EXPLORE - Mount Buffalo National Park , VIC

Ahhh Mount Buffalo, where do we begin?

This small national park took us completely by surprise by how quickly we fell in love with it.

Sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, panoramic bush scenery and an abundance of walking tracks, we couldn’t help but think of alpine Tasmania (the state which has held our hearts ransom since the get-go.)

It’s free to visit and even more surprising, was wonderfully void of other people.

Seriously, for a place so damn beautiful we spent the majority of our days without another soul in sight. Talk about bliss.

OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS:

THE HORN

Best for: Sunset

The first spot we visited and arguably our favourite, it’s the furthest point you can drive in the park. If you’re short on time, this is where you want to go.

First there’s the cute little sheltered lookout just by the car park, which is just asking for a million insta photos (guilty).

It’s the perfect spot to watch the afternoon melt into evening whilst you wait for the sunset, and there are a few picnic tables around if you want to make an event of it.

When you’re ready, grab a torch and make your way up the 1km track to the Horn summit, which at 1723m is the highest point on Mount Buffalo.

From memory it took us about 20-25 mins and whilst a bit steep in parts, is not too difficult. The view is well worth it.

THE GORGE

Best for: Sunrise

A collection of lookouts spread out over the Gorge Day Visitor Area, get there a little before sunrise so you can check them all out and pick your perfect vantage point.

There’s also the Hangglider Ramp Lookout which is pretty cool.

A little disclaimer - you’re risking your own neck if you choose to get this close; it is STEEP and we were exceptionally careful when we went near it.

Please don’t be idiots.

CATHEDRAL- HUMP TRACK

Another short but sweet hike, this 2km trail first takes you past a spectacular rock formation known as The Cathedral.

Then it's onto The Hump for some amazing views of Cresta Valley and The Horn.

And yes, Bec hiked the trail whilst wearing a skirt. And a white one at that. Probably not the most sensible attire, but thankfully there weren’t any rock-leaping incidents.

LADY BATH FALLS

Decided to stop at this beauty on our way out of the park, and were so very glad we did. The water clarity is off the chain, and it felt like a secret little bush oasis.

It wasn’t a super hot day (maybe 25 degrees at most), but the sun was shining and Bec decided that that was enough for a spontaneous dip in her underwear.

Being an alpine waterfall the water was FREEZING (there may have been some swear words involved) but super refreshing after four days without a shower.

Shout out to the only other visitor at the falls, a middle aged alternative-looking man wearing nothing but a tiny black g-string. And he was not shy about it.

What a legend.

WHERE WE STAYED

Whilst there are some designated campgrounds in the park, they were a little exxy for us and as the park seemed rather quiet we decided to try our luck at stealth camping.

We wound up spending the night parked at the Cresta Valley Visitor Area, and got up early for sunrise at the gorge.

That we know of we were the only ones at that end of the park and didn’t have any issues so YAY!

THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS:

Entry cost: FREE. (Something we feel all national parks should be).

When to visit: We went in March (Autumn) and got some cracking weather in the low 20’s, perfect for hiking and a sneaky dip. But we reckon this place would be pretty spectacular all year round; winter you get snow, spring is wildflower season and summer is perfect for water activities.

What to bring: Everything. We didn’t notice any water taps in our travels, and whilst there’s a cafe or two in the park, they didn’t look open when we went by. There are loos scattered around but if you intend to stealth camp like us best to have one on board with you.

Mobile phone reception: a bit spotty and weak or non-existent in parts, so just a heads up.

Enjoy guys!