The Monolith Circuit Hike (6.4km)

The Monolith Circuit is a 6.4-kilometre loop track nestled within Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria. Graded as a level 3 walk, it usually takes around two and a half hours to complete, offering a diverse mix of forest trails, granite formations, and sweeping alpine views. It begins at Echo Point car park, a central hub for day visitors that also provides access to The Gorge and the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet. Before setting off, take some time to explore the area—there are several lookouts nearby, and Bents Lookout is especially worthwhile, offering a dramatic view across the sheer cliffs of the North Wall and out to the distant Victorian Alps.

From the south-west corner of the car park, pick up the Monolith Walking Trail, also known as the Lake Catani Trail. A short distance in, you’ll reach a junction—stay to the right and follow the signage pointing towards The Monolith. After about a kilometre, take another right, then a left, where the trail leads to one of the park’s most iconic features: a striking balancing rock perched above Lake Catani. While a ladder once allowed visitors to climb the Monolith, it has since been removed for safety reasons, but the outlook from its base remains a highlight of the walk.

Once you’ve taken in the view, retrace your steps to the main trail and continue on through cool, shady forest until you reach Mount Buffalo Road, near the park’s office. Turn left and follow the verge for roughly 500 metres until you reach the Lakeside Track. Here, take another left to walk along the shoreline of Lake Catani, a peaceful stretch that leads to a small footbridge below the dam wall. After crossing the bridge, the track meets the View Point Nature Walk, which winds towards the Underground River.

This section of the walk brings a shift in mood as the trail begins to drop steeply into Haunted Gorge. The descent is short but offers a sense of seclusion as you make your way down to the river crossing. At the bridge, pause for a moment and look between the rocks—you’ll hear and see the fast-moving water of the Underground River rushing beneath. While intriguing, the river caves are not suitable for casual exploration and should only be entered by experienced cavers with the right equipment and knowledge.

Climbing out of the gorge, the trail gently leads north through open forest, eventually arriving at Billisons Lookout. It’s a quiet spot with far-reaching views and a good place to reflect on the changing landscape you've passed through. From here, it’s just a short 300-metre walk back to the Echo Point car park, where the loop concludes.

This circuit is a great choice for those looking to explore a mix of natural features—forests, granite tors, alpine lakes, and river gorges—within a relatively short timeframe. Though not a long walk, it packs in a variety of terrain and experiences, making it a rewarding half-day outing in the Mount Buffalo high country.