Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1497m
Min elevation: 1113m
Total Ascent: 1581m
2,194 Total views
Hike overview
The Buffalo Plateau Circuit commences at Echo Point car park; the main day visitors area which provides vehicle access to The Gorge and the Mount Buffalo Chalet. At Echo Point there are numerous view points to explore before continuing. Don't miss the view from Bents Lookout of the sheer 300 metre cliffs of the North Wall of the Gorge and the Victorian Alps beyond.
Day 1 (19.4km): Locate the Monolith Walking Trail (also known as the Lake Catani Trail) in the south west corner of the car park. After a short distance you will reach a junction. Keep right and follow the signs to The Monolith. After approximately 1km keep right at the junction then left towards the Monolith; a giant balancing rock that towers above Lake Catani. A ladder once allowed you to climb it but has been removed for safety reasons. After appreciating the view retrace your steps to the main trail and turn left, following the trail through the forest towards the Mount Buffalo Road.
When you reach the road, near the park office, turn left and walk for approximately 800m along the road verge to past the Lakeside Track to The Long Plain Track. Head west along the Long Plain Track, following Eurobin Creek ntil you reach a trail junction.
Turn right at junction and follow the Long Plain Walking Track as it turns north towards Mount Dunn. The climb to the summit starts off gradually as the trail winds its way around the base of the mount before reaching a saddle just before the steeper section of the ascent. The final stages will require climbing newly secured ladders to the rocky summit for awe inspiring views of the surrounding plateau.
Retrace your steps back down the eastern side of Mount Dunn then turn left and follow the Long Plain Walking Track to the Reservoir Day Visitor Area. Follow the road to the north east past the car park to the start of Mount McLeod Track. Follow this track for approximately 300m before turning left at a signposted track. Heading generally west towards Five Acre Plains you will take in a few side trips to Og Gog Magog and Eagle Point. Both offering rewarding views of nearby peaks and the Buffalo Plateau.
After leaving Eagle Peaks you will cross the Mollison Plain before reaching the most westerly point on this circuit. The track ends at the rocky outcrop of Mollison's Galleries providing views into the Buffalo River Valley below.
From the Galleries, retrace your steps for approximately 500m to a trail junction. The following section follows a barely visible trail as it winds its way down the escarpment to the valley below. Be careful in this section as there are limited markings and you can easily lose the trail.
On reaching the Rocky Creek 4WD track you turn right and walk to the small and remote Rocky Creek Campsite. This campground offers unpowered sites only. Fires are prohibited and it is recommended to bring a fuel stove. The campground has a capacity of two people per site and a maximum capacity of 10 people. Advanced bookings and payment are required. You can book online or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.
Day 2 (14.4km): The following day. follow Rocky Creek Track east, following the gradual ascent towards Wild Dog Plains. After approximately 3km look out for a trail on your right that leads to Macs Point. Continue south west across a few small snow grass plains to Macs Point and stunning views over the Great Dividing Range.
Retrace your steps to the trail junction. Turn right and follow the trail as it traverses Split Rocks, the Giants Causeway (with its spectacular rock formations), Stanley and Drillhole Rocks. Both of these make an interesting short side trip if you enjoy rock scrambling. After exploring this area follow the trail south east, turning right onto the signposted Mount Dunn Trail. (There are a few trails that lead to Mount Dunn so be sure to take the one after Drillhole Rocks). Follow this trail as it descends onto The Long Plain below. Keep right at the trail junction (that leads to Mount Dunn) and head east back along The Long Plain until you reach the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. Turn left at this point and walk a short distance past Lake Catani. Turn right onto the Lakeside Walk and continue along this trail as it follows the northern banks of Lake Catani to a footbridge below the dam wall at the far end.
Cross the bridge, turn left on to the View Point Nature Walk, the path that leads to the Underground River. After a short distance the trail begins to drop steeply into Haunted Gorge before crossing the river. As you are crossing the river, keep an eye out between the rocks and make sure you take a peek at the water rushing underneath you. This the entrance point to the Underground River. Do not attempt to enter the river caves as this is a place for experienced cavers only. Continue to head north as you climb out of the gorge then follow the trail through the forest to Billisons Lookout for more amazing views.
After leaving the lookout, continue north for approximately 300m back to the trail head at Echo Point car park.
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.
Tips
The section between Mollison Galleries and Rocky Creek may be overgrown as it is not often used. Expect dense scrub and blackberries as you attempt to follow this trail.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1497 m
Min elevation: 1113 m
Total climbing: 1581 m
Total descent: -1583 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Beechworth
How to get to Mount Buffalo National ParkDrive towards Bright via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Take the turn off to Mount Buffalo near Porepunkah. Drive up to the Buffalo plateau, turning left onto the road to the chalet and drive until you reach the Echo Point carpark on your left.
Photo gallery
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About the region
An all-seasons national park, Mount Buffalo has sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers. First reserved in 1898, the 31,000 hectare park contains vegetation and fauna adapted to extremes of weather, as a result of its sub-alpine location. As you drive and walk throughout the park, you will see evidence of the recent fires, but you will also see the vivid colours as species begin to regenerate. There is plenty of wildlife to see including Lyrebirds, Eastern Rosellas, Wombats and Swamp Wallabies. Many animals can be seen along the main tourist road so please drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Buffalo National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Buffalo Plateau Circuit Hike (33.8km)”
Mark East
Anyone know if there’s tank water available at the overnight spot, or any creeks etc along the way to fill up?
Hi, just wondering if anyone can say how well signposted or how clear the walking trails are? I’ve read on some blog entries that some sections were overgrown but that was 12 months old, has anyone been along here recently and can advise on the trail condition? Thanks.
Elle Meier Jane Spence
Jayden Maresch ›ºï¸
Simone Ewenson
Karl Bryann Te
Jill Beston we can do this when we go to vic.
Jenn Aedo
Daniel Harland?!?
Barry Stone
Oskar Kimball
James Merrett
Em Cee ?
Nick Brown?
Benita Trevaskis
Elise, we can do this in one day!
Where is a good place to leave your car?
Any idea what accessibility to this hike is like at this time of year?