07/09/2026
MOUNT BUFFALO - SPRING VISITOR INFORMATION
Week 7th to 13th September
Mount Buffalo in Spring is "Wattles and Waterfalls"
VISITING MOUNT BUFFALO
Welcome to early Spring at Mount Buffalo, we still have cold nights and sometimes also cold days so rug up and enjoy the sightseeing, walks, waterfalls and views.
Mount Buffalo is an easily accessible and mostly sheltered sub alpine location in nearly all weathers. Travel to the plateau and its key visitor locations is an easy drive from Bright and Porepunkah.
SPRING SAFETY WHEN VISITING THE OUTDOORS
Be safe outdoors and plan your visits and hikes https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2022/01/06/04/43/top-tips-for-enjoying-a-safe-summer-hike
GORGE COFFEE VAN (CLOSED)
There is no gorge coffee van operating over spring
DINGO DELL DAY SHELTER AND CAFE (CLOSED)
Dingo Dell Day Shelter and Cafe is close. We suggest you bring your own food and be aware there is no heated shelter at Mount Buffalo when this facility is closed.
CRESTA VALLEY CAR PARK, HIKE TRAIL HUB
The Horn Road is closed to vehicle traffic at Cresta Valley over winter as it becomes a cross country ski trail. Cresta has a basic toilet block and a small day shelter room next to the car-park. Telstra Satellite text mostly works here, no reliable mobile coverage at the moment.
The amazing South Buffalo, Dixon's Falls and Back Wall hiking trails start here.
CATHEDRAL CAR PARK AND HIKING HUB
This hiking hub has parking and a toilet block. There are two walking tracks that take you either to the Sentinel and Castle or to the top of the Hump (past the Cathedral). Both tracks provide spectacular views.
GORGE PRECINCT
Make sure that you visit the amazing Mount Buffalo gorge with its historical heritage listed 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 gorge precinct car-park plus a toilet block (The gorge carpark is closed when snow covered so park upo next to the Chalet) .
GORGE PRECINCT LOOKOUTS
The all abilities lookout with its glass viewing floor (wheelchair access) is one of our newer visitor structures and its a facility with great views of the gorge. Bents lookout, the Echo Point lookout and the Hang-Glider launch lookout also provide gorge views. Other gorge vantage points can be found when hiking the gorge heritage walk which starts near Bents Lookout, including the crystal brook falls, pulpit rock and Wilkinson's lookouts .
MOUNT BUFFALO CHALET
While visiting the gorge precinct, ensure that you take the time to 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). The Chalet has been leased to Belgravia Outdoor Education for outdoor education school groups. Belgravia have plans for tourism accommodation in the future. https://belgravialeisure.com.au/mount-buffalo-chalet-a.../
MOUNT BUFFALO FRIENDS GROUP
There is a Mount Buffalo Friends Group that has been set up to work with Parks Victoria and the community to improve environmental, visitor services and other tasks at Mount Buffalo. You can check this out at our Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564917967528
To inquire or join, E Mail us at [email protected] or call David on 0419280714
STORM AND SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS
Severe weather and snow (Even in Spring) can occur in Alpine Environments. We recommend that you download the BOM and Vic Emergency App when visiting the alps, as conditions can change quickly. Check these apps each day prior to arriving and when traveling / camping in the bush
FORECAST WEATHER THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
Min -1 and max 4 Degrees. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a snow shower, most likely in the morning. Winds westerly 20 to 25 km/h turning southerly 30 to 45 km/h during the morning then increasing to 40 to 50 km/h during the evening.
THURSDAY
Min -4 and max 8 Degrees. Mostly sunny. Winds southerly 30 to 45 km/h tending southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning.
FRIDAY
Min 4 and max 8 Degrees. Mostly sunny
SATURDAY
Min 1 and Max 9 Degrees. Mostly sunny
SUNDAY
Min 3 and max 11 Degrees. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely later in the day. Winds northwesterly 30 to 45 km/h.
MONDAY
Min 0 and max 8 Degrees. Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower during the morning. Winds northwest to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending southeast to southwesterly.
TUESDAY
Min -2 and max 5 Degrees.
SNOW CAMERAS DINGO DELL AND CRESTA
Check out the Mount Buffalo snow Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/
DOGS and CATS AT MOUNT BUFFALO
Pet dogs and Cats are not allowed to be brought into the National Park (even if staying in cars)
FLYING DRONES
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...
BIKE SAFE ON THE MOUNT BUFFALO ROAD
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 both 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.
For road cycling safety - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF3uHJNum6c
DRIVE SAFE ON THE MOUNT BUFFALO ROAD
We recommend all motor vehicles drive with headlights on low to increase vehicle visibility, in particular during storms, 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.
This Alpine Shire video is worth watching regarding safe driving on Alpine roads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmi-UHjWco&t=5s
FREE ENTRY IN ALL SEASONS
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 Camping ground is now closed until the end of October.
LAKESIDE PICNIC SHELTER
The public toilets at the lakeside BBQ shelter are closed until the end of October
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 - The reservoir road gate is locked at the Buffalo Road until 15 September so hike or ride from the Buffalo road gate.
LICENSED ACTIVITY AND TOUR OPERATORS
There are a number of licensed tour and activity operators offering a range of Adventures and tours at Mount Buffalo. Go to the Parks Victoria Website for details.
HIKE SAFE
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.
It is strongly 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 some high points)
LOOKOUTS TO HIKE TO
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 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.
ROADS TRACKS AND TRAILS
The reservoir road and Horn Road are closed closed to vehicle traffic from the 11th June to 15 September
All walking tracks and trails 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 requires a moderately steep hike to view.
Crystal Brook falls can be viewed from the using the Gorge Heritage Walk track to access.
TOILETS
There are public toilets at:-
-Park Entrance Picnic area
-Rollason's Falls picnic area
-Gorge precinct
-The Cathedral Saddle
-Dingo Dell Day Shelter (only when the Dingo Dell Day Shelter is open over winter)
- Cresta Valley.
- Lakeside picnic area toilets are closed during early spring
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.
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 these at the Cathedral Car Parking area and Cresta Valley etc The public gas BBQ at the Lakeside Picnic Shelter are closed during winter and early spring.
GORGE PRECINCT and CHALET MOBILE COVERAGE
Most phone providers have signal at the gorge precinct area and lookouts
CRESTA VALLEY MOBILE COVERAGE
There is currently no consistent Telstra mobile signal at Cresta Valley - satellite text only.
DINGO DELL MOBILE COVERAGE
Telstra phones normally work at Dingo Dell when the cafe is open and the booster is working.
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.
MOUNT BUFFALO CAMERAS
For up to date photos of Mount Buffalo weather etc check out the Mount Buffalo Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/
