June until the end of August, winter camping is available at Lake Catani for free. No booking is required. Lake Catani Campground is only accessible by skiing, snowshoeing or walking. The track into Lake Catani is a seasonal road and is closed from the Thursday after the King’s Birthday long weekend until mid-September. The road closure may remain in place longer if the track is impacted by snow. The campground amenities are closed during winter. However, a pit toilet located behind the Stone Hut is open for winter campers.
     
    Thanks.

  • Gorge - Lake Catani track (Mount Buffalo National Park)

    Weekday Closure - Gorge - Catani Track

    The Gorge-Catani Track will be CLOSED weekdays for repairs starting Monday the 19th of May to Friday the 13th of June 2025.
     
    The Gorge-Catani Track will be closed to walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to construction activities. 
     
    The track will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.
     
    The Monolith Walk can be accessed via the following trailhead locations:
     
     
     
    Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.

    Weekend closure - Gorge-Catani Track

    The Gorge-Catani Track will be CLOSED weekdays for repairs starting Monday the 19th of May to Friday the 13th of June 2025.
     
    The Gorge-Catani Track will be closed to walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to  construction activities.
     
    The track will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.
     
    The monolith walk can be accessed via the following trail head locations.
     
     
     
    Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Two women walk towards the summit of Mt Bogong in the Alpine National Park.

Mount Bogong

At 1986 metres, Mt Bogong is the highest peak in Victoria and attracts hikers and skiers.
Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
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