Mount Buffalo Wilhelmina Spur Hike (12km)

The Mount Buffalo Wilhelmina Spur hike follows a large portion of the Big Walk which is perhaps one of the most interesting, diverse and naturally beautiful yet accessible full day walks in the North East.

Start from the trail head at the north end of the Seven Mile 4WD Track where it Meets the Eurobin Creek Track. Continue along this track for 700 metres as it gradually ascends to meet the main road at Eurobin Point, elevation 680 metres.

Continue up the main road for 100 metres and cross over back onto the track. Follow this gentle spur, as it ascends west towards the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. Now at 810 metres and back on the main road it's only 400 metres right down the road to Rollasons Falls Picnic Area which has a toilet, fireplaces and picnic tables. From the picnic area down to Rollasons Falls, the return walk is another 4 kilometres or 1.5 hours. This is an interesting side trip if time permits. If not visiting Rollasons Falls, cross over the road to pick up the trail on the opposite side.

The trail now passes through an open montane forest of majestic Candlebark Gums and a Bracken Fern understorey. Look out for the shy Swamp Wallaby and listen to the abundant birdlife here, especially Grey Fantails and Thornbills. Cross the main road again, continuing past an old gravel pit reaching the road once more, turn left then 100 metres up to Mackeys Lookout. At 920 metres elevation there is a clear view of the Australian Alps. The forest has given way to granite slabs which form Mount Buffalo. Beyond here take care on the track. It is wet and slippery. This section was part of the original track up Mount Buffalo called the 'Zig Zag'. Follow the orange arrow track markers and take care not to cut corners.

Take a short 100 metre side trip to Marriott's Lookout for amazing views into the Gorge past Queen Victoria Pinnacle. Back on the track and again the bush soon changes. At 1150 metres, and near the snowline, Alpine Ash, often called 'Woollybutt', is common with a shrubby understorey of peas and grevilleas.

Continue along the trail to Manfields Junction, the highest part of the trail 1350 metres. From here consider a side trip to Manfields Lookout or Reeds Lookout, both about 500 metres. From Reeds continue on a loop returning further along back onto The Big Walk. There are two options from here to the finish. Turn right and follow the Gorge Heritage Walk looping back onto the main track or proceed straight on, either way is a similar distance. Wilkinson's Lookout is 300 metres to the left with breathtaking views from the 330 metres North Wall. Along the main track Pulpit Rock also has fine views of the sheer walls with climbers often clinging to them. Crystal Brook has carved out the Gorge over 360 million years. Proceed over the bridge turning left and continue past The Oval Picnic Area. The Heritage Walk plaques will bring to life the pioneering days of the area as seen through the eyes of Guide Alice. Gorge View Lookout provides a different vantage point into the depths far below.

Continue along the trail to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. There are toilets, picnic tables and a shelter nearby. At present the Chalet is closed. Around the day visitor area are several lookouts, such as Bents Lookout and Echo Point all with spectacular views of the valley below and the Australian Alps beyond. Other walking tracks head off from the lower carpark to the Underground River, the Monolith ad Lake Catani with the campground there.