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Length: 14.3km
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Duration: 4hrs
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Grade: 3
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Reservoir Road Junction
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End: Reservoir Road Junction
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Location: Mount Buffalo National Park
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Closest Town: Porepunkah
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Distance from CBD: 341km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -36.72768042
Longitude: 146.8032002
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2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
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Mount Buffalo National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.
Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike Summary
The Mount Dunn and The Monolith hike is a circuit that visits two of the most striking features of the central Buffalo plateau. The hike commences at the gravel road, 500m past the Parks Victoria Office. Follow the gravel road north west as it winds across Camp Plain before turning west past Lady Charmichael Falls and Edinboro Castle. After approximately 3.5km you will reach the Reservoir Picnic area. Follow the road as it turns east then south along the eastern banks of the reservoir. After about 500m you will see The Long Plain walking track on your left. Turn here and follow the trail towards Mount Dunn.
The climb to the summit starts off gradually as the trail winds its way around the base of the mount before reaching a saddle just before the steeper section of the ascent. The final stages will require climbing newly secured ladders to the rocky summit for awe inspiring views of the surrounding plateau.
Retrace your steps back down the eastern side of Mount Dunn. Turn right at the trail junction and follow the trail into the valley below. Turn left the next junction and follow the trail as descends further on to The Long Plain below. Follow the trail north east until you reach the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. Turn right at this point and walk a short distance until you reach the road that leads to Lake Catani. Continue along the Lakeside Walk as it follows the eastern banks of Lake Catani. When you reach the dam wall locate the Lake Catani - The Gorge Walking Track and follow it north east towards Echo Point. As you near Echo Point you will reach the Monolith Walk junction. If time permits it would be well worth turning right here and walking the short distance to Echo Point for amazing views over the valley.
Turning left, follow the signs to The Monolith. After approximately 1km keep right at the junction then left towards the Monolith; a giant balancing rock that towers above Lake Catani. A ladder once allowed you to climb it but has been removed for safety reasons. After appreciating the view retrace your steps to the main trail and turn left, following the trail through the forest towards the Mount Buffalo Road.
When you reach the road, near the park office, turn left and walk for approximately 500m along the road verge to Reservoir Road and your vehicles.
About the region
An all-seasons national park, Mount Buffalo has sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers. First reserved in 1898, the 31,000 hectare park contains vegetation and fauna adapted to extremes of weather, as a result of its sub-alpine location. As you drive and walk throughout the park, you will see evidence of the recent fires, but you will also see the vivid colours as species begin to regenerate. There is plenty of wildlife to see including Lyrebirds, Eastern Rosellas, Wombats and Swamp Wallabies. Many animals can be seen along the main tourist road so please drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk.
Getting there
Drive towards Bright via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Take the turn off to Mount Buffalo near Porepunkah. Drive up to the Buffalo plateau, continue past the road to the chalet and drive until you see the Parks Office on your right. The gravel road to the reservoir is on the right about 500m past the Parks Office. Park here.
GPX File
Max elevation: 1487 m
Min elevation: 1297 m
Total climbing: 449 m
Total descent: -450 m
Hikes Nearby
2 thoughts on “Mount Dunn and The Monolith (14.3)”
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Great walk! It was well marked all the way and the view was rewarding at Mount Dunn and Monolith. Ladders at both viewing points are very safe and easy to climb. Would also recommend spending an hour on the Chalwell Galleries Track (starting from Lake Catani Campground) as a first lesson in rock climbing 🙂
Love this hike, looking off the top of Mount Dunn is breathtaking.