Trail Fast Facts

Mount McLeod Summit is a 16.5km, grade 4 hike in Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria. The hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.

Length: 16.4km

Duration: 7 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: The Reservoir picnic area

End: The Reservoir picnic area

Location: Mount Buffalo National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Porepunkah

From state capital: 342km

Latitude: -36.728914367323746

Longitude: 146.7747634663777

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

Seeking solitude in Mount Buffalo National Park? The Mount McLeod hike takes you into the Northern Buffalo Remote and Natural Area to the park's highest northern peak, Mount McLeod (1529 meters). This challenging walk caters to experienced hikers seeking a true escape.

For an even more remote experience, consider camping at Mount McLeod Campground. Accessible only by foot along the Mount McLeod track 8 kilometers from the Reservoir Picnic Area, this campsite offers basic amenities and a true wilderness experience.

The journey begins at the Reservoir Picnic Area, 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 adventure. 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).

If camping overnight, consider setting up at Dels Plain before tackling the summit. This secluded campsite amongst alpine wetlands allows for 10 people overnight with two per site. Bookings required. Carry sufficient water for your stay and use fuel stoves only.

From here, 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.

Whether opting for a day hike or an overnight stay, simply retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. Upon reaching the Short Circuit Track, you can choose to turn left for a varied route back or continue along Mount McLeod Road.

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Tips

Water is only available from a hardened access point located approximately 100m southwest of the campsite - where the stream crosses the track. Always boil, treat or filter water before drinking as Giardia is present. Advanced bookings and payment are required.
Fires are prohibited at the campsite and it is recommended to bring a fuel stove.
The campground has a capacity of two people per site and a maximum capacity of 10 people.
You can book online or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

Map and GPX file

Mount McLeod Summit Hike (16.5km)

Total distance: 16437 m
Max elevation: 1505 m
Min elevation: 1277 m
Total climbing: 690 m
Total descent: -688 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Mount McLeod Summit Hike (16.5km)

Accessing the trailhead for many Mount Buffalo National Park hikes is straightforward. By car, follow the Hume Highway towards Bright, then continue through Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Look for the turnoff to Mount Buffalo near Porepunkah and climb up to the plateau. Past the road leading to the chalet, continue until you see the Parks Office on your right.

The trailhead for is located roughly 500 meters past the Parks Office on a gravel road that branches off to the right. Look for the reservoir to confirm you're on the right track. This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, but proceed with caution and maintain a slow speed. Parking is available at the end of the road near the reservoir. Remember, during winter, road conditions can change. Always check signage and weather forecasts before venturing out.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

About the region

Nestled amidst towering granite cliffs, Mount Buffalo National Park offers a haven for all seasons. Crisp mountain air invigorates the senses, while ancient tors stand guard over cascading waterfalls and vibrant snow gum forests. Summer bursts with colorful wildflowers, and the distant presence of the Alps adds a touch of grandeur to the scene.

Over 90 kilometers of well-maintained and clearly marked tracks wind through this pristine subalpine wonderland. Hikers of all abilities can explore diverse plant communities and unique landscapes. Remember to carry a map at all times and stay on designated trails to protect this delicate environment.

For a delightful picnic experience, numerous spots are scattered throughout the park, each catering to different desires. The Gorge Day Visitor Area and The Horn promise awe-inspiring panoramic views. Eurobin Creek and Rollasons Falls offer easy access to cascading waterfalls, while Grossmans Mill and the Oval provide tranquil vistas across the lake or breathtaking glimpses into the Gorge and valleys. Seeking refuge from the summer sun? The Lakeside Day Visitor Area beckons with its picnic tables, toilets, shelters, and free gas barbecues. Or, cool off with a refreshing swim or a leisurely canoe paddle at Lake Catani's jetty or beach.

Camping options cater to diverse preferences. For a comfortable stay, consider Lake Catani Campground, open from November to April. During the warmer months, it offers hot showers, flushing toilets, and laundry facilities. Winter campers have access to a basic pit toilet and a stone hut, but be prepared to walk or ski 1 kilometer from the closed gate on Mount Buffalo Road. Experienced hikers seeking a remote adventure can choose Rocky Creek or Mount McLeod campgrounds, which offer basic amenities and limited campsites. Bookings are required for summer and remote camping. Secure your spot online at or by calling the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.

Established in 1898, this 31,000-hectare park boasts a unique ecosystem adapted to the extremes of subalpine weather. Evidence of recent fires may be visible as you explore, but nature's resilience is evident in the vibrant regeneration. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, including lyrebirds, eastern rosellas, wombats, and swamp wallabies. Many animals frequent the main tourist road, so please drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk.

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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.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

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.

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Reviews

Mount McLeod Summit Hike (16.5km)

3 Reviews on “Mount McLeod Summit Hike (16.5km)”

Overall rating

Louise M Gamon

Ness Crossley

17/08/2024, 17:19

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Trail Hiking Australia

This one’s a great overnight hike too.

16/08/2024, 22:09

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Grant Reeves

Jacqui Williams

24/03/2022, 05:17

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1. Shawn Whittle
  
  Jason Whittle
  
  24/03/2022, 05:17
  
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  1. Kerry Schwabl
    
    John Smoljko ??
    
    24/03/2022, 05:17
    
    Like
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    1. Anny Au
      
      Joyce C ??
      
      24/03/2022, 05:17
      
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      1. Gary Singh
        
        Leah Smeaton not a problem
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      2. Suzie Sharp
        
        Leesa Swanson when the snow has gone? Lol
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      3. Kylie Esler
        
        Lorraine Placid Barham. Becky B Bowen. Jay Wust. Angela Cowling. Jessica Lea
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      4. Tayla Gobbo
        
        Maddison Ruggiero Sajah Ramadan
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
  2. Reegs H Bryce
    
    Melissa Currell ???
    
    24/03/2022, 05:17
    
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    1. Ben Klappert
      
      Nice, think it would be a good hike for a day trip
      
      24/03/2022, 05:17
      
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      1. Andrew Connor
        
        Nice… Ta
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      2. Anny Au
        
        Pencil this in for aug/sept?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
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      3. Chris Newton
        
        Peter McNamara interested ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      4. Jody Newton
        
        Scott Timson
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      5. Britt Wanderer
        
        Sharna Gilby
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      6. Timothy KS
        
        Stephanie Wong see follow this page for daywalks in Victoria
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      7. Tu Le
        
        Suze another overnight hike that we can do.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
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      8. Tim Gu
        
        Tell me more
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
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      9. Joyce C
        
        Tim Gu there will be snow on the hike
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
        Like
      10. Anny Au
        
        Tim Joyce how about a snow hike?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:17
        
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