Perched at the top of Mount Buffalo National Park, overlooking the Gorge, you’ll find the majestic Mount Buffalo Chalet. Built in 1910, this grand venue was the first ever ski resort in Australia, and has welcomed generations of holidaymakers. Although it survived bushfires in December 2006, it closed to the public a month later. And finally, after 20 years, the Grand Old Dame is stirring, and has opened its doors once more. The Mount Buffalo Chalet now has a cafe, so you can get a nice hot drink and a bite to eat in this stunning corner of Victoria.
Mount Buffalo Chalet Cafe
The venue is being revived in stages, with the new cafe marking the first step towards a bright future. Before or after a day in the great outdoors, pop inside this heritage-listed landmark for a cup of coffee or a refreshing cool drink. Relax with a scone or a light treat, or tuck into something heartier like a pie. When you’re done, take a stroll around the terraced European garden, which is particularly beautiful in spring.
The cafe is open from 10am to 4pm on weekends, school holidays and public holidays (including Cup Monday). So, if you’re planning a trip somewhere this long weekend, this cafe is a strong contender! The cafe is open to walk-ins only, so you don’t need to worry about making a booking.
Mount Buffalo Chalet future plans
There’s more to come for the Chalet, with new owners Belgravia Group signing a 40-year lease on the site. They will host outdoor learning programs for schools, so students around Victoria can connect with nature. The venue will open an Outdoor Education Centre for school groups next year, with room for 200 beds. The building is expecting to welcome over 5000 students a year, with accommodation for them currently set to open in May 2027.
The precinct will also open accommodation for regional workers around March or April next year. Beyond that, the Main Chalet building should open for events, tourism and 18 rooms for guest accommodation in late 2027 or early 2028.
What else can you do?
While you’re there, take in panoramic views over granite cliffs, down to the Ovens Valley and the mountains beyond, from the edge of Mount Buffalo Gorge. At the Gorge Day Visitor Area, you’ll find a number of lookout spots, picnic tables and toilets. From there, you can stretch your legs and embark on a hike. Try the Gorge Heritage Walk, a 2.5km journey that will lead you to gorgeous vantage points, with plenty of signs explaining the local history. Head to Lake Catani via a 4km track, or if you’re feeling ambitious, try out The Big Walk, which is over 10km long, and connects the Gorge to the park entrance.
Further away from the Gorge, you’ll find plenty of other adventures around Mount Buffalo National Park. Take in the sights from the Horn, the highest point in the park at 1,723 metres. Swap the rugged sights of granite tors and cliffs with waterfalls instead, by visiting Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls.
Join a tour and get your heart racing with activities like abseiling, canoeing and even picnicking off the side of a cliff.
Outside the park itself, you’ll find plenty of dreamy towns nearby, such as Bright and Mount Beauty.
