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Mt Buffalo Climb

Victorian Alps, VIC

CyclingHard

At a Glance

ActivityCycling
Disciplineroad_climb
DifficultyHard
Distance21.0 km
Elevation Gain1100 m
Trail TypePoint To Point
SurfaceSealed
Best SeasonNovember to April
Bikes Allowed

About the Mt Buffalo Climb

21km granite plateau climb from Porepunkah to the Mt Buffalo Chalet with 1,100m of vertical gain and famously consistent gradient.

Mt Buffalo is the most consistent of Victoria's big alpine climbs - a near-metronomic 5-6% gradient for 21km from Porepunkah at the bottom of the Ovens Valley up to the historic Mt Buffalo Chalet at 1,300m. From the Chalet, riders can continue another 8km on undulating road to The Horn, the mountain's 1,723m granite summit, which adds approximately 4km of climbing including a steep final pinch.

The climb's character is defined by its hairpin switchbacks through alpine ash forest in the lower section and the sweeping granite-tor landscape above. Unlike Hotham and Falls Creek there are no false flats - the gradient is honest the whole way up, making it ideal for pacing efforts and Strava PB attempts. Average gradient sits around 5.2% with maximums of about 9% on a few short ramps near the Eurobin Falls turnoff.

The road surface was fully resealed in 2018 and is now among the smoothest alpine roads in Victoria. Traffic is light outside school holidays. Porepunkah Pub or one of the cafes in nearby Bright are the standard start points. The descent is fast, well-cambered and largely free of switchbacks below the Chalet, making it one of the most enjoyable in the country.

Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 5.2%, Max gradient: 9%.

Mt Buffalo Climb Safety & Warnings

Chalet kiosk seasonal; carry food/water; cold descents.

Mt Buffalo Climb Highlights

Consistent 5-6% gradientGranite tors above tree lineTour of Bright Stage 3Smooth resealed surface

Mt Buffalo Climb Facilities & Huts

Porepunkah Pub
Eurobin Falls Picnic Area
Mt Buffalo Chalet Kiosk (Seasonal)

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Dump Points(1)

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