An all-seasons park, Mount Buffalo has sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers. First reserved in 1898, the 31,000 hectare park contains vegetation and fauna adapted to extremes of weather, as a result of its sub-alpine location.
Visit Mount Buffalo

As you drive and walk throughout the park, you will see evidence of the recent fires, but you will also see the vivid colours as species begin to regenerate. There is plenty of wildlife to see including Lyrebirds, Eastern Rosellas, Wombats and Swamp Wallabies. Many animals can be seen along the main tourist road so please drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk.

When you're here please don't hesitate to call into the Park Office Visitor Centre, 300m from the Chalet turn off, for park information, maps and publications, track conditions or just a friendly hello!

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in Mount Buffalo National Park.

Things to Do

  • Explore the network of walking tracks that lead to delightful waterfalls, great lookouts and amazing granite formations.
  • Take in the fantastic views of the Australian Alps from a number of spectacular lookouts throughout the park.
  • Camp at Lake Catani and enjoy swimming or canoeing.
  • The adventurous can try hang gliding or rock climbing. Mount Buffalo is a top Australian venue for both. Parks Victoria has installed a Rockclimbing/Abseiling Intentions Book at the information shelter in the Gorge carpark (which is found in front of the Mount Buffalo Chalet).
  • Discover summer wildflowers, unique alpine flora and a range of fauna, including wombats, wallabies, echidnas, lyrebirds and flame robins.

Winter at Buffalo

During winter, snow blankets the plateau and Mount Buffalo National Park becomes a stunning winter wonderland. The park offers safe and accessible cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow play areas set amidst the spectacular granite landscape of Mount Buffalo plateau.

Toboggan runs are available over winter at both Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley depending on the altitude of snowfalls.

For skiers, there are 14 km of groomed marked cross-country trails at Cresta Valley which cater for all skill levels. There is a further 20 km of remote, unmarked trails, and almost unlimited off-track backcountry ski touring.

Walk or ski-in winter camping is available at Lake Catani campground or remote camping at Mount McLeod and Rocky Valley camping ground. Bookings are essential.

There is also winter camping behind the stone hut at the Lake Catani Camping ground and a pit toilet - there are no fees but please let the rangers know that you are camping there (The entry gate is closed - park at off road car park and walk or ski in).

Snow reports are available from www.ski.com.au or www.vicsnowreport.com.au.

Summer at Buffalo

With the onset of the warmer months, Mount Buffalo comes to life as the wildflowers begin to bloom and animals return to the plateau after spending the cold winter in the lower foothills. A range of activities such as bush walking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, sight seeing and bike riding are available to visitors. Rock climbing, abseiling and hang gliding challenge the more adventurous.

During summer, take advantage of the extensive program of activities held throughout the park. They're fun, free and informative programs that are suitable for the whole family. Take part in activities such as ranger-guided walks, camp fire nights, Indigenous story time, puppet shows or help the kids become a 'Junior Ranger'.