Highlights

Perched on top of granite cliffs at the edge of the Mount Buffalo plateau, The Horn is a unique landscape. Dotted here and there among the great boulders are the twisted, sun-bleached trunks of Snow Gums that have succumbed to bushfires over the years. A stone lookout shelter perched precariously atop the cliff overlooks all of this as well as the surrounding mountains far below.

The road to the carpark at The Horn, the highest point on Mt Buffalo, runs along the sheer Wall of China, an excellent introduction to the scenery that lies ahead. From there it is only a short walk to the base of the pinnacle, where a small climb with the help of handrails and ladders takes you to a magnificent lookout.

The Horn Picnic Area is located just below The Horn which is the highest point of Mount Buffalo at 1,723 metres. Bring your lunch and enjoy the Alpine scene from the comfort of a table at The Horn Picnic Area. The views from the picnic area are superb, but a walk along the Horn Track, which starts from here, will take you to another lookout with 360 degree views of the plateau and Australian Alps. The trail is 800m or 45 minutes return. The nearest toilets to the Horn Picnic Area are located at Cathedral Saddle.

This is also a popular place to watch a sunset. If you're lucky you might see little Australian Kestrels diving on Bogong Moths in the failing light. Otherwise, just enjoy the solitude of this mountain peak far above the worries of civilisation.

Activities

• Sight-seeing
• Picnics
• Photography
• Hiking / bush walking

Facilities

• Lookout
• Walking trail - 800m | 45 minutes return | very steep
• Picnic area
• Car park

Getting There

Mount Buffalo is 325 kilometres (three and a half hours’ drive) northeast from Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Either take the Snow Road exit just before Wangaratta or continue along the highway to the Great Alpine Road (B500) exit. Watch out for native animals, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Take care driving during winter. The main road is often snow covered from McKinnons Corner through to Cresta Valley. Snow chains must be carried and fitted when and where directed by road signs during the declared snow season. Horn Road is unsealed and can become dusty and rough. It is closed during winter or following periods of heavy rain. Horn Road is not suitable for caravans.