MOUNT BUFFALO

28-29 NOVEMBER 2015

When we had to be in Yackadandah on a Saturday afternoon, I didn't really want to take the 8 hour return trip and leave it at that. It made sense to explore around Victoria a little, and coupled with a 30ºC sunny weekend it made it hard to go past the idea of camping. It also helped we just picked up a new car and were keen to put it to the test. 

Located in the Victorian Alpine region, there is a lot to see and do at Mount Buffalo depending on what you want to do. It contains over 90km of walking tracks, several lakes at which you can hire kayaks and row away in the peaceful surrounds, and even hang gliding is is on offer for the more experienced flyer. During winter, snow blankets the peaks creating 14km of marked ski trails. There were three areas (out of probably 20+) in which we properly explored: Eurobins Falls, Lake Catani and Rollasons Falls.

Quick guide

Distance from Melbourne: 4 hours one way trip.
Crowd profile: You'll see many cyclists on the way to the peak, and probably pass 1-2 groups on your hike. Mainly couples and friends.
Cost: Free - extra costs apply for camping reservations.

Destination 1: EUROBINS FALLS

  • Eurobins Falls Track is quite close to the park entrance, being one of the first picnic stops on the way to the peak. The whole track is 1.5km, or a 45 minute return trip if you're just doing the hike. There are several viewing points for happy snaps, and is a relatively easy hike. There is a bit of uphill, but not at all strenuous.
     
  • If you're after a bathing experience, then the Ladies Bath Falls is what you're looking for. It's about a 5-10 minute hike from the start of the Eurobins Falls Track and is quite easy to find. You'll cross a bridge and see a pool at the foot of a smaller waterfall.
     
  • The clear running mountain water is very fresh - and so very chilly of course! Even on a hot day the icy cold water is hardest on your extremities. It's also the freshest water you'll ever come across so don't be afraid to drink away if you're feeling dehydrated.

Destination 2: LAKE CATANI

  • The Lake Catani campgrounds is one of the accomodation options whilst visiting Mount Buffalo. If you're here for cross country skiing, you'll have to make other arrangements - the campgrounds is only available for pre-bookings from Melbourne Cup weekend until April.
     
  • There are 49 camp sites available, and typically you will share a fire pit and a picnic bench with another camping spot. When we visited Mt Buffalo over a weekend, there were only 2 other groups at the site so we had a lot more space and freedom to choose when we ate, set up tents - be prepared to wait if the campsite is a little more populated. Toilets, hot showers and a dishwashing area is provided as communal facilities.
     
  • A must see is the sun setting over Lake Catani. During the day, you can hire kayaks and canoes, or just ride around the lake on your bike. There are several walking tracks that stem straight from the Lake Catani camping grounds, such as the Big Walk to the summit, however feel free to drive to an easier starting point if perhaps you want to squeeze more into your day.
     
  • Make sure you have enough for a camping trip! I would recommend bringing a tent, some ground cover, a lilo with pump, an esky, some aluminium foil with oil spray, some mosquito repellant, a lot of water for drinking, and a good book to read. When the sun goes down, that will be it! You won't have any phone reception so make the most of an early night!

Destination 3: ROLLASONS FALLS

  • The Rollasons Falls track starts from a clearing incorporating a picnic area, toilets and fireplaces if you want to set up a quick BBQ for lunch. For this hike, make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated. The waterfall and rockpools are at the very end of this hike, which takes about 45 minutes one way. The hike is a descent from the picnic area, so the return walk is a bit harder than on the way down. The hike gradually gets steeper so also remember that you are allowed to take breaks and that you are within nature, so there is no rush here! Take your time and take in the sights around you.
     
  • Rollasons Falls is [once again] fresh mountain water, so is very chilly much like the water at Eurobin Falls. The pool of water at the base of the waterfall here is also a lot more deeper than the ones at Eurobin so you'll be able to take the plunge into this one - however extreme caution is to be exercised if you decide to do this. Do not dive head first under any circumstances.
     
  • The pool of water also cascades down several rocks to some smaller rockpools. If you're not so keen to dunk your head under water then you can also just let the water run over your feet in this little area of the Rollasons Falls.