Mount Buffalo Wilhelmina Spur Hike (12km)

The Mount Buffalo Wilhelmina Spur hike is a rewarding 12-kilometre journey through one of Victoria’s most intriguing and scenic alpine landscapes. Situated in Mount Buffalo National Park, this grade 3 trail offers a half-day outing—typically around four hours—for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, changing vegetation, and expansive views, all within a relatively accessible framework. While the route shares much of its path with the well-known Big Walk, its character and highlights make it a worthwhile hike in its own right.

The trail begins at the northern end of the Seven Mile 4WD Track, where it meets Eurobin Creek Track. From here, a gentle climb unfolds over 700 metres, bringing you to Eurobin Point at around 680 metres elevation. A short stint on the main road leads you back onto the walking trail as it weaves its way west along the Wilhelmina Spur, gradually gaining height through open forest. After crossing the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road once more, it's a brief 400-metre walk to the Rollasons Falls Picnic Area. This is a handy rest stop, equipped with toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables. If time allows, the 4-kilometre return side trip to Rollasons Falls adds about 1.5 hours and offers a different perspective of the park’s natural charm.

Continuing from the picnic area, the track winds through montane forest where tall Candlebark Gums rise above a bracken understorey. This section is alive with birdlife—listen for the cheerful calls of Grey Fantails and Thornbills—and you may even spot a Swamp Wallaby slipping through the undergrowth. The trail crosses the road a few more times before reaching Mackeys Lookout at 920 metres, where the views open up towards the distant peaks of the Australian Alps. Here, the environment begins to shift. Granite slabs start to dominate the landscape, marking the geological backbone of Mount Buffalo. This section can be quite slippery, especially in damp weather, so tread carefully and follow the orange arrow markers along the old ‘Zig Zag’ route once used to ascend the mountain.

A short detour—just 100 metres—takes you to Marriott’s Lookout, offering striking views across the Gorge and towards Queen Victoria Pinnacle. As the track climbs beyond this point, the forest again changes character. At around 1150 metres, Alpine Ash (also known as Woollybutt) begins to appear, with a shrubby understorey filled with native peas and grevilleas.

The trail continues on to Manfields Junction, the highest point of the hike at 1350 metres. From here, two optional lookouts—Manfields and Reeds—are just a few hundred metres away and provide sweeping views. The track then rejoins the Big Walk and offers two options for the final stretch. You can either take the Gorge Heritage Walk loop, which reconnects further along the main track, or continue directly onwards—both routes are roughly equal in distance.

Highlights in the final section include Wilkinson’s Lookout, just 300 metres off the main trail, where you can gaze across the staggering 330-metre North Wall. Keep an eye out for climbers navigating the vertical granite cliffs near Pulpit Rock. The landscape here has been shaped over 360 million years by Crystal Brook, carving out the vast Gorge that defines this part of the park. After crossing the bridge, the path leads past The Oval Picnic Area, where interpretive signs share stories from the area’s early European history, particularly through the lens of the legendary local guide, Alice.

The trail finishes at the Gorge Day Visitor Area, which has basic facilities including toilets, picnic tables, and a shelter. Though the historic Chalet is currently closed, the area still serves as a central hub for short walks and scenic viewpoints. Nearby lookouts such as Bents Lookout and Echo Point provide dramatic vistas over the valley below and towards the alpine ranges beyond. From the lower carpark, other trails fan out towards features like the Underground River, the Monolith, and Lake Catani, which also offers a campground for those wanting to linger a little longer in this remarkable place.