The Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit is a captivating 17.8-kilometre loop nestled in the heart of Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria. Offering a moderate challenge with a grade 3 rating, this hike typically takes around seven hours to complete. It weaves through the diverse landscapes of the Buffalo Plateau, crossing both Five Acre and Mollison Plains, and provides a wonderful mix of natural beauty and rewarding views.
The journey begins at the Reservoir Day Visitor Area, where you’ll retrace the road back towards the start of Mount McLeod Track. From there, you’ll follow this track for roughly 300 metres before turning left onto a signposted path. Heading generally westward, the track takes you toward Five Acre Plains, with opportunities for scenic side trips to Og Gog Magog and Eagle Point. Both spots offer remarkable views of the surrounding peaks and the sweeping Buffalo Plateau, giving hikers a moment to pause and take in the expansive vistas.
As you continue, the track crosses Mollison Plain before reaching the circuit’s most westerly point. Here, you’ll be greeted by the rocky outcrop of Mollison's Galleries, where panoramic views open up into the Buffalo River Valley below. The rugged terrain and dramatic scenery at this spot offer a real sense of place in the wild heart of the park.
After soaking in the views, retrace your steps for about 500 metres to a trail junction. The next section presents a more challenging passage, as you follow a faint trail that winds its way down the escarpment to the valley below. This part of the hike can be tricky; the trail markings are sparse, so it’s easy to lose your way if you’re not paying attention. Caution is required here, as the path is not always clear.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Rocky Creek 4WD track. Turn left and follow the trail eastward as it takes you across Wild Dog Plains and Devils Couch, bringing you back towards the Reservoir. This final stretch ties the whole hike together, guiding you through more open landscapes and offering a gentle descent to the finish.
The Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit is a rewarding hike for those who appreciate the varied beauty of alpine environments and are prepared for some navigation challenges along the way. The diverse terrain, from snow gums and alpine ash forests to rocky outcrops and grassy plains, provides a rich and immersive experience for anyone seeking both a physical challenge and a connection to nature.
Total distance: 17766 m
Max elevation: 1468 m
Min elevation: 1145 m
Total climbing: 735 m
Total descent: -748 m
Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details.
Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Closest towns to this walk: Beechworth, Bright, Eurobin, Harrietville, Myrtleford, Ovens, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wandiligong, Wangaratta
Getting to the trailhead in Mount Buffalo National Park.
To reach the trailhead, drive towards Bright via the Hume Highway, passing through Wangaratta and Myrtleford. When you approach Porepunkah, take the turnoff to Mount Buffalo and continue driving up to the Buffalo Plateau. Keep going past the turnoff to the chalet and continue until you see the Parks Office on your right. The gravel road leading to the reservoir is located about 500 metres beyond the Parks Office. If you reach the VicRoads depot, you’ve gone too far. The gravel road is accessible for 2WD vehicles, but it’s important to drive cautiously and at a slow pace. Once you’ve reached the end of the road, park near the reservoir to begin your hike.
Tucked into Victoria’s High Country, Mount Buffalo National Park is a place of striking contrasts and quiet beauty. Granite cliffs rise from the landscape, softened by forests of snow gum and alpine ash. Waterfalls tumble into fern-lined creeks, while the crisp mountain air carries the scent of eucalyptus. This land holds deep cultural significance for the Taungurung Traditional Owners, whose connection to Country continues today.
More than 90 kilometres of marked walking tracks wind through this diverse terrain, offering everything from short strolls to longer, more remote hikes. You’ll pass through mossy gullies, open plateaus, and wildflower-filled meadows. It’s essential to stay on designated trails and carry a physical map, as phone signal can be unreliable and the alpine environment is sensitive to disturbance.
There are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy, whether you're after wide-open views or quiet, shaded corners. The Gorge Day Visitor Area and The Horn provide sweeping lookouts, while Eurobin Creek and Rollasons Falls offer easy access to gentle waterfalls. Grossmans Mill and the Oval are more secluded, and the Lakeside Day Visitor Area near Lake Catani is perfect for warm days, with picnic tables, toilets, shelters, barbecues, and space to swim or paddle a canoe.
Camping allows for a deeper connection to the landscape. Lake Catani Campground, open November to April, includes hot showers and toilets. In winter, campers can access it on foot or skis, with basic facilities available. For a quieter, more rugged experience, Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod campgrounds offer remote camping with minimal amenities—bookings are required and can be made online or by calling Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
Since its establishment in 1898, this 31,000-hectare park has protected unique subalpine ecosystems. Signs of past bushfires are still visible, but regrowth is underway, with vibrant new life emerging. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for lyrebirds, wombats, and wallabies, especially near the road at dawn and dusk. Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, Mount Buffalo has a way of leaving a lasting impression on those who take the time to explore its quiet trails.
Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Buffalo National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Favourite
Mount Buffalo National Park
Favourite
Mount Buffalo National Park
Favourite
Mount Buffalo National Park
Favourite
Mount Buffalo National Park
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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.
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.
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
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.
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_24.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_45.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_46.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_53.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_40.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_35.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_31.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_21.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_30.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
/Mollison-Galleries-Rocky-Creek-Circuit-Hike_27.jpg "Mollison Galleries Rocky Creek Circuit Hike (17.8km)")
