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Remote hike-in camping
Mount McLeod and Rocky Creek Camping Areas offer a great introduction to overnight camping in Mount Buffalo National Park.
The two camping areas, accessed on foot from the Reservoir Picnic Area, offer a great opportunity to escape into the alpine surrounds of Mount Buffalo National Park.
Open year round but often under snow during winter, both campgrounds are best visited from November through April, when longer days bring more favourable weather. Also, between Queen's Birthday and Melbourne Cup long-weekends, the walk into the both campsites is 3km longer and begins at Mount Buffalo Road, as Reservoir Road is seasonally closed. Campers need to be well prepared for Alpine areas and prepared for a long walk and ski. Advance booking and payment are required year round.
Mount McLeod Hike-in Camping Area
This camping area is accessible along Mt McLeod track — approximately 8km from the Reservoir Picnic area.
The campground offers five unpowered campsites and a pit toilet. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of two people (children are charged as adults). Fires are prohibited, use fuel stoves only.
Water is seasonally available from where the road crosses a creek, approximately 100m southwest of the campsite. Hikers are advised to treat before consumption otherwise carry sufficient water supplies for the duration of their stay.
Rocky Creek Hike-in Camping Area
This camping area is accessible along Rocky Creek track — approximately 6.5 km from the Reservoir Picnic Area.
The campground offers five unpowered campsites and a pit toilet. Each campsite accommodates a maximum of two people (children are charged as adults). Fires are prohibited, use fuel stoves only.
Water is available from the nearby creek. Hikers are advised to treat before consumption.
Things To Do
Walking
Hiking and bushwalking
Stargazing
How to get there
Remote hike-in camping
Access both campgrounds is from the trailhead at the end of Reservoir Road. From there follow the sign posts along management vehicle only tracks to Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod camping areas.
Head along Mount Buffalo road towards the Horn and Reservoir road is the first right after the Park Ranger's office. Reservoir Road is unsealed and depending on the conditions may not be suitable for some 2WDs with low clearance.
Sites
When you're there
Need to know
Remote hike-in camping
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.
Be prepared and stay safe
Mount Buffalo National Park is in the North East fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.
Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
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
Reservoir Road closed
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.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.Mt Buffalo Road - uphill lane closure December 3rd 7.30-10.30am
30th anniversary of the Tour of BrightThe third stage of the Tour of Bright cycling event is held at Mt Buffalo National Park on Sunday, December 3. The Mt Buffalo Road uphill lane will be closed from the park entrance station to Dingo Dell from 7.30am to 10.30am. Visitors staying at Lake Catani Campground will be able to leave the plateau on Sunday morning as the downhill lane is not impacted by the event. Travel from the campground to The Horn and Cresta Valley between 7.30-10.30am will not be possible. Please plan your day accordingly.For more information on the event visit www.tourofbright.com.au
We apologise for any inconvenience.The Gorge Coffee Van opening days and hours
The Gorge Coffee Van opening days and hours of operationThe Coffee Van is located at the lower end of The Gorge carpark. The Gorge is a great location to start one of the many walks in the Mt Buffalo National Park or to have a picnic.The coffee van will only be open weekends until the Saturday, 16th December. With the exception of the following weekends, 2-3 December and 9-10 December, when the coffee van will be closed.
The coffee van will be open every day from Saturday, 16th December to Monday, 29th January. The coffee van will be closed on Christmas Day.
The Gorge Coffee Van opening hours are 10am until 4pm. -
Mount Buffalo National Park
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – December 2023
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.11-15 December 202318-20 December 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Mt Buffalo aerial operations Information sign (275KB)
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Lake Catani Campground (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Lake Catani Campground campfire pits only (no bbq plates or billy hooks)
The campfire pits at Lake Catani Campground are currently being reconstructed. The old concrete slabs and swinging bbq plates and billy holding arms have been removed to be replaced with prefabricated campfire places using larger concrete pads and metal surrounds. Currently the campfire places consist only of dirt bases and rock surrounds. If you would like to cook on an open fire you will need to bring your own self-standing bbq plate and a tripod for a billy or pot. Free gas bbqs and picnic tables are available at the Lakeside Picnic Area. This area is a short walk from the campground.We apologise for any inconvenience and are working towards getting the new fireplaces in-situ as soon as possible. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
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.
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
