Explore
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)
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.
Aerial shooting operations targeting deer (partial Park closures)
The following Parks will have some areas closed while aerial
shooting operations are undertaken. Popular visitor sites,
walking trails and campgrounds are generally excluded from treatment areas and will remain open to visitors. More information and maps with details on access restrictions be posted here in the coming weeks. Please check the Change of Conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information.
11-15 Nov 2024
· Alpine National Park (Eastern
Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
· Snowy River National Park (north)
18-22 Nov 2024
· Alpine National Park (Bogong
High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains, Howitt,
Wellington & Snowy Plains)
9-13 Dec
· Snowy River National Park (south)
· Croajingolong National Park
· Cape Conran Coastal Park
3-7 Feb 2025
· Alpine National Park (Bogong
High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)
· Mt Buffalo National Park
· Mt Mittamatite Regional Park
· Wabba Wilderness Park
· Burrowa-Pine Mountain National
Park
10-14 Feb 2024
· Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
· Snowy River National Park (north)
3-7 Mar 2025
· Alpine National Park (Bogong
High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains, Howitt,
Wellington & Snowy Plains)
For more information on Parks Victoria's deer control program visit this link.
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, 1st November 2024 prior to the Melbourne Cup day weekend.
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.
Lake Catani Precinct Closed due to arborist works
The Lake
Catani precinct will be closed on the 21st & 22nd of
October due to arborist works in the Lake Catani Campground and Lakeside picnic
area. Tree felling, loud noises, chainsaw works, and chipping will be occurring
during this time. Please do not enter.
Lake Catani Precinct Closed due to arborist works
The Lake
Catani precinct will be closed on the 21st & 22nd of
October due to arborist works in the Lake Catani Campground and Lakeside picnic
area. Tree felling, loud noises, chainsaw works, and chipping will be occurring
during this time. Please do not enter.
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.
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.
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.