The South Buffalo Walk in Mount Buffalo National Park is a beautiful and accessible hike, offering a tranquil journey through snow gum woodlands, alpine meadows, and wetlands. Starting from Cresta Valley Carpark on the Mt Buffalo Tourist Road, the track winds its way through varied landscapes before reaching the South Buffalo Viewpoint. This is a return walk, covering 8 kilometres with a moderate 120-metre ascent, taking around three hours to complete.
As you begin the walk, you’ll find yourself among snow gums and sweeping grass plains. The track gradually climbs a ridge, offering glimpses of the striking granite formations that define this area. These natural sculptures, including the famous Split Peak, stand proudly amidst the alpine scenery, adding to the walk’s charm. Along the way, the landscape shifts from open grasslands to delicate sphagnum bogs, all framed by clusters of snow gums. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it ideal for a leisurely hike with plenty of room to enjoy the surroundings.
Halfway along the track, there’s a perfect spot for a rest – a granite rock shelf that offers expansive views back towards the Hump and the Rocky Creek Valley. It’s a peaceful pause before continuing on the final stretch, which meanders through heathland and over rocky terrain. As you approach the South Buffalo Viewpoint, the panoramic views open up. From here, you can see across the Rose River Valley to Mount Cobbler, with the majestic Back Wall and the Horn visible to the left. The return journey follows the same route, allowing you to savour the landscape from different angles as you head back to Cresta Valley.
This walk is a wonderful way to experience the diverse beauty of the Mount Buffalo area, with its variety of flora, impressive rock formations, and sweeping alpine vistas. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a peaceful day out in nature, the South Buffalo Walk offers a rewarding experience that captures the essence of Victoria’s alpine wilderness.
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Total distance: 7733 m
Max elevation: 1621 m
Min elevation: 1477 m
Total climbing: 287 m
Total descent: -287 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Beechworth, Bright, Eurobin, Harrietville, Myrtleford, Ovens, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wandiligong, Wangaratta
Getting to the trailhead in Mount Buffalo National Park.
To reach the trailhead for the Back Wall Walk, drive towards Bright via the Hume Highway, passing through Wangaratta and Myrtleford. As you approach Porepunkah, take the turn-off to Mount Buffalo. Follow the winding road up the mountain, and when you reach the plateau, take the right fork—this leads you south, while the left fork veers towards the chalet. Continue along this road until you reach the Cresta Ski Area. The trailhead is located around 100 metres north of the Mt Buffalo Lodge, which was once known as Tatra Inn.
Tucked into Victoria’s High Country, Mount Buffalo National Park is a place of striking contrasts and quiet beauty. Granite cliffs rise from the landscape, softened by forests of snow gum and alpine ash. Waterfalls tumble into fern-lined creeks, while the crisp mountain air carries the scent of eucalyptus. This land holds deep cultural significance for the Taungurung Traditional Owners, whose connection to Country continues today.
More than 90 kilometres of marked walking tracks wind through this diverse terrain, offering everything from short strolls to longer, more remote hikes. You’ll pass through mossy gullies, open plateaus, and wildflower-filled meadows. It’s essential to stay on designated trails and carry a physical map, as phone signal can be unreliable and the alpine environment is sensitive to disturbance.
There are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy, whether you're after wide-open views or quiet, shaded corners. The Gorge Day Visitor Area and The Horn provide sweeping lookouts, while Eurobin Creek and Rollasons Falls offer easy access to gentle waterfalls. Grossmans Mill and the Oval are more secluded, and the Lakeside Day Visitor Area near Lake Catani is perfect for warm days, with picnic tables, toilets, shelters, barbecues, and space to swim or paddle a canoe.
Camping allows for a deeper connection to the landscape. Lake Catani Campground, open November to April, includes hot showers and toilets. In winter, campers can access it on foot or skis, with basic facilities available. For a quieter, more rugged experience, Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod campgrounds offer remote camping with minimal amenities—bookings are required and can be made online or by calling Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
Since its establishment in 1898, this 31,000-hectare park has protected unique subalpine ecosystems. Signs of past bushfires are still visible, but regrowth is underway, with vibrant new life emerging. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for lyrebirds, wombats, and wallabies, especially near the road at dawn and dusk. Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, Mount Buffalo has a way of leaving a lasting impression on those who take the time to explore its quiet trails.
Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Buffalo National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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.
