Mount Buffalo Visitor Information

FUEL REDUCTION BURNING There is lots of fuel reduction burning in the ranges around Bright so expect smoke haze at the lookouts.

FERAL ANIMAL REDUCTION Restricted access to parts of

Mt Buffalo National Park - April and May

Parks Victoria will be undertaking an aerial shooting program,

targeting deer, in parts of Mt Buffalo National Park (map avail PV Website)from 24th May to 28th May.

The aerial shooting area will be closed to all visitors and vehicles

during this time to ensure your safety

Mount Buffalo is an easily accessible and mostly sheltered alpine location in nearly all weathers. Travel to the plateau and its key visitor locations is a far shorter distance from Bright and an easier drive than with travel to other local Alpine areas. We have amazing scenery and views, also adventures such as rock-climbing, high-lining, abseiling, canyoning, hiking and more.

Note that now that the weather is getting colder you should bring warm clothes, a beanie and gloves as it can be 5 to 10 degrees colder at Mount Buffalo than in the valleys below

Drive to the conditions and take care on the roads. Note that there will often be lots of bikes using the road and that walking tracks cross the roads in places. Take your time and enjoy the views.

NOTE that the reservoir road is currently closed to traffic while being repaired

Normally open weekends (10 am to 3pm) early May

Closed

There is a toilet block at Cresta Valley. Hiking trails to South Buffalo, Back Wall and Dixon's Falls start from this location.

This hiking hub has good parking and a toilet block. Their are hiking tracks that take you either to the Sentinel, Castle etc or the top of the Hump (past the Cathedral). Both with amazing views

GORGE PRECINCT

Make sure that you visit the amazing Mount Buffalo gorge with its historical Chalet and world class views. There are easy walks along the gorge rim plus spectacular views from the lookouts on the Gorge Heritage Walk, which is a "must do" trail to experience. There is a historical stone wet weather shelter hut located next to the carpark and a toilet block.

GORGE PRECINCT LOOKOUTS

Make sure you check out the all abilities lookout with its glass floor (wheelchair access). Also Bents lookout, the Echo Point Lookout and the Hang-glider launch lookout. Other gorge lookouts can be found when hiking the amazing gorge heritage walk which starts near Bents Lookout.

MOUNT BUFFALO CHALET

While visiting the gorge precinct, ensure that you walk up and view the recently restored Mount Buffalo Chalet with its Interpretative signs telling of the history of the Chalet (The Chalet interior is not currently open to visitors)

Check out the Mount Buffalo snow Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/

(Note that Cresta Valley has poor internet and mobile signal so sometimes these cameras will not always show an up to date photo (In particular in cloudy weather)

Pet dogs and Cats are not allowed to be brought into the National Park (even if staying in cars)

Parks Victoria requires permits for all drone filming and photography regardless of intent or purpose. All drone operators regardless of weight must also be a fully licensed pilot or a CASA certified operator. To apply for a permit an application to Parks Victoria must be given 20 business days prior. The cost for making a permit application for using a drone in a Victorian park is $199.80. - to apply for a permit see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/.../rpas-and-drones-filming...

When driving watch out for bikes on the road as the Buffalo road is a favorite hill climb for road bike riders.

Mount Buffalo is a great bike rider destination but ensure that you can be seen easily on our narrow road with its numerous blind corners. It is recommended that bike riders have flashing tail and headlights so that motor vehicles can observe you from further away, rather than at the last minute.

Bright clothes can also improve rider visibility.

We recommend all motor vehicles drive with headlights on low to increase vehicle visibility, in particular during snow, frosts wet, foggy or cloudy weather. Be patient with slow drivers or bike riders and only pass when safe (avoiding passing on corners). If driving slowly to enjoy the views, use the many pull over areas on the Buffalo road to let other drivers pass safely.

Watch for frosty or wet conditions on the roads as we move into spring. This Alpine Shire video is worth watching regarding safe driving on Alpine roads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmi-UHjWco&t=5s

There is free entry to Mount Buffalo National Park 365 days a year (including during the snow season)

CAMPING AT LAKE CATANI CAMPING GROUND

The lake Catani Camping ground is available for pre-booked camping from the Melbourne Cup long weekend in November through to the end of April- Bookings for the green season can be made at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/.../lake-catani-campground/

The public toilets at the lakeside BBQ shelter are closed over winter.

OUTSTATION CAMPING

There are two "hike in " outstation camp areas available all year out past the Reservoir. One at Mt McLeod and the second at Rocky Creek. Both of these camp sites have drop toilets. All camping must be booked. Go to the Parks Victoria Website to book camping at all these locations (Prior to arriving at Mount Buffalo if possible).

Note that the reservoir road is currently closed to vehicles while being repaired so plan for a longer hike

There are a number of licensed tour and activity operators offering a range of Green Season and Winter Adventures and tours at Mount Buffalo. Go to the Parks Victoria Website (Parkweb) for details.

When hiking on Mount Buffalo, ensure you advise someone where you are going and when you are expecting to get back so that the alarm can be raised in a timely manner in the event of an emergency (In particular on the longer isolated walks where you may be the only hikers). Take water, snacks and a map and compass, winter warm clothes,a wind proof jacket and a torch. Matches or a lighter for a signal fire and a light weight emergency blanket. but it is recommended that you consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) as phone coverage is poor or non existent away from facilities. (Mobile phones may work from high points,)

The Dingo Dell lookout is spectacular, just a short hike up to the top of the hill above the Dingo Dell Day shelter.

Other amazing lookout areas that are only a short hike include The Horn - The Hump and Cathedral - The Castle and Mount La Seouf - The Monolith - View Point - Wilkinson's Lookout - The lake lookout track has excellent views of the Lake and starts at the junction of the Buffalo and Reservoir roads

TRACKS AND TRAILS

All areas and walking tracks in the Park are currently open

WATERFALLS

Eurobin Falls, Rollason's Falls Dixon's Falls and The Crystal Brook Falls are all well worth a visit. Rollason's require a short hikes to view and to view Dixons Falls be prepared for a longer hike.

TOILETS

There are toilets at:-

-Park Entrance Picnic area

-Rollason's Falls picnic area

-Gorge precinct

-The Cathedral Saddle

-Dingo Dell Day Shelter (only when the Cafe is open)

- Cresta Valley.

- Lakeside picnic area

DRINKING WATER

There is no tested drinking water available at Mount Buffalo and water from all taps should be boiled or treated prior to drinking. It is recommended that you bring sufficient water for your needs. (Bottled water can be purchased at the Coffee Van)

BBQ LOCATIONS

There are wood fired BBQ areas at the Cricket Ground, and the Crossman's Mill picnic area (bring your own wood to all these locations)

You may also bring your own Gas BBQ and use this at Lake Catani, the Cathedral Car Parking area and Cresta Valley etc

There is a free gas fired BBQ at the lake side picnic area shelter (Lake Catani)

GORGE PRECINCT and CHALET MOBILE COVERAGE

Most phone providers have signal at the gorge precinct area and lookouts

CRESTA VALLEY MOBILE COVERAGE

There limited Telstra mobile signal at Cresta Valley - near the shelter and toilets.

DINGO DELL MOBILE COVERAGE

Only Telstra phones work at Dingo Dell

BACK COUNTRY MOBILE COVERAGE

Even country rated Telstra phones may have limited or no coverage in most back country areas so consider a PLB or similar emergency device when hiking.

Check out the Mount Buffalo snow Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/

(Note that Cresta Valley has poor internet and mobile signal so sometimes these cameras will not always show an up to date photo (In particular in cloudy weather)