On Sunday December 28th, a fine and sunny day greeted the 17 walkers choosing to hike on Mount Buffalo, starting from the car park at the Chalet. The walk would offer sections that could be deleted or undertaken as desired. The Underground River Walk, the View Point, Chalwell Galleries and Lake Catani loop were all parts of the hike, which was estimated to be about 10km.
As usual we first assembled to hand out maps, provide details and do introductions of the participants. It was at this point I needed to tell the group that there would be no wine provided at the end of the walk, as had followed on my previous walk, the Picnic Loop at Lake Buffalo earlier in the month. There was however the coffee van should we all manage to make it back by 3pm. My Ron Barassi type motivational speech was now completed.
It was just after 10am when we divided into two groups, with the first destination being the View Point. One smaller group would walk with Cecily towards the Lake, and then out to the View Point, while the larger group would follow the Underground River to reach the view point. I was leading the larger group, and our first point of interest was Billson’s Lookout, not far from the Chalet car park. The view was spectacular, with the alps in the background and valley spread out below, and presented an impeccable group photo opportunity.
Apparently, Billson’s Lookout was so called because of Billson’s Brewery which made its first cordial variety here – the delicious Buffalo Salle, wattle and fern-leaf heath myrtle, with a hint of moss and lichen. A family favourite.
Our group proceeded on working our way down about 100m over one kilometre, passing the Haunted Gorge Lookout. Apparently, it was so called because……actually, never mind. At the base of this section we reached the Underground River Cave. Had we been decked out with the appropriate equipment, and with a guide, I am sure none of us would have hesitated climbing into the claustrophobic, dark, cold and wet space for an adventure of a different kind.
We continued, now climbing up towards the plateau, and a link trail that would take us out to the View Point. Upon reaching this junction, Cecily’s group had also arrived. The synchronising of our watches at the start of the day to meet at this intersection at precisely the same time proved worthwhile.
Wildflowers were out in full force as we walked towards our destination located at just over 2.5km into our walk. A slight ascent led us to the large granite boulders, with guide rails that lead up to the viewpoint at about 1400m. The bluest of clear skies presented the Buckland Valley below us, and the Alps as a spectacular backdrop. Considerable time was engaged by many to take in the surroundings. A rather late morning tea was taken at this point.
After morning tea we retraced our steps towards Lake Catani. As we approached the Lake Sandi made mention of the numerous ferns below a foot bridge. The scene reminded her of a place where trolls might live. As if trolls exist. Bunyips, Yowies and Drops Bears on the other hand are known to roam the plateau of Mount Buffalo. At Lake Catani for lunch we were met by the usual locals – well-fed wood ducks. This reminded me, once at home, to check my cookbooks for new tasty menus to try.
Lunch is always a relaxed time with numerous stories shared. Many of which are probably true, if you were given time to fact check them. Anyway Alan’s photo of the ‘one that didn’t get away’, was living proof of the monster fish he landed at a secret location (it’s on his property). Being alongside Lake Catani stories afforded tales of everyone’s swimming triumphs and tragedies. No breaking of World or Olympic records were mentioned.
We were about 4.5km into the walk, and after lunch one group of walkers decided to return to the Gorge area and wait while the rest of us completed our hike. For those walkers the temptation of numerous cups of coffee before closing time was too great. Chalwell Galleries was our next point of interest.
The Mount Buffalo Park Notes describe this as a natural adventure playground, which is s good account if you come out unscathed. We passed snow gums, and a short climb, to reach a series of large granite boulders forming a passage between them. It’s a steep, and sometime challenging, descent down requiring a good head for heights, and confined spaces. With some well organised teamwork, people, packs and poles were transported through the narrow crevice to the opening at the other end.
Edible snakes were the reward for everyone’s efforts, and a quick check of casualties. Ingrid emerged with a scraped arm that was bleeding a little, and I ended up with a slightly grazed knee despite wearing long trousers. Daryl suffered the substantial injury of a broken nail, but nothing a good manicure won’t fix. This loop walk had one more short clambering exercise between tight spaces for us to navigate before we could finally return to the lake.
Once we arrived at the lake we had now completed over 7km, and continued along the road, passing the Long Plain Track starting point. We arrived at the Grossman’s Mill Picnic Area, where just after this spot was our bush track to lead us around the lake. The boardwalk assisted us walking over the wetlands and onto a well-formed trail. Many visitors were at the lake today, with swimming and kayaking among the popular pursuits. A group photo was taken here, with the lake providing picturesque background scenery.
Our return to the Gorge Day area was the remaining part of our walk. Adrian called to see how far our group was away, as the coffee van was beginning to close. On our behalf, he successfully negotiated the van to stay open a little longer for our group to be able to purchase some refreshments. For those who don’t know, Adrian is to commence a new role within government as a mediator in major world conflicts.
Once we were all back at the car park more time was spent reminiscing about the day’s adventures, or simply gossiping about anything and everything. My GPS recorded 11.km in 5 hours and 20 minutes. Not an earth-shattering time but most importantly certainly a great day of hiking in perfect weather conditions, in one our best local northeast locations. Thanks to everyone who participated, and WRBC looks forward to seeing you all in 2026.
[Michael Braendler]