Chalwell Galleries is a 6km, grade 3 Circuit hike located in Mount Buffalo Victoria. The hike should take approximately 2.5hrs to complete.

Summary

The Chalwell Galleries are a granite outcrop with magnificent views of the Buckland valley and out towards Mt Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria as well as the NSW Alps. The galleries are named after Ernie Chalwell, the stable master at the Buffalo Chalet in the 1940s and 1950s.

A short fun trip, this trail begins at the Lake Catani Campground. The track passes through the galleries which are a jumble of large granite rocks and boulders forming impressive passages. This is where your scrambling skills are put to the test, as you navigate your way through some tight squeezes and narrow fissures between two large boulders and other impressive rock formations. This steep section is a little challenging, (more suitable for kids older than 8) but you will feel like superstars after making it to the other side where the view of the Buckland Valley is a special surprise at the end.

About the region

The Mount Buffalo National Park is a national park located in the alpine region of Victoria, Australia. The 31,000-hectare (77,000-acre) national park is located approximately 350 kilometres (220 mi) northeast of Melbourne in the Australian Alps. Within the national park is Mount Buffalo, a moderately tall mountain plateau, with an elevation of 1,723 metres (5,653 ft) above sea level. Mount Buffalo is a moderately tall mountain plateau on the west side of the Victorian Alpine region. The top of the mountain has striking granite boulders and rock formations. From the north, the mountain is quite remarkable, with the highest accessible point being a prominent peak called The Horn. A walking track leads to The Horn and visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view from the summit.

Camping

Rocky Creek Campground is open during winter but the walk into the campsites is longer because the Reservoir Road closes. Therefore, campers need to be well prepared for Alpine areas and prepared for a long walk/ski.Water is available from the nearby creek.This campground offers unpowered sites and a pit toilet. Fires are prohibited (fuel stoves only). The campground has a capacity of two people per site and a maximum capacity of 10 people (children are charged as adults).

Advanced bookings and payment are required. You can book online or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Getting there

Drive towards Bright via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Take the turn off to Mt Buffalo near Porepunkah. Drive up to the Buffalo plateau, continue past the road to the chalet and drive until you see the Parks Office on your right. Follow the signs off the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road (C535) to Lake Catani Campground and the Lakeside Day Visitor Area. Lake Catani Campground is open from the beginning of November until the end of April.

Tips

• Great fun for the whole family.
• Some tricky sections but with encouragement and enthusiasm the whole family will make it through.
• Once through the galleries the track is an easy descent to the car park.