Summary

Mount Buffalo gorge is stunning! This fantastic 2 km walk leads from the chalet to giant granite outcrops and four breathtaking lookouts.

Description

This walk starts at the very pretty Gorge Day Visitor Area. From the moment you arrive, the scenery is spectacular.

At an elevation of 1,385 m, Bents Lookout and Gorge Lookout offer expansive views of Ovens Valley and high country.

Although this walk is quite short, it takes in diverse landscapes, views, rock formations and flora. This walk leads to Crystal Brook Falls lookout and Pulpit Rock lookout, both with dramatic cliffs and views to the canyon below.

Mount Buffalo Chalet was built in 1910 and was Australia’s first ski resort. Although it is currently closed, the heritage-listed chalet and the nearby historic stone hut are worth wandering around.

Beyond the visitor centre, the track is unsealed and not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The path becomes rocky after Crystal Brook lookout. The incline is steep on the return leg making this an easy to intermediate level walk.

Toilets are available at the Gorge Day Visitor Area.

Bring your own food and water.

Alpine weather can change dramatically and quickly. Winds can be icy and snow can fall year-round. Be prepared with waterproof and windproof clothes. Check the weather forecast before your walk on the mountain.

Dogs are not allowed in Mount Buffalo National Park. All the plants and animals in the park are protected. Do not feed the wildlife.

Getting there: It is a 40-minute drive from the park entrance up the mountain to the car park.

Allow plenty of time to return to your car before nightfall!

2758 Views

Points of Interest

1. Boulders at the gorge

From the minute you arrive at the car park, the scenery is spectacular.

2. Bents Lookout

The first lookout offers sweeping views across the valley and high country.

3. Granite cliffs

From Bents Lookout you can see the Glass Skywalk Lookout perched atop a granite outcrop.

4. Gorge Day Visitor Centre

The gorge is popular with walkers of all ages. There are number of walk to explore from the visitor centre.

5. Glass Skywalk Lookout

Stunning views from the lookout on a clear day.

6. Wayfinding signage

The Gorge Heritage Walk is well signposted.

7. Guide Alice

Interpretative signs describe the area's history and beauty through the eyes of local pioneer, Guide Alice.

8. Crystal Brook bridge

Cross over the Crystal Brook, a beautiful alpine stream, and head to the third lookout.

9. Crystal Brook Falls lookout

The seasonal waterfall was quite small when we visited in summer. The spectacular views to the canyon steal the show.

10. View from falls lookout

The chalet is visible in the top corner

11. Between the lookouts

The scenery in between the lookout is also stunning. Lyrebirds have been spotted along this walk.

12. View from Pulpit Rock Lookout

Look up to the sheer cliffs, down into the canyon and across the valley.

13. Pulpit Lookout

Pulpit Lookout is the furthest from the visitor centre and it rewards with spectacular views.

14. Back up the mountain

With rocks and incline, this is the most difficult section of the walk.

15. Alpine wildflowers

The flora changes as the path gains altitude. Look out for seasonal wildflowers.

16. Heading back

Natural beauty wherever you look!

17. Mount Buffalo Chalet

The Mount Buffalo Chalet, built in 1910 by the Victorian Government, was Australia’s first ski resort.

18. Mount Buffalo Chalet

Although the chalet is currently closed, it's still worth wandering around the outside.

Features

Picnic spot

Public toilets

Historical interest

Local treasures

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden