Mount Buffalo
Mount Buffalo is a mountain plateau of the Australian Alps and is within the Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria, Australia. It is located approximately northeast of Melbourne. It is noted for its dramatic scenery.
The summit of the highest peak of the plateau, known as The Horn, has an elevation of AHD.
Mount Buffalo is managed by Parks Victoria.
History
Before British colonisation, Mount Buffalo was occupied by the Mogullumbidj. The Mogullumbidj were a Dhuduroa-speaking people known as "Druids" to early colonists and recorders. The term Minjambuta is likely a synonym for the Mogullumbidj that was popularised by its use by Norman Tindale in his mapping of Australian tribes, and the term is still found in signage throughout the park. The Mogullumbidj were closely associated with the Mt Buffalo plateau, and hosted other groups who visited to feast on bogong moths. The Aboriginal name for the mountain was Tubbalunganer.Despite having no relationship to the Kulin groups of central and southern Victoria, Mt Buffalo and the surrounding terrain was included in a Traditional Owner Settlement Act agreement with the Taungurung traditional owner group by the Victorian government in October 2018. This decision was subsequently challenged and found wanting by the Federal Court of Australia.
Hamilton Hume and William Hovell were the first Europeans to visit the area and they named the mountain during their 1824 expedition, noting the mountain's resemblance to a giant, sleeping buffalo.
In 1836, the explorer and Surveyor General of New South Wales, Thomas Mitchell visited the area and named the mountain Mount Aberdeen, unaware it had already been named Mount Buffalo.
Recreation
There are extensive walking tracks across the Plateau that is studded with large granite tors. The Mount Buffalo Gorge has sheer granite cliffs that provide good views down to the Ovens Valley. The cliffs are popular for rock climbing. There is a launch ramp for hang gliders at the cliffs.There are waterfalls on the edge of escarpment.
The Mount Buffalo Chalet provided accommodation on the mountain but is not currently operating.
During winter Mount Buffalo offers snow play and cross-country skiing.
Lake Catani on the plateau is used for canoeing, fishing and swimming.