The Horn Picnic Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)

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The Horn Picnic Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)

Located just below the striking granite peak of The Horn, the scenic picnic area is among the iconic granite boulders and twisted snowgums of Mount Buffalo. Step out on the edge of the scenic picnic area and taken in the views over the Great Dividing Range.

How to get there

The Horn Picnic Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)

The Horn Picnic Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)

Need to know

The Horn Picnic Area (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

Warnings

  • Terrain hazards
    • Uneven ground

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.

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.

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:
- Buckland River valley (DEECA managed camping areas in the state forest) link
- 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.



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. These areas will remain open to visitors during operations.
 
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

For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

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