31/05/2026
MOUNT BUFFALO -WINTER VISITOR INFORMATION
Week 1st to 7th June
Mount Buffalo in Autumn is a " Winter Wonderland"
Welcome to Winter at Mount Buffalo, colder nights and days so rug up and enjoy the walks, waterfalls and views.
There is minimal snow forecast over the next 14 days, see attached forecasts (mostly at high levels and unlikely to fall at Mount Buffalo). We often do not get tobogganable snow until as late as early July but fingers crossed for mid to late June.
The 2026 snow season opening weekend commences on Saturday 6th June so this week is time to check out your snow chains.
Snow chains need to be carried at Mount Buffalo on ALL VEHICLES and fitted as directed from this opening weekend https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/winter/snow-chains/
VISITING MOUNT BUFFALO
Mount Buffalo is an easily accessible and mostly sheltered sub alpine location in nearly all weathers. Travel to the plateau and its key visitor locations is an easy drive from Bright and Porepunkah. We have amazing waterfalls, hiking, spectacular scenery and views. .
WINTER SAFETY WHEN VISITING THE OUTDOORS
Before you hike or adventure this winter check out https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/skiing-and-snowplay
If you are intending to ski or snowshoe well away from facilities also check out Back Country Travel tips at the Mountain Safety Collectives website at https://mountainsafetycollective.org/
WINTER DRIVING AT MOUNT BUFFALO
In Winter learn about safe snow driving at
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-driving/
For general mountain driving advice in winter see https://www.police.vic.gov.au/snow-and-winter-driving-safety
GORGE COFFEE VAN
There is no gorge coffee van operating over winter
DINGO DELL CAFE
To be advised when we have details
MOUNT BUFFALO FRIENDS GROUP
There is a Mount Buffalo Friends Group that has been set up to work with Parks Victoria and the community to improve environmental, visitor services and other tasks at Mount Buffalo. You can check this out at our Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564917967528
To inquire or join, E Mail us at [email protected] or call David on 0419280714
CRESTA VALLEY CAR PARK, HIKE TRAIL HUB
There is a basic toilet block and small day shelter room at Cresta Valley. Telstra phones mostly work but have low signal strength.
The South Buffalo, Dixon's Falls and Back Wall hiking tracks start here.
CATHEDRAL CAR PARK AND HIKING HUB
This hiking hub has parking and a toilet block. There are two walking tracks that take you either to the Sentinel and Castle or to the top of the Hump (past the Cathedral). Both tracks provide amazing views.
GORGE PRECINCT
Make sure that you visit the amazing Mount Buffalo gorge with its historical heritage listed Chalet and world class views. There are easy walks along the gorge rim plus spectacular views from the lookouts on the Gorge Heritage Walk, which is a "must do" trail to experience. There is a historical stone wet weather shelter hut located next to the gorge precinct car-park and a toilet block.
GORGE PRECINCT LOOKOUTS
The all abilities lookout with its glass floor (wheelchair access) is one of our newer visitor structures and its a facility with great views of the gorge. Bents lookout, the Echo Point lookout and the Hang-Glider launch lookout also provide gorge views. Other gorge viewing points can be found when hiking the gorge heritage walk which starts near Bents Lookout, including the crystal brook falls, pulpit rock and Wilkinson's lookouts .
MOUNT BUFFALO CHALET
While visiting the gorge precinct, ensure that you take the time to walk up and view the recently restored Mount Buffalo Chalet, with its Interpretative signs telling of the history of the Chalet (The Chalet interior is not currently open to visitors). The Chalet has been leased to Belgravia Outdoor Education for outdoor education school groups with plans for tourism accommodation in the future. https://belgravialeisure.com.au/mount-buffalo-chalet-a.../
SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS
Severe weather and heavy snow can occur in winter Alpine Environments. We recommend that you download the BOM and Vic Emergency App when visiting the alps as conditions can change quickly. Check these apps each day prior to arriving and when traveling / camping in the bush
WEATHER THIS WEEK
Rain or snow showers are possible this week.
Although not mandatory until the Kings Birthday weekend, carriage of chains is recommended.
MONDAY
Min -2 and max 0 Degrees. Cloudy. Very high chance of snow showers above 1400 m, most likely during this afternoon and evening (7 to 30mm). Damaging winds possible. Winds northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h tending northerly 40 to 50 km/h in the late afternoon then increasing to 50 to 65 km/h in the evening.
TUESDAY
Min -1 and max 2 Degrees. Cloudy. Cloudy. Very high chance of snow showers above 1700 m (15 to 40mm). Damaging winds possible. Winds northerly 55 to 65 km/h tending northwesterly 50 to 60 km/h in the middle of the day then decreasing to 40 to 50 km/h in the late afternoon.
WEDNESDAY
Min 1 and max 2 Degrees. Cloudy. Cloudy. Very high chance of snow showers above 1300 m (8 to 25mm) . Winds northwesterly 40 to 50 km/h tending westerly 45 to 55 km/h during the evening.
THURSDAY
Min -2 and max -1 Degrees. Cloudy. Very high chance of snow showers above 1100 m (2 to 9mm). Winds west to northwesterly 40 to 50 km/h decreasing to 30 to 40 km/h during the morning.
FRIDAY
Min -2 and max 1 Degrees. Cloudy. High chance of snow showers (2 to 4mm) . Winds westerly 30 to 40 km/h turning south to southwesterly 30 to 35 km/h during the morning.
SATURDAY
Min -3 and max 4 Degrees. Cloudy. Slight chance of a snow shower. Winds southerly 25 to 40 km/h tending southwesterly 20 to 25 km/h later.
SUNDAY
Min -1 and max 5 Degrees. Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h turning north to northwesterly later.
SNOW CAMERAS DINGO DELL AND CRESTA
Check out the Mount Buffalo snow Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/
DOGS and CATS AT MOUNT BUFFALO
Pet dogs and Cats are not allowed to be brought into the National Park (even if staying in cars)
FLYING DRONES
Parks Victoria requires permits for all drone filming and photography regardless of intent or purpose. All drone operators regardless of weight must also be a fully licensed pilot or a CASA certified operator. To apply for a permit an application to Parks Victoria must be given 20 business days prior. The cost for making a permit application for using a drone in a Victorian park is $199.80. - to apply for a permit see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/.../rpas-and-drones-filming...
BIKE SAFE ON THE MOUNT BUFFALO ROAD
When driving watch out for bikes on the road as the Buffalo road is a favorite hill climb for road bike riders.
Mount Buffalo is a great bike rider destination but ensure that you can be seen easily on our narrow road with its numerous blind corners. It is recommended that bike riders have both flashing tail and headlights so that motor vehicles can observe you from further away, rather than at the last minute.
Bright clothes can also improve rider visibility.
For road cycling safety - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF3uHJNum6c
DRIVE SAFE ON THE MOUNT BUFFALO ROAD
We recommend all motor vehicles drive with headlights on low to increase vehicle visibility, in particular during storms, frosts wet, foggy or cloudy weather. Be patient with slow drivers or bike riders and only pass when safe (avoiding passing on corners). If driving slowly to enjoy the views, use the many pull over areas on the Buffalo road to let other drivers pass safely.
This Alpine Shire video is worth watching regarding safe driving on Alpine roads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmi-UHjWco&t=5s
FREE ENTRY IN WINTER
There is free entry to Mount Buffalo National Park 365 days a year (including during the snow season)
CAMPING AT LAKE CATANI CAMPING GROUND
Open for free winter and snow camping from 6th June to end of August.
- Campground toilets and showers are closed over winter
- Hike in from locked gate at road (park there)
- Drop toilet only (behind the old stone picnic hut)
- No water or facilities
- Bring own firewood
- No booking needed
- Camp near the Stone picnic hut
LAKESIDE PICNIC SHELTER
The public toilets at the lakeside BBQ shelter are closed over winter
OUTSTATION CAMPING
There are two "hike in " outstation camp areas available all year out past the Reservoir. One at Mt McLeod and the second at Rocky Creek. Both of these camp sites have drop toilets. All camping must be booked. Go to the Parks Victoria Website to book camping at all these locations (Prior to arriving at Mount Buffalo if possible).
- The reservoir road gate is locked at the Buffalo Road over winter so hike or ski from there
LICENSED ACTIVITY AND TOUR OPERATORS
There are a number of licensed tour and activity operators offering a range of Adventures and tours at Mount Buffalo. Go to the Parks Victoria Website for details.
HIKE SAFE
When hiking on Mount Buffalo, ensure you advise someone where you are going and when you are expecting to get back so that the alarm can be raised in a timely manner in the event of an emergency (In particular on the longer isolated walks where you may be the only hikers). Take water, snacks and a map and compass, winter warm clothes,a wind proof jacket and a torch. Matches or a lighter for a signal fire and a light weight emergency blanket.
It is strongly recommended that you consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) as phone coverage is poor or non existent away from facilities. (Mobile phones may work from some high points)
LOOKOUTS TO HIKE TO
The Dingo Dell lookout is spectacular, just a short hike up to the top of the hill above the Dingo Dell Day shelter.
Other amazing lookout areas that are only a short hike include The Hump and Cathedral - The Castle and Mount La Seouf - The Monolith - View Point - Wilkinson's Lookout - The lake lookout track has excellent views of the Lake and starts at the junction of the Buffalo and Reservoir roads.
The Horn road is a cross country ski trail in winter and the road
is closed at the Cresta Valley Carpark
ROADS TRACKS AND TRAILS
The reservoir road and horn road are closed to traffic over the snow season.
All tracks and trails are open
WATERFALLS
Eurobin Falls, Rollason's Falls Dixon's Falls and The Crystal Brook Falls are all well worth a visit. Rollason's require a moderate hike to view and to view Dixons' Falls be prepared for snow (snowshoes or cross county skis recommended).
Crystal Brook falls can be viewed from the top using the Gorge Heritage Walk track to access.
TOILETS
There are public toilets at:-
-Park Entrance Picnic area
-Rollason's Falls picnic area
-Gorge precinct
-The Cathedral Saddle
-Dingo Dell Day Shelter (only when the Dingo Dell Day Shelter is open over winter)
- Cresta Valley.
- Lakeside picnic area toilets are closed during Winter
DRINKING WATER
There is no tested drinking water available at Mount Buffalo and water from all taps should be boiled or treated prior to drinking. It is recommended that you bring sufficient water for your needs.
BBQ LOCATIONS
There are wood fired BBQ areas at the Cricket Ground, and the Crossman's Mill picnic area (bring your own wood to all these locations) You may also bring your own Gas BBQ and use these at the Cathedral Car Parking area and Cresta Valley etc The public gas BBQ at the Lakeside Picnic Shelter are closed during winter
GORGE PRECINCT and CHALET MOBILE COVERAGE
Most phone providers have signal at the gorge precinct area and lookouts
CRESTA VALLEY MOBILE COVERAGE
There is limited Telstra mobile signal at Cresta Valley - near the shelter and toilets.
DINGO DELL MOBILE COVERAGE
Telstra phones work at Dingo Dell
BACK COUNTRY MOBILE COVERAGE
Even country rated Telstra phones may have limited or no coverage in most back country areas so consider a PLB or similar emergency device when hiking.
MOUNT BUFFALO CAMERAS
For up to date photos of Mount Buffalo weather etc check out the Mount Buffalo Cameras at https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au/snow-updates/
MOUNT BUFFALO WEBSITE
https://visitmountbuffalo.com.au
Tips and requirements for planning a trip to the snow, and driving safely in alpine conditions.
