The Big Walk (12km)

A challenging yet rewarding experience awaits hikers on The Big Walk, Mount Buffalo National Park's longest point-to-point trail. This 12-kilometer trek, graded as moderate-difficult, climbs roughly 1,000 meters from the park entrance to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Australian Alps and witness the unique biodiversity and geology of Mount Buffalo. Several rest areas and lookouts provide opportunities to catch your breath and soak in the scenery. Be aware that you can also access the walk from different points along Mount Buffalo Road.

The Big Walk offers a diverse and naturally beautiful experience, taking you through various terrain zones. Beginning at the base of Mount Buffalo, the track winds its way 11 kilometers (or 15 kilometers if you choose to include Rollasons Falls) to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. The trail steadily climbs through changing vegetation zones, with the increasing altitude offering progressively more spectacular panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Prepare for unpredictable weather conditions and limited water availability along the track.

Starting from the designated trailhead at the Eurobin Creek Picnic Area, you'll cross a swing bridge before embarking on a steep ascent through a moist foothill forest. After approximately 2 kilometers, you'll reach a 4WD track. Take a left and continue uphill for another 700 meters until you meet the main road at Eurobin Point. This marks the most challenging section of the hike.

Take a moment to rest and admire the interesting sandstone rock formations before continuing for 100 meters along the main road. Here, you can pick up the track again and follow a gentle spur that leads westward towards the Mount Buffalo Tourist Road. At this point, you'll have the option to detour to Rollasons Falls Picnic Area, a 4-kilometer round trip that offers toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.

The main track continues through an open montane forest, where you might spot shy swamp wallabies and hear the calls of abundant birdlife. After crossing the main road again, you'll reach Mackey's Lookout at 920 meters elevation, offering a clear view of the Australian Alps. The landscape transitions here, with granite slabs replacing the forest and marking the beginning of Mount Buffalo itself. The track becomes wetter and slipperier in this section, so proceed with caution.

A short detour leads to Marriott's Lookout, boasting breathtaking views into the Gorge. Back on the main track, the vegetation changes once more. As you approach the snowline at around 1150 meters, Alpine Ash trees become more common, accompanied by a shrubby understorey.

The trail continues to Manfields Junction, the highest point at 1350 meters. Consider venturing off the main track here to explore Manfields Lookout or Reeds Lookout, both offering scenic vistas within a 500-meter radius. From Reeds, you can rejoin The Big Walk via a loop track. At this point, you have two options to reach the finish: follow the Gorge Heritage Walk or continue straight ahead. Both routes lead to the Gorge Day Visitor Area, with similar distances involved.

Wilkinson's Lookout offers breathtaking views from a lofty position, while Pulpit Rock provides a closer look at the impressive gorge walls, often frequented by climbers. Crystal Brook, which carved out the Gorge over millions of years, flows beneath a bridge you'll cross before continuing past The Oval Picnic Area.

The Gorge Day Visitor Area features toilets, picnic tables, and a shelter. While the Chalet is currently closed, several lookouts within the vicinity, such as Bents Lookout and Echo Point, provide stunning vistas of the valley and beyond. Additional walking tracks branch off from the lower car park, leading to destinations like the Underground River, the Monolith, and Lake Catani with its campground.

Although described as a one-way trek, The Big Walk can be completed as a challenging 22-kilometer round trip for experienced hikers.