The Monolith & Pulpit Rock Hike (13.4km)

The Monolith and Pulpit Rock circuit is a 13.4-kilometre loop in Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria, graded as a level 3 walk and typically completed in four to five hours. Beginning at the Lake Catani campground, the trail explores a diverse stretch of the Buffalo plateau’s eastern reaches, weaving through alpine forest, along dramatic cliff edges, and past a series of remarkable geological features that reflect the unique character of this high-country landscape.

The walk starts at the picnic area near the jetty, where you head north-east along the Gorge–Lake Catani Walking Track. Not far in, a turnoff on the right leads to the View Point Nature Walk. Skipping the initial path to the Underground River, the track climbs steadily through stands of alpine ash before narrowing for a short rock scramble that opens out to View Point. Here, the landscape drops away to reveal expansive views across the Buckland Valley — an outlook that captures the plateau’s sharp transition from alpine heathland to farmland far below.

Returning to the earlier junction, the trail then descends into the depths of Haunted Gorge, gradually narrowing as it approaches the river. The crossing here offers a glimpse into the subterranean waters of the Underground River, which courses beneath boulders and disappears into the limestone below. While tempting, the river caves are best left to experienced cavers. Instead, the trail climbs again through forest and open country before arriving at Billsons Lookout, another fine spot to pause and take in the surrounding ranges.

Continuing north, the track arrives at Echo Point, a popular access point with vehicle parking and expansive views from various lookout platforms. From here, the walk follows a section of The Big Walk, skirting along the rim of The Gorge. Formed over hundreds of millions of years by the action of Crystal Brook, The Gorge’s North Wall plunges dramatically, earning its reputation as the highest vertical cliff face in Australia. Gorge View Lookout and Falls Lookout both offer perspectives into this ancient landscape, while from Falls Lookout you can also trace the starting point of The Big Walk far below.

Crossing Crystal Brook by footbridge, the trail soon reaches a spur leading to Pulpit Rock. This exposed rock platform offers commanding views of the gorge’s sheer cliffs, where climbers can sometimes be seen scaling the vertical granite. Continuing north-east, a short detour to Wilkinson’s Lookout is well worth the effort, with panoramic views from the top of the North Wall, standing over 330 metres high. Rejoining the main loop, the walk continues to Manfields and Reeds Lookouts before linking back with The Big Walk for the return to Echo Point. Before leaving, Bents Lookout provides one last dramatic vantage point of the Gorge and the Victorian Alps beyond.

To complete the circuit, head to the south-west corner of the car park and pick up the Monolith Walking Trail. The track leads gently uphill through snow gum woodland, where after about a kilometre you keep right at a junction, then left towards the Monolith itself. This striking balancing rock towers above Lake Catani and, while the ladder that once led to the top has been removed, it remains an impressive natural sculpture that draws the eye. After a moment here, retrace your steps to the main trail and turn left, following the path through the forest toward Mount Buffalo Road. A short road walk of around 500 metres brings you to the Lakeside Track, which skirts the lake’s edge to a small footbridge below the dam wall. Crossing this, the final stretch of the walk returns along the Gorge–Lake Catani Walking Track, closing the loop at your original starting point.

This circuit is a rewarding mix of dense forest, open alpine scenery, and sheer granite cliffs — a route that reveals the variety and scale of Mount Buffalo’s natural features. It's a well-marked and immersive walk for those looking to experience the park beyond the day-use areas, with plenty of places along the way to pause, take in the views, and appreciate the slow processes that have shaped this dramatic landscape.