Mount Dunn & the Monolith Hike (14.3)

The Mount Dunn and The Monolith hike is a 14.3-kilometre loop through the heart of Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and physical challenge. This moderately difficult hike typically takes around four hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way. It showcases two of the park’s most notable features, Mount Dunn and The Monolith, each standing out as a testament to the rugged landscape of the Buffalo plateau.

Starting at the gravel road, just 500 metres past the Parks Victoria Office, the hike begins with a steady walk across Camp Plain. The road winds gently, leading you west past Lady Charmichael Falls and the striking formation known as Edinboro Castle. After about 3.5 kilometres, you’ll arrive at the Reservoir Picnic area. Here, the road bends east, hugging the reservoir’s eastern shore for a short stretch, before a turn to the left leads you to The Long Plain walking track.

From this point, the trail to Mount Dunn begins to rise gradually, curving around the base of the mount before reaching a saddle. This marks the beginning of the steeper ascent to the summit. The final stretch involves climbing up a series of newly installed ladders, bringing you to the rocky peak. The summit rewards your efforts with spectacular views of the surrounding plateau—an expansive sight that captures the raw beauty of the region.

After soaking in the panoramic views, retrace your steps down the eastern side of Mount Dunn. At a junction, turn right and begin your descent into the valley below. Follow the trail as it continues downhill, and when you reach the next junction, take a left turn. The trail will lead you further down to The Long Plain, where you’ll follow the path north-east until you reach the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. From here, a short walk along the road brings you to the turnoff to Lake Catani.

At this point, follow the Lakeside Walk as it skirts the eastern edge of Lake Catani. The trail brings you to the dam wall, where you’ll find the Lake Catani – The Gorge Walking Track. This path heads north-east towards Echo Point, passing through some of the park’s most scenic spots. If time allows, it’s worth taking a slight detour to Echo Point for stunning views over the valley.

Returning to the main trail, follow the signs to The Monolith, a massive balancing rock that stands majestically above Lake Catani. A ladder once provided access to the top of the Monolith, but for safety reasons, it has now been removed. Even without the climb, the view from the base of the Monolith is impressive, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Once you've enjoyed the Monolith, retrace your steps back to the main trail and head towards the Mount Buffalo Road. Follow the trail through the forest until you reach the road near the park office. From here, it’s a short 500-metre walk along the road to Reservoir Road, where your vehicles await.

This hike through Mount Buffalo National Park is a perfect escape into nature, offering both a physical challenge and the chance to experience some of Victoria’s most striking natural features.