The Mount Dunn and The Monolith hike is a circuit that visits two of the most striking features of the central Buffalo plateau. The hike commences at the gravel road, 500m past the Parks Victoria Office. Follow the gravel road north west as it winds across Camp Plain before turning west past Lady Charmichael Falls and Edinboro Castle. After approximately 3.5km you will reach the Reservoir Picnic area. Follow the road as it turns east then south along the eastern banks of the reservoir. After about 500m you will see The Long Plain walking track on your left. Turn here and follow the trail 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. Turn right at the trail junction and follow the trail into the valley below. Turn left the next junction and follow the trail as descends further on to The Long Plain below. Follow the trail north east until you reach the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. Turn right at this point and walk a short distance until you reach the road that leads to Lake Catani. Continue along the Lakeside Walk as it follows the eastern banks of Lake Catani. When you reach the dam wall locate the Lake Catani - The Gorge Walking Track and follow it north east towards Echo Point. As you near Echo Point you will reach the Monolith Walk junction. If time permits it would be well worth turning right here and walking the short distance to Echo Point for amazing views over the valley.
Turning left, follow the signs to The Monolith. After approximately 1km keep right at the junction then left towards the Monolith; a giant balancing rock that towers above Lake Catani. A ladder once allowed you to climb it but has been removed for safety reasons. After appreciating the view retrace your steps to the main trail and turn left, following the trail through the forest towards the Mount Buffalo Road.
When you reach the road, near the park office, turn left and walk for approximately 500m along the road verge to Reservoir Road and your vehicles.
Closest towns to this walk: Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Beechworth
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 drive until you see the Parks Office on your right. The gravel road to the reservoir is on the right about 500m past the Parks Office. Park here.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
3 Reviews on “Mount Dunn & the Monolith Hike (14.3)”
Mount Dunn is amazing, but be ready to face your fear of heights if you have one 😂
Don’t let that put you off, the views are amazing!!!
You just close ya eyes n put one foot in front of the other, don’t you, Julie Roberts?
TJ Craig one foot on the next rung of the ladder in this case 😂
Still with ya eyes closed, Julie Roberts!! 😃🙈🙉🙈🙈🙈
Looking forward to exploring there now, thank you 🙏🏻
TJ Craig mt.buffalo my fav
You need to get out more then, Alicja Alice!
TJ Craig am away every month.
I have hiked in a lot of places but mt.buffalo is still my fav