Distance: 16 Km   |  Duration: Hrs   |  Grade: Grade 4   |  Rating:   |  Style: TBA   |  Map
About the Walk
Overview
Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine destination. A full day exploring a section of the iconic ’The Big Walk’ from Rollasons Falls Picnic Area carpark to The Gorge Day Visitor Area. Passing through several vegetation zones and revealing increasingly stunning views over the Ovens and Buckland valleys and across to the Victorian Alps as the altitude increases, this is an unforgettable experience. Starting above the foothill forests saves a steep 370m climb at the start of this iconic walk.
The Walk in Detail
The walk is mostly on a bush track that is steep in parts and includes excellent views from several lookouts. There are three short sections alongside Mt Buffalo Road and a crossing of the Mt Buffalo Road, and several lookout detours to add to the views.Â
The forests include Candlebark Gums with a Bracken Fern understorey, Alpine Ash ‘woolly butts’ with a shrub understorey of peas and grevilleas, a mixture of Snow and Mountain Gums with thickets of Woolly Teatree in the creeks. We zig zag across granite slabs that were part of the original track up Mt Buffalo called the ‘zig zag’. At The Gorge area we view Crystal Brook Falls and numerous lookouts. Bird/animal life may include grey fantails, thornbills, lyrebird, wallaby. Â
The Gorge Day Visitor area lookouts provide excellent views of the valley below and to the Australian Alps along with picnic tables and shelters, café, toilet facilities and the historic Chalet.Â
The return walk gives a sense of real accomplishment, and appreciation of the vegetation layers as you descend to the cars.
Getting There
Distance: Approx. 94kms from Wangaratta Showgrounds to Rollasons Falls Picnic Area carpark.
Time: Approx. 1 hour, 20 minutes
Caution: Cyclists use the sealed Mount Buffalo Road regularly.
Driving the Great Alpine Road, take the Mount Buffalo Road turn at Porepunkah roundabout, continue approx. 22 kilometres to the Rollasons Falls Picnic Area carpark on your right (signposted).
Walk Precautions
Additional Information
Notes: Bush track: dirt, stones, rocks, tree roots. Some steep sections. Steps to Pulpit Rock lookout, sheer walls at The Gorge area. Three short sections alongside and a crossing of Mt Buffalo Rd.