Lake Catani circuit walk, Mount Buffalo

Lake Catani circuit walk, Mount Buffalo created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

A surprisingly varied walk on the Mt Buffalo plateau, this gentle 1-hour loop walk is especially beautiful in the warmer months with wildflowers, wildlife and kayak-spotting aplenty!

Description

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Lake Catani is located on the Mount Buffalo plateau high in the Victorian Alps. While artificially created, it now provides a vital wetland habitat.
This idyllic spot, set amongst picturesque Snow Gum woodland, is perfect for walks, and a swim in warmer months.

Lake Catani is best seen from this circuit track as it passes through
several different plant communities. Follow it through twisted Eucalypt forest and breathe in the fresh mountain air. At dusk, keep an eye out for wombats!

The walk can be accessed from various points around Lake Catani, and be aware that the track goes up onto the C535 road for a section on the west side of the lake. *Please take care, and be aware and visible to fast-approaching vehicles and cyclists.

Parks Victoria camping notes.

Swimming: Parks Victoria water safety advice.

Find more of our walking maps located within Alpine Shire here including the nearby Chalwell Galleries walk .

Banner and social share photo credit: Visit Victoria (Rob Blackburn)

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Points of Interest

1. Walk start

We started the walk here, on the southern side of the lake - parking at point 14 on the map.

2. Canopy cover

The track starts in the open but you're soon approaching a small wooded forest - which is lovely on a hot day!

3. Wildflower blanket

Native wildflowers such as Candle Heath (yellow spikes) are in bloom from winter through to summer, as well as species such as Sphagnum Moss and Mountain Tea Tree. Keep to the track to protect them.

4. Streams

The track passes by the Eurobin Creek, which feeds the lake with fresh water and provides habitat for species such as the Eastern Water-rat and native fish (eg: Mountain Galaxias)

5. Up onto the road - beware

Be on the lookout for fast-moving vehicles and cyclists as you head along to find the next part of the walk track. Bright-coloured clothing could be a good idea, especially on gloomy days.

6. Picnic area

This is a nice spot to take a break if needed and you can learn some history. A sawmill located here provided timber for the construction of the Mt Buffalo Chalet between 1907-1910 when it opened.

7. Back down to lake track

Keep an eye out for some stone steps and this little bridge/boardwalk, which marks the point where the road leads back to the lakeside (off-road) walk track.

8. Open area

This part of the walk is again out in the open, providing a chance for more wildflower spotting. Stick to the path to protect vegetation from damage and from any weeds you may be carrying unknowingly.

9. Forested stretch

This is a lovely, shaded section of the walk is home to Alpine Ash (its seeds require 1 month of cold temperatures to germinate). This area is also home to Mountain Pepper and Buffalo mint bush.

10. Electricity generator

Power is made here care of a micro hydro electric generator.

11. Turn point

Go right at the top of this little climb to continue this Catani Lakeside walk. A left turn will take you along the 1.6km track to The Gorge (not part of this map).

12. Sub Alpine terrain

Snow Gums (Waarakarntj) are prolific, but you'll also spot Mountain Gum (longer, narrower leaves) and Mountain Hickory Wattle, which blooms in late winter / spring.