Mount Dunn and The Monolith is a 14.3km, grade 3 hike located in Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1487 m
Min elevation: 1297 m
Total climbing: 449 m
Total descent: -450 m
Trail location
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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.
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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Mount Dunn & the Monolith Hike (14.3)”
Mount Dunn is amazing, but be ready to face your fear of heights if you have one 😂
Don’t let that put you off, the views are amazing!!!
You just close ya eyes n put one foot in front of the other, don’t you, Julie Roberts?
TJ Craig one foot on the next rung of the ladder in this case 😂
Still with ya eyes closed, Julie Roberts!! 😃🙈🙉🙈🙈🙈
Looking forward to exploring there now, thank you 🙏🏻
TJ Craig mt.buffalo my fav
You need to get out more then, Alicja Alice!
TJ Craig am away every month.
I have hiked in a lot of places but mt.buffalo is still my fav