Explore
Mount Dunn Walk (Mount Buffalo National Park)
A popular walk from Lake Catani, Mount Dunn walk is set among sub alpine plains and tall Alpine Ash Forest. The summit provides spectacular views of the Mt Buffalo Plateau. The walk takes approximately 2 hours return, but can be linked to other walks to create longer circuit walks.
How to get there
Mount Dunn Walk (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Need to know
Mount Dunn 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 bicycles
Warnings
-
Animals and pests
- Snakes
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.
Reservoir Road closed to vehicle traffic
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.
Update: 15 Feb 2024. We are aiming for Reservoir Rd to reopen to vehicle traffic at the beginning of November 2024.
Parking is available at the junction of Reservoir Road and Mt Buffalo Road near the Vic Roads depot.
The road remains accessible for walkers and mountain bike riders.
Seasonal Road Closures
Seasonal Road Closures
The Horn Road, Reservoir Road and Lake Catani Road are closed during winter.
The Horn Road and Lake Catani Road are closed on the Thursday after Kings Birthday long weekend. Both roads will reopen on 15 September dependent on snow and road conditions post winter.
Reservoir Road is also a seasonal road. However, due to flooding this road remains closed until it is repaired. Refer to the 'Change of Conditions' notice on Reservoir Road.
Access to The Horn requires walking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing from Cresta Valley Carpark.
Access to Lakeside Picnic Area at Lake Catani requires walking from either The Chalet Carpark along the Gorge Catani walking track or from the closed gate on the Mt Buffalo Road along Lake Catani Track.
Lake Catani Campground - open seasonally
Lake Catani campground has two distinct seasons in which camping is permitted:
Summer camping period - bookings required
Summer camping is available from the Friday before Melbourne Cup Day in November until May 1st.
Winter camping - no bookings required
Winter camping is available from the Friday before Kings Birthday long weekend in June until the end of August. During winter Lake Catani Campground is only accessible by skiing, snowshoeing or walking the 2 kms from the gate on Mt Buffalo Road. During winter facilities are limited to a pit toilet, the Stone Hut and firepits. For more information on winter camping refer to the Mt Buffalo winter visitor guide.
Campground CLOSED
Lake Catani Campground is closed for camping from May 1st until the Friday before Kings Birthday and from August 31st until the Friday before Melbourne Cup Day. Penalties apply for camping during these periods at Lake Catani Campground.
Remote hike-in camping sites
Remote hike-in campsites at Mt McLeod and Rocky Creek remain open year round. There are limited sites at each location and bookings are made online.
Mt Buffalo - Snow chains must be carried
Snow chains must be carried for travel into Mount Buffalo National Park. This notice will be removed if the requirement to carry chains is no longer in place.
Mount Buffalo - no vehicle based camping permitted from 1 May to 1 November 2024
There is no vehicle based camping available at Mount Buffalo.
The Lake Catani Campground and the Rocky Creek and Mt McLeod remote hike-in campsites are not accessible by vehicle.
Winter camping is available at Lake Catani Campground. However, this requires a 2km walk from The Chalet carpark or the closed gate on the junction of Lake Catani Track and Mt Buffalo Road. Refer to the 'Change of Conditions' notice for information on when Lake Catani Campground is open to vehicle based camping.
The nearest free camping is available at Smoko, on the Ovens River, or numerous sites in the Buckland Valley. There are also fee-paying caravan and camping parks in Porepunkah and Bright.
Car or tent based camping is not allowed at any other locations in Mt Buffalo National Park. Penalties apply.
Declared Hazardous Area and snow wheel chain carrying requirements
Requirement to carry snow wheel chains
When
declared, in the snow season, it is compulsory to carry snow chains and fit
them when directed by road signs. The snow season is from Kings Birthday long
weekend until the end of September.
The requirement to carry snow chains is assessed daily by staff at Mt
Buffalo. When it is identified that there will be an extended period of fine
weather, that will not produce icy or snowy road conditions, the requirement to
carry changes will be revoked. The requirement to carry chains is communicated via signage at the
entrance to the park, the emailed snow report and the ‘Change of Conditions’
notices on the Parks Victoria Mt Buffalo web page.
Snow chains can be hired from Porepunkah,
Bright, Ovens and Myrtleford.
13-seater vehicles and buses
Mt Buffalo Road is a Vic Roads 'Declared hazardous area' during the snow season and drivers of vehicles with 13 seats or more (including the driver) must hold a Hazardous Area Authority (HAA).
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.