Mount Buffalo

[Earwig]

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of hiking out to Mt McLeod and was chasing a bit of advice. Is it worth carrying all the gear for an overnight stay or better as a day walk from base camp at Lake Catani?

[Drifting]

Make sure the track is open. Last time I tried to walk it, the track was closed, though it wasn't noted anywhere other than about 300m up the trail. This was in the Summer of 2007 (2 years ago). You think they could put a sign out on the main road, at least. The campground was closed- they were allowing backcountry camping at Wild Dog Plain.

It was pretty burnt out in there, with significant fire damage from both 2003 and 2006. Around Mt Mcleod, the ground was sterilized to a depth of 10m in parts after 2003.

[Earwig]

Hmm. I am reconsidering and thinking about a hike over the Baw Baw Plateau instead.

[north-north-west]

Wimp.
It's better as a daywalk. Easy shortish day there and back. Even with a camera. Good views. Besides, who pays attention to 'track closed' signs?

Baw Baw's probably a better option for an overnighter. There's been a fair amount of clearing done up there lately, so the scrub on the track's a bit less overgrown than usual. LOT of trees down in the Erica area from the wild winter winds, but most have been chainsawed.

[Earwig]

In the end, we hiked out to Rocky Creek via Og Gog Magog. The track was rather overgrown in parts as a consequence of the 2003 fire but still a good hike. Camped out and hiked back along Rocky Creek Track, which was a pleasant ramble.

[Drifting]

did you get much wild flower action? I usedto love that trail.

[Earwig]

Alpine daisies were out and a few other things but I think we missed the main flowering time.

[Drifting]

Mt Feathertop and The Tawonga Huts on the Bogong High Plains are pretty choice flower destinations too. I hiked out ot Feathertop about 2 weeks before hte 2003 fires- it was just magic.

[Kinsayder]

I've not been to Buffalo before but thought I might go and tick off three or four day/short hikes (McLeod, the Horn, Cathedral, the Horn and possibly Dunn) in mid July, using the Reservoir Picnic Area as a base. I've only just last night starting looking into it but information seems a little scant. Would anybody know if you can drive to the Reservoir Picnic Area in July? Is it a long, deeply snowed hike out to it if it is not accessible on a winter road? Is it possible to boot it or is it a snowshoe proposition (it doesn't seem to be that high a mountain but I know that it does get more than a dusting of snow)? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[Earwig]

The road is closed from Queen's Birthday weekend (11 June) to early November so you would have to walk in July and a winter hike to Mt McLeod would be a long walk - 3km or so to the reservoir than another 6 or 7 to Mt McLeod and then you have to get back. Snow cover could be zero to lots (Probably snowing right now). You can easily ski or walk out to the Horn - about 5km return - and the Cathedral should be possible. Both have some scrambling/climbing which is quite easy in good weather but could offer some excitment with icy rock and frozen fingers.

[dplanet]

Check with ParkVic if you will be able to camp at the Reservoir Picnic Area in mid July. I think you will. Had done it on a cross-country ski trip some years ago. We had skied in from the road, then pitched our tents there and done day trips. Unsure that i saw a no-camping signpost at the car park over Easter last year. If you have the time, take your time. There are plenty to do and see up there.

[wazzawalkin]

When I was at the Reservoir car park in early April I am sure I saw a No Camping sign.
It probaly would be better to have a chat with the local Rangers, they may be happy to turn a blind eye since the only way in is on foot at that time of the year.

There is a camping area at Dels Plain, about 1km before Mt McLeod would also be an option.
Regardless Mt Buffalo offers plenty of walking choices.
W.

[JamesMc]

The camp site near Mt McLeod is excellent.

JamesMc

[Kinsayder]

My leave pass (my wife is pregnant and we have a three year old, so such things are like gold) has been rescinded! Apparently there's a calendar clash; I'm still going to Buffalo but no idea when. I might go and do Mt William as a day hike some time in the coming weeks and maybe still try to head off to Buffalo whenever I think I can get away with it! All the same, thanks for all the good pointers. It sounds like a great spot, although I think perhaps April/May next year might be safer bets.

[dplanet]

If so, early booking for catani camping is suggested. All the best to your wife.

[Kinsayder]

Thanks DPlanet! Do you know if there are any huts up there worth visiting/any at all?