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Explore surrounds of Buchan with magnificent waterfalls, rivers and other scenic delights during summer 2024

With the Buchan Caves Reserve closed, explore Buchan's natural beauty: waterfalls, escarpments, rivers - easily accessible, providing awe-inspiring experiences close to Gippsland Lakes.

By news@gippsland - 9th January 2024 - Back to News

With the Buchan Caves Reserve closed due to a flooding event, this is a fantastic time to explore Buchan beyond the caves. The Buchan area abounds in natural beauty, peppered with lesser-known gems, from cascading waterfalls, rocky escarpments to mighty rivers. Discover awe-inspiring nature experiences that are wild and raw, yet easily accessible from the township (and in a 2WD!).

Start your day at The Willow for breakfast, coffee, provisions, then journey to Snowy River National Park's southern area

This is a 2-day itinerary with Day 1 taking in highlights in the township and closeby in Buchan East. Day 2 explores the sites of the northern section of Snowy River National Park, north of Buchan. Buchan is a 4:20 hour drive east of Melbourne, and also makes an easy day trip for visitors staying around the Gippsland Lakes.

Buchan and Buchan east

Grab brekky and freshly ground coffee from The Willow's classic brunch menu, and sit in the ambient, plant-filled cafe. Stock up on food to fuel your day's adventuring before you leave town. The Willow offers fresh-made rolls and sweet treats.

You can purchase sausages from the Buchan General Store and there are also takeaway options at The Roadie. Then, head to the southern reaches of the magnificent Snowy River National Park in Buchan East.

Journey east to Basin Creek Falls for a scenic, steep descent to the waterfall's base amidst perfumed forest views

Buchan Basin Creek Falls

Head east to Basin Creek Falls and get your heart pumping on the steep, but very beautiful descent to the base of Basin Creek Falls (30 mins; 1.3km each way). Walk through perfumed forest and moss-covered rocks as you enjoy stunning views over the Snowy River far below.

There's a chance for a splash at the shallow pool under the single span waterfall, which we recommend to stay cool for your return hike back uphill. There is a grassy clearing and picnic tables with tranquil views over the Snowy.

Northward through John Flynn Reserve leads to Buchan River. Relax by the Swing Bridge or enjoy fishing by the river

Balley Hooley ( The Junction)

Backtrack to the Five Ways, then head south on the Balley Hooley Rd. It's well worth the stop at One Tree Hill as you're driving past, for the dreamy views across rich farmland and rolling hills, toward the township. There's a picnic table, and it's a solid choice for cracking out your lunch.

Continue on to Balley Hooley (The Junction), a place of tranquillity at the junction of the Buchan River and the Snowy River. It's easy to spend a few hours here, lazing by the wide section of river. The secret is out for this being a top spot for fishing, canoeing/ kayaking and swimming. There are toilets, picnic tables and fire pits, where you can cook a barbecue (hopefully the fish are biting!).

Post outdoor adventure, return to Buchan. Explore heritage shop fronts, visit General Store and The Roadie for local items

Balley Hooley

After a big morning of outdoor adventure, take the scenic drive back to Buchan. Stroll around the town centre, taking in the heritage shop fronts that line the main street, with verandahs stretched over the footpaths. The General Store and The Roadie have a range of homewares, gifts and locally produced items.

Buchan River and swing bridge

Head north through John Flynn Reserve arriving at the Buchan River, just a short stroll from town. You can cross the river on the graceful Swing Bridge for some riverside relaxation, or drop a line in the Buchan River.

Enjoy riverside time at Bluff Reserve, then savor a meal at Buchan Caves Hotel, a local watering hole

The Bluff Reserve

Spend the afternoon riverside. The Bluff Reserve is a scenic location with a large granite rock face looming above the Buchan River, just 1 km north of town. When your rumbling tummy tells you it's time, step into the iconic Buchan Caves Hotel, a watering hole for the locals.

Reward your outdoor pursuits with a pub meal from Buchan Caves Hotel - you've earned it. The classic country pub offers all your pub favourites, and the rustic beer garden is ambient and inviting.

Gelantipy Rd, W Tree Falls, Tulloch Ard Gorge Walk. Waterfall beauty, forest trek, panoramic views, wildlife spotting - essential for northern journey

Tulloch Ard Gorge

Make sure you've packed food your day exploring the north, as you won't pass any eateries on this route. Head north on the Gelantipy Rd. It's well worth stopping at beautiful W Tree Falls, 20km out of town on the left side of the road. Amidst perfumed bush you'll find the 20m waterfall where water cascades down two tiers to the bottom.

Onwards to the Tulloch Ard Gorge Walk. The 3.2km, 1 hour return walk passes through tall mountain grey gum forest. The rocky path has steep sections. The end-point is a viewing platform, affording gob-smacking views over mountain ranges and a deep gorge, cut by the mighty Snowy River. Eyes peeled for lyrebirds scurrying in the undergrowth and wedge-tailed eagles circling overhead.

Channel your inner Snowy River rider at Karoonda Park: horse trail ride, stunning views, wildlife spotting, plus convenience store and fuel

Karoonda Park

Get your Man-From-Snowy-River on with a horse trail ride at Karoonda Park. Seriously - they'll even provide a Driza Bone if the weather calls for it. Atop your trusty steed, trot and gallop around the Karoonda property through bush and creek crossings, spotting wildlife and spectacular views over the Snowy River. There's also fuel and a small convenience store.

Little River Falls and Gorge

Keep a lookout for the Little River car park on the right side of McKillops Rd. From the parking area, walk over the bridge and take the walking track off the side. It's a moderately easy walk to the Little River Falls. For those with energy reserves and a good level of fitness, you can take the steep descent to the base of the falls.

Back behind the wheel, continue north for 3km until you reach the Little River Gorge Track on your right. There's a carpark a short distance ahead.

Prepare to be amazed as you look over the Little River Gorge. You can't be blamed for experiencing a bit of vertigo - at 600m deep, it is Victoria's deepest gorge. A short but steep 800m return track gets you to the viewing platform where you can binge on the stunning views. Little by name, but certainly not by nature. Return to Buchan (1 hour; 67 km).

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com