The Big Walk

MtBuffaloChalet-SML

NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  11 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

An excellent walk from the bottom to the top of Mt Buffalo or vice-versa. This description is for walking up.  Involves a 1040m climb (or descent).

The Walk in Detail

After crossing Eurobin Creek, the track climbs steeply for about 2km (340m vert.) through pleasant forest. When you cross the main road for the second time there is an opportunity to start there, thus avoiding the initial climb. In this vicinity is some beautiful tall forest.

Near the fourth road crossing you come to Mackey's lookout which offers excellent views. Immediately after this the climbing starts again, this time across the face of open granite. As you approach the gorge there are some spur tracks that should be taken as they give spectacular views over the Buffalo Gorge.

Crystal Brook is crossed by bridge about 600m before reaching the Chalet. Trout can often be seen below. There are toilets in the car park at the chalet.  (Note: The chalet is closed indefinitely pending a decision on what to do with the building.)

If you haven't been to Mt Buffalo before, make sure that you visit Bent's Lookout adjacent to the car park. Also worth a visit is the launching ramp for hang-gliders that is at the far end of the car park. The crimson rosellas in the car park will sit on your hand if you take some bird-seed with you, but be warned – they are carriers of psittacosis which can be fatal. Wash your hands before eating.

Cautions:
Part of the walk (especially after Mackey's Lookout) is across sloping granite. Good boots are required to prevent slipping. Some of the lookouts have huge drops, but they are fenced (except near the hang-glider launching ramp). See also the comments above on psittacosis.

Variation:

There is an opportunity to start the walk where you cross the main road for the second time, thus avoiding the initial climb of 340m (vertical).

Walk Map

To view more on the map, zoom in or out, click the symbols and the walk route. To open a full screen version of the map, right-click Open Icon and open in another tab or window. An image of the map can also be pdfdownloaded374.62 KB.

 

Getting There

Drive towards Mt Buffalo via Hume Highway, Wangaratta and Myrtleford.  Take turn off to Mt Buffalo at Porepunkah and stop near the Gatehouse.

Walk Precautions

Good shoes or walking boots and walking poles recommended. Track crosses sections of sloping rock. The Crimson Rosellas are carriers of psittacosis which can be fatal. Wash hands if you touch the birds.

Additional Information

Gorge Day Visitor Area: APV002 - Toilets APV001 - Information APV007 - Picnic Shelter APV008 - Picnic Table
 


Yes
TBA

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