The Big Walk to Mount McLeod Summit: A Multi-Day Challenge
The Mount McLeod Summit via Big Walk offers a challenging yet rewarding multi-day adventure through Mount Buffalo National Park. This trek can be completed in 2, 3, or 4 days, allowing you to tailor the experience to your fitness level and preferences.
The route combines the iconic Big Walk with the remote Mount McLeod Summit hike, showcasing the park's diverse landscapes.
Day 1 (15km): The Big Walk to Lake Catani Campground
The first leg of your journey is The Big Walk, a demanding 11-kilometer (or 15 kilometers if you include Rollasons Falls) ascent from the park entrance to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. Prepare for breathtaking views of the Australian Alps and ever-changing vegetation zones as you climb roughly 1,000 meters. Rest areas and lookouts are scattered along the way, offering opportunities to catch your breath and admire the scenery. Be aware that access points exist along Mount Buffalo Road if you prefer to start at a different location.
Starting at the Eurobin Creek Picnic Area, you'll cross a swing bridge and embark on a steep climb through a moist foothill forest. After 2 kilometers, you'll reach a 4WD track. Take a left and continue uphill for another 700 meters until you meet the main road at Eurobin Point, marking the most challenging section.
Take a moment to rest and admire the unique sandstone formations before continuing along the main road for 100 meters. Here, you can pick up the track again and follow a gentle spur westward towards the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. Consider a detour to Rollasons Falls Picnic Area for toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables (a 4-kilometer round trip).
The main track continues through an open montane forest, where you might spot shy swamp wallabies and hear the calls of abundant birdlife. After crossing the main road again, you'll reach Mackey's Lookout at 920 meters elevation, offering a clear view of the Australian Alps. The landscape transitions here, with granite slabs replacing the forest and marking the beginning of Mount Buffalo itself. The track becomes wetter and slipperier, so proceed with caution.
A short detour leads to Marriott's Lookout, boasting breathtaking views into the Gorge. Back on the main track, the vegetation changes once more. As you approach the snowline at around 1150 meters, Alpine Ash trees become more common, accompanied by a shrubby understorey.
The trail continues to Manfields Junction, the highest point at 1350 meters. Consider venturing off the main track here to explore Manfields Lookout or Reeds Lookout, both offering scenic vistas within a 500-meter radius. From Reeds, you can rejoin The Big Walk via a loop track. At this point, you have two options to reach the finish: follow the Gorge Heritage Walk or continue straight ahead. Both routes lead to the Gorge Day Visitor Area.
Wilkinson's Lookout offers breathtaking views from a lofty position, while Pulpit Rock provides a closer look at the impressive gorge walls, often frequented by climbers. Crystal Brook, which carved out the Gorge over millions of years, flows beneath a bridge you'll cross before continuing past The Oval Picnic Area.
The Gorge Day Visitor Area features toilets, picnic tables, and a shelter. While the Chalet is currently closed, several lookouts within the vicinity, such as Bents Lookout and Echo Point, provide stunning vistas of the valley and beyond. Additional walking tracks branch off from the lower car park, leading to destinations like the Underground River, the Monolith, and Lake Catani with its campground - your destination for the night.
Day 2 (13km): Lake Catani Campground to Mount McLeod Summit
After leaving Lake Catani Campground, make your way along Mount Buffalo Road to Reservoir Road (near the Park Office). Turn left and follow this road to the Reservoir Picnic Area. Here, the track to the remote North Buffalo Plateau and Mount McLeod Summit Hike begins. The journey starts by following a former winter ski trail. Shortly after (around 670 meters), locate the signposted Short Circuit Track on your right – a welcome change from the road you'll encounter on your return.
After roughly 1.5 kilometers, you'll rejoin Mount McLeod Road. Turn right and head northeast, passing below Andersons Peak and onto the North Buffalo Saddle. Continue along the ridgeline, catching glimpses of the surrounding valleys and rocky peaks.
At approximately 6.4 kilometers from the trailhead, you'll reach Dels Plain, a designated campsite ideal for an overnight stay. This open area with snow gums offers shelter, a composting toilet, and access to small creeks (although it's wise to confirm water flow with a ranger and treat all water before consumption).
Consider setting up camp at Dels Plain before tackling the summit. This secluded campsite amongst alpine wetlands allows for 10 people vernight with two per site. Bookings are required. Carry sufficient water for your stay and use fuel stoves only.
From Dels Plain, continue east then south for another kilometer to reach the peak of Mount McLeod. As with most Buffalo hikes, breathtaking views of the surrounding plateau and the Oven Valley unfold as you reach the top.
Day 3-4: The Return Journey
There are two options for returning to the Big Walk trailhead at Eurobin Creek Picnic Area, depending on your preference for distance and a final night's stay. Both options involve retracing your steps from Dels Plain (Mount McLeod) to Reservoir Road.
1: Shorter Option (3 Days & 42km Total)
Leave a vehicle at the Gorge Day Visitor Area to avoid walking back down the mountain via The Big Walk (approximately 10 kilometers saved). From Mount McLeod, it's roughly 14 kilometers back to the Gorge Carpark. This option brings the entire 3-day adventure to around 42 kilometers. Follow Reservoir Road back to Mount Buffalo Road and continue across onto the Monolith Walk. Consider an optional detour to the top of the Monolith for stunning views. Continue along Monolith Walk to the Gorge Carpark and your vehicle.
Longer Option (4 Days & 56km Total):
Day 3 (15.5km): Follow Reservoir Road back to Mount Buffalo Road and continue across onto the Monolith Walk. Consider an optional detour to the top of the Monolith for stunning views. As you approach the Chalet, you'll reach the junction for the Lake Catani Walking Track. Turn right and follow the trail to Lake Catani Campground, where you can camp for the night.
Day 4 (12.5km): On Day 4, follow the Gorge-Lake Catani Walking Track back to the Gorge Day Visitor Area and Mount Buffalo Chalet. From here, retrace your steps along The Big Walk back to the Eurobin Creek Picnic Area, following the same route as Day 1 but without the side trips to lookout points (resulting in a shorter distance).
This multi-day adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Mount Buffalo National Park. Remember to be prepared for all weather conditions, pack appropriate clothing and gear, and enjoy the challenge.
