The Chalwell Galleries are a granite outcrop with magnificent views of the Buckland valley and out towards Mount 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.
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.
Total distance: 6012 m
Max elevation: 1390 m
Min elevation: 1277 m
Total climbing: 226 m
Total descent: -229 m
Download file:
Chalwell Galleries.gpx
- 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.
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Drive towards Bright via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Take the turn off to Mount 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.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park
