Explore
Mount Buffalo National Park
Get closer to nature at this spectacular 'island in the sky', home to plants found nowhere else on Earth. Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat. Hike through stunted Snow Gum forests, toboggan in Cresta Valley, camp at Lake Catani - and admire the view from the Horn. There's something to do in every season.
Camp in the company of wombats on the shores of Lake Catani, an idyllic spot high in the Alps that's perfect for a swim.
Follow the Lakeside Walk through twisted Snow Gum forests and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Check out the view from The Horn, the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park at 1,723m. Watch Australian Kestrels dive on Bogong Moths at sunset.
Mount Buffalo is home to charismatic Australian wildlife and 550 species of native plants, including plants found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Buffalo Sallee tree.
Lake Catani Campground
Discover magnificent waterfalls and remote alpine landscapes while camping within beautiful Snow Gum woodlands beside Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park.
Dingo Dell
Dingo Dell in winter is the ideal location for tobogganing, snow play and snowshoeing. In summer it is possible to walk up the old ski slopes to the top of the ridge for views across the plateau.
Cresta Valley
Cresta Valley is a perfect all-seasons playground. In winter grab your trusty snow gear and enjoy family-friendly tobogganing and snow play or head out the marked cross-country ski trails or snowshoe walks. When the snow melts, the grassy plains burst into bloom and make for some scenic and invigorating walks.
Remote hike-in camping
There are two remote hike-in camping areas in Mount Buffalo National Park. Mount McLeod Camping Area is accessible along the Mt McLeod track, 8km from the Reservoir Picnic area.<br />Rocky Creek Camping Area is accessible along the Rocky Creek track, 6.5 km from the Reservoir Picnic Area.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Mount Buffalo National Park
Understand the risks associated with back country skiing and snowboarding. Beware of unstable and deep snow, steep icy slopes, cornice formation, avalanches and extreme weather.
Snow chains must be carried on all days as indicated by the signage at the Entrance Station. This applies to all classes of vehicles, including four-wheel drives. They must be fitted when and at the location indicated by road signage. Failure to do so endangers you and your family. Penalties apply.
Take note of all warning signs, they are there for your safety.
When you're there
When to go
From December to March grassy plains on the plateau are decorated with a diverse array of wildflowers, and animals return to the plateau after spending winter in the lower foothills.
Need to know
Mount Buffalo National Park
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.
The Gorge Day Visitor Area was assessed for accessibility in March 2021, providing information about the accessibility of the viewing area, paths, toilets and parking, and photos.
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.
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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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
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.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. -
Lake Catani Campground (Mount Buffalo National Park)
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:- 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. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Ground control operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023.Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)Buchan Caves ReserveBurrowa-Pine MountainCape Conran Coastal ParkCape Liptrap Coastal ParkCabbage Tree Creek Flora ReserveErrinundra National ParkLake Tyers State ParkLakes National ParkBaw Baw National ParkMount Buffalo National ParkMount Mittamatite Regional ParkMount Mitta Mitta Flora ReserveMount Lawson State ParkMount Granya State ParkMountain Creek Education AreaPheasant Creek Flora ReserveWabba Wilderness ParkWilsons Promontory National Park
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
Mount Buffalo roofed accommodation
Parks Victoria is building brand new roofed accommodation at Mount Buffalo National Park. The aim is to create comfortable and sustainable accommodation that caters to visitors of diverse backgrounds and abilities. By providing diverse accommodation options at Mount Buffalo, we’re giving more people the chance to enjoy the park and extending the economic benefits to local economies all year around.
Mount Buffalo and surrounds activation
We are continuing to invest in a range of infrastructure improvements to strengthen Mount Buffalo National Park and the surrounding area as a key tourism drawcard, proving a year-round attraction for north eastern Victoria.