Trail Fast Facts
Mount Dunn and Drillhole Rocks is a 7km, grade 3 hike in Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Mount Dunn and Drillhole Rocks circuit explores a number of interesting rock formations, snow gum and mountain ash forests, alpine creeks and the rocky summit of Mount Dunn.
Commence the hike by following the Macs Point trail. After approximately 500m you will pass a signposted trail to Mount Dunn on your right. Ignore this trail unless you want to complete the circuit in an anti clockwise direction. Continue to follow the Macs Point trail past Drillhole Rocks and Stanley Rocks. Both of these make an interesting short side trip if you enjoy rock scrambling.
Continue past Stanley rocks and after 200m you will see yet another signposted trail on your right. Turn right at this point and follow the trail as it winds it way down hill through snow gums and alpine ash forests. At the base of the hill you will reach a trail junction. Turn left at this point and head 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 back into the valley below. At the same junction where you were earlier keep left and follow the trail as it climbs up towards Charmichael Point and to the intersection of the Macs Point trail. Turn left and walk around 500 back to the trail head.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1526 m
Min elevation: 1336 m
Total climbing: 385 m
Total descent: -385 m
Getting there
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 continue towards Dingo Dell. Approximately 1.6km past Dingo Dell (and 300m past the Leviathan) you will reach Black Fellow Plains. Park on the right hand side of the raod near the Macs Point trail.
Track Grade
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.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.