Mount Buffalo National Park

Rising like a granite fortress above the Victorian High Country, Mount Buffalo National Park is a landscape of dramatic cliffs, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. This is a place where you can stand on the edge of the world, with the vast Hume Valley stretching below. The park’s unique granite tors and snow gums create a surreal, ancient feel – it’s no wonder this was one of Australia’s first national parks. Whether you’re hiking through wildflower-strewn plains in summer or cross-country skiing in winter, Mount Buffalo delivers a raw, unforgettable alpine experience.

Highlights & What to See

• The Horn: The park’s highest peak (1723 m) offers a challenging but rewarding 3.5 km return walk with 360-degree views over the surrounding national parks and the Murray River.
• Mount Buffalo Gorge & The Chalet: Explore the dramatic gorge with its sheer granite walls and spot the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet, a grand 1910s guesthouse that now serves as a visitor centre and café.
• Eurobin Falls & Rollasons Falls: Two stunning waterfalls accessible by short walks – perfect for a cool dip in summer or a misty photo op after rain.
• Lake Catani: A serene glacial lake ideal for a picnic, paddle, or gentle stroll. In summer, it’s a popular spot for swimming and trout fishing.
• Granite Tors & Snow Gum Forests: The park’s signature rock formations and gnarled snow gums create a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least a full day to do justice to Mount Buffalo – you’ll want time for a summit hike, a waterfall walk, and a lakeside picnic. For a more relaxed pace, an overnight stay (camping or at the Chalet) allows you to catch sunrise over The Horn and explore the lesser-known trails. If you’re combining with other High Country destinations, a day trip from Bright or Myrtleford is feasible but feels rushed. The park is also a fantastic stop on a self-drive loop through Victoria’s alpine region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bright: A charming alpine village 30 minutes away, famous for its autumn colours, craft breweries, and access to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
• Beechworth: A historic gold-rush town with beautifully preserved buildings, a renowned bakery, and the Beechworth Honey Experience.
• Mount Beauty & Falls Creek: Gateway to Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong, and a hub for winter skiing and summer mountain biking.
• Wodonga & Albury: Twin cities on the Murray River, offering river cruises, wineries, and the excellent Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA).
• Wangaratta: A regional centre with a vibrant arts scene, the Milawa Gourmet Region (cheese, wine, olives), and the Warby-Ovens National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.