MBSS will be back for the winter of 2025! To book a green season tours, visit Adventure Guides Australia
The High Country's Winterland Playground
Mount Buffalo is a spectacular year-round outdoor playground for bushwalkers, photographers, road cyclists, families, trail runners and locals from the nearby towns. In summer the cool streams and Lake Catani provide welcome relief from the scorching heat, in spring and autumn the temperature is perfect for bushwalking and rock climbing and abseiling.
In winter the 1300m+ altitude means it receives plenty of snowfall!
For a full list of facilities and activities visit the official destination website visitmountbuffalo.com.au.
Winter facilities
During winter most facilities on the mountain remain open.
- Cross country skiing and snowplay: Cresta Valley
- Snowshoe rambles: Cresta Valley
- Tobogganning and snowplay: Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley
- Bushwalking: Most of the trail network remains open during winter, but in snow the tracks are not cleared and can be difficult to follow. Snowshoes may be required.
- Public Toilets: Dingo Dell, Cresta Valley, Gorge Lookout car park, Cathedral picnic area, Rollasons Falls picnic area
- Cafe: Dingo Dell
- Public Shelter at Dingo Dell
- Mount Buffalo Chalet: Closed until further notice (but still worth a trip to view the outside)
- Lake Catani campground: Free snow-camping only (no vehicles). Drop toilets are open.
- Outstation Camping: There is ski to outstation camping near the reservoir (Must be booked on Parkweb)
Parks Victoria Information Sheet
Parks Victoria information sheet: Winter at Mount Buffalo 2022 V2
Mount Buffalo In Winter
Travelling to Mount Buffalo
The drive up the hill from Porepunkah takes 30-45 minutes, longer in heavy snow. There are three or four stopping points and lookouts. Drive to the conditions and use the slow vehicle turnouts to let others pass you if required.
Snow chains
Snow chains must be carried by all vehicles including 4WD and AWD during most of the declared snow season (Jun-Oct). You could be fined if you aren't carrying chains. Road signage will direct you to fit the chains if necessary.
You can hire snow chains for around $30-$40 per day from any of the ski hire outlets in Myrtleford, Porepunkah or Bright. Be sure to pay attention to how they are fitted.
Resort entry and parking
There is ample parking available at Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley but we recommend you arrive early on days that are likely to be busy (good snow & good weather).
There is no charge for parking and no resort entry fee.
Cyclists
Please be aware of road cyclists during all seasons - share the road!
Where to stay
During spring, summer and autumn Lake Catani campground is popular with campers (unpowered sites only - bookings required via Parks Victoria website), but the campground is only open during winter for free snow camping. There is no other accommodation on the mountain.
Numerous accommodation options exist in the nearby towns of Porepunkah, Bright, Myrtleford and Beechworth. Further afield are more options in Harrietville, Mt Beauty, Yackandandah and Wangaratta.
Mount Buffalo Map
