If you’re looking to stretch your legs at a High Country escape from Melbourne this autumn, set your sights on Mount Buffalo National Park.
Just under five hours northeast of the city, this underrated alpine wonderland is home to granite peaks, wildflower meadows, misty waterfalls and trails that lead to some of the most breathtaking views in Victoria. Unlike the busier alpine parks at this time of year, Buffalo’s autumn leaves feel untouched by the hustle of Melbourne.
5 Mesmerising Walks in Mount Buffalo National Park:
The Horn Track
Nothing beats starting your Mount Buffalo adventure with the Horn Track, the climb to the park’s highest point. Beginning near the historic Stone Hut, this short but steep 2 km return trail winds past enormous granite boulders before ascending a staircase of stone steps carved into the hillside.
At the summit, a lookout platform delivers a 360‑degree panorama across the Victorian Alps—easily one of the most spectacular views in the state and worth every lung‑burning step.
Ladies Bath Falls & Eurobin Falls
For something gentler—and splash‑worthy—make your way to Ladies Bath Falls, a short 3 km return walk through lush forest to a beautiful cascade with crystal‑clear rock pools perfect for cooling off in summer.
Follow the signs a little further uphill to Eurobin Falls, where a multitiered waterfall crashes down smooth granite rockfaces surrounded by towering ferns. It’s an easy double‑walk that delivers some of the park’s most photogenic spots.
The Monolith Track
A few minutes’ drive from Lake Catani, The Monolith Track is a 2 km return trail leading to one of Mount Buffalo’s most distinctive natural formations—a massive, rounded granite tor balanced high above the plateau.
The walk takes you through groves of intertwined snow gums and boulder-strewn slopes, revealing stunning views over the lake and valley below. Bring a camera—sunrise or late afternoon light turns the whole landscape golden, which is perfect to witness during the ambers of autumn.
The Gorge Heritage Walk
If you’re after sweeping clifftop views with a dash of history, the Gorge Heritage Walk deserves a spot on your list. This 3 km loop traces the edge of Mount Buffalo Gorge, offering dramatic lookouts over plunging cliffs, waterfalls and distant valleys.
Along the way, you’ll spot the grand silhouette of the Mount Buffalo Chalet, an early 20th‑century alpine retreat that once drew visitors from across Victoria. It’s a trail that rewards you at every turn, especially at sunset when the gorge glows in crimson tones.
Rollasons Falls
If you prefer quiet tracks and hidden swimming holes, Rollasons Falls is your match. This 3 km trail descends through tall mountain ash and dense fern gullies before opening onto a serene rock pool at the base of a cascading waterfall.
It’s a little more of a workout on the return climb, but the solitude and stillness make it one of Mount Buffalo’s true hidden gem
Getting There
By Car
Mount Buffalo is about 325 kilometres from Melbourne, roughly a 3.5-hour drive along the Hume Highway. From the Great Alpine Road (B500), you then take the Mount Buffalo Road (C535) exit to reach the park.
By Public Transport
If you’re travelling by public transport, the journey from central Melbourne takes around 7 hours and typically involves a combination of coach and regional connections via Southern Cross Coach Terminal and stops including Ned Kelly Statue/Kate St, King George Gardens/Rowan St and Bailey St/Nicholson St, offering a longer but scenic and comfortable way to reach Mount Buffalo National Park.
Planning Your Trip
So, whether you’re road‑tripping from Melbourne or adding Mount Buffalo to a Bright or Myrtleford getaway, this national park is one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets.
Between the hiking trails, natural swimming spots, and peaceful alpine lookouts, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the high‑country air and hang back just a little longer than planned.