Explore
Lakeside Walk (Mount Buffalo National Park)
The Lakeside circuit walk winds around Lake Catani and through a variety of alpine landscapes. To the north the track skirts below the dam wall and crosses Eurobin Creek. For those stopping by to enjoy the picnic and barbeque facilities at the Lakeside day visitor areas, it is an easy short walk that the whole family can enjoy.
How to get there
Lakeside Walk (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Facilities
Toilets
Carpark
Need to know
Lakeside Walk (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed
Restrictions
- No dogs allowed
- No camping
- No bicycles
- Management vehicle only
Warnings
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Water hazards
- Submerged obstacles
- Shallow water
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Terrain hazards
- Slippery rocks
Be Prepared
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.
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.
Lake Catani Campground CLOSED
Lake Catani Campground is open seasonally. Currently the campground is closed and there are no facilities open. The closest options for vehicle based camping are:
- Smoko Streamside Reserve on the Ovens River (DEECA managed camping area)
- Nug Nug Reserve in the Buffalo River valley link
- or local caravan parks in Bright and Porepunkah
Hike-in camping is available at the more remote camping sites of Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod. There is no vehicle access to these sites. There is a pit toilet and the areas are fuel stove only. There are four campsites at each location. Bookings online at www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay or by contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
Lake Catani Campground reopens on Friday, 3rd November prior to the Melbourne Cup day weekend.
Hike-in camping is available at the more remote camping sites of Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod. There is no vehicle access to these sites. There is a pit toilet and the areas are fuel stove only. There are four campsites at each location. Bookings online at www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay or by contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
Lake Catani Campground reopens on Friday, 3rd November prior to the Melbourne Cup day weekend.
Mt Buffalo seasonal road closures
The Horn Road, Reservoir Road and the track into Lake Catani, Lakeside and the campground are seasonally closed roads. These roads are generally reopened on the 15th September. However, this year only the track into Lakeside picnic area will be opened on 15th September (gates into the campground remain locked until the campground opens on the Friday before Melbourne Cup Day).
The Horn Road requires grading and flood damage repairs to be completed before the road can be reopened. This notice will be updated when The Horn Road reopens.
Reservoir Road remains closed due to extensive flood damage in June.
Reservoir Road closed due to extensive storm damage
Reservoir Road has been damaged extensively by a storm on June 8th 2023. Mt Buffalo National Park had 176mm of rain fall in 24 hours. Reservoir Road will be closed indefinitely to vehicle traffic until considerable repairs can be made.
Reservoir Road is seasonally closed from the Thursday after the Kings Birthday Long Weekend until September 15 or until road conditions allow.
The closure of Reservoir Road adds an additional 3kms each way for walks to Mt McLeod, Rocky Creek, Eagle Point and Og Gog & McGog.
Parking is available at the junction of Reservoir Road and Mt Buffalo Road near the Vic Roads depot.
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Ground control operations targeting deer will
be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023.
Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong,
Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)
Buchan Caves Reserve
Burrowa-Pine Mountain
Cape Conran Coastal Park
Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
Errinundra National Park
Lake Tyers State Park
Lakes National Park
Baw Baw National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Mittamatite Regional Park
Mount Mitta Mitta Flora Reserve
Mount Lawson State Park
Mount Granya State Park
Mountain Creek Education Area
Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve
Wabba Wilderness Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park