Mount Dunn and The Monolith (14.3)

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

The Mount Buffalo National Park is a national park located in the alpine region of Victoria, Australia. The 31,000-hectare (77,000-acre) national park is located approximately 350 kilometres (220 mi) northeast of Melbourne in the Australian Alps. Within the national park is Mount Buffalo, a moderately tall mountain plateau, with an elevation of 1,723 metres (5,653 ft) above sea level. Mount Buffalo is a moderately tall mountain plateau on the west side of the Victorian Alpine region. The top of the mountain has striking granite boulders and rock formations. From the north, the mountain is quite remarkable, with the highest accessible point being a prominent peak called The Horn. A walking track leads to The Horn and visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view from the top.

Getting There

Drive towards Bright via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford. Take the turn off to Mt 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.

 

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