Hike Mount Buffalo

I love this walk. It ticks all the boxes of the perfect day walk for me. A fantastic variety of vegetation and terrain. A superb ascent (and descent) with an impressive 1200m gained over 11km! The views are simply spectacular and there's a real sense of community among walkers, trail runners and cyclists you'll meet on this magnificent day out. 

Starting at Eurobin Creek Picnic Area which is just a 15minute drive from Bright town, (easy parking and toilet facilities at the Picnic Area) you commence The Big Walk. 

The walk is well marked, cross over Eurobin Creek over the swing bridge and the track heads steeply up through tall forest of mainly beautiful eucalyptus trees. In the early hours you will hear the local kangaroos going about their morning activities. After 2km you reach a 4WD track and then take the track until you cross over the main road.  The next 2 km is an easier gradient which is a welcome relief, the vegetation switches to Gum and Fern trees. 

Half way is at the wonderful Mackeys Lookout at 5.6km, great spot for a drink and snack and simply take it all in. Elevation is now just over 900m, the Australian Alps are incredibly impressive and granite slabs now take precedence which form Mighty Mount Buffalo. 

Follow the zig zag track with orange markers for another km, and you'll soon come to another lookout Marriott's Lookout at almost the 7km point. From here, it's now getting close to where the snowline will be in Winter, the track traverses through majestic Ash trees.  At just over 9km is the highest point of the Big Walk, Mansfields Junction.  It's easier from here, The Heritage walk starts and has plenty of information plaques up, explaining the pioneering days of this stunning area. The Gorge Day Visitor Area at the top is superb. A wealth of lookouts, enjoy them all. The area is well looked after with toilets and often a coffee/refreshment van which is a great treat.  

For the return, simply follow the track back down, it's just as epic as walking up. Don't forget to stop on your way back to Bright to grab a photo of the 'Buffalo'.