Declared Snow Season

Victoria's Official (declared) snow season commences on the King's Birthday Long Weekend in June and concludes on either the last weekend of September or the first weekend of October.

Snow Chains must be carried during the declared snow season in Victoria. Parks Victoria now requires Chains to be carried early in the season regardless of snow conditions. Please check the requirements before heading up the mountain in winter.


Fit Chains Signs

fit chain sign

Fit chain sign

The Chains Must Be Carried sign at the entrance to Mt Buffalo is ultimately the official word on whether chains need to be carried or not. When this sign is visible chains must be carried by all vehicles. When it is not visible, chains are not required for any vehicle.

All vehicles fit chains

All vehicles fit chains

*Chains must be fitted as per the signage on the road side and must remain on until signage is changed to "remove chains here" 

AWD and 4WD vehicles

The Mount Buffalo carriage of snow chain rules apply to all vehicles including 2WD, AWD and 4WD.

The fit chains signs may exempt 4 x 4 vehicle in some cases and this will be clearly stated on the signage. Where there is no exemption show on the signage ALL VEHICLES must fit chains

2WD only fit chains sign

2WD only fit chains sign

 

Remove Chains

There will be roadside signs indicating where chains may be removed as the road is deemed safe to drive on without chains fitted.

Chain end

Chain end

Chain Remove

Chain Remove

 

Chain Hire

Chains can be hired at any ski hire shop and services stations. Please make sure that you are shown how to fit them and can carry out the procedure as needed and also how to remove after using them. You can use your camera to film how to fit so you can look back when needed.

How to Fit Snow Chains - Mount Buffalo National Park

Winter Car Parking

During winter the following car parking areas are open or closed. Please beware of deep snow/ice patches in cleared and uncleared car parks.

Car Park AreaWinter Status
The Chalet/The Gorge Day Visitor AreaOpen
Dingo DellOpen
Cresta ValleyOpen
Park Office (Reservoir Road)Open
Various small car parks at walk trailheadsOpen (except The Horn)
Eurobin Falls/Ladies Bath FallsOpen
Rollasons FallsOpen
Lake Catani Campground Entry GateOpen (gate closed)
Lake Catani Day Visitor AreaClosed
The HornClosed