When we sold our house earlier than expected, we knew our travel plans would be out of sync with the recommended seasonal route around Australia. That twist of timing is how we found ourselves travelling during peak season, doing our best to escape the January heat by seeking out cooler mountain climates.
Nug Nug Reserve - Buffalo River
Fortunately, we secured a site at Nug Nug Reserve, nestled along the Buffalo River just 13 kilometers south of Myrtleford on Buffalo River Road.
Nug Nug Reserve is lovingly cared for by dedicated caretakers—currently Jo and Trev—who manage the day-to-day operations and fee collection. Governance is overseen by a Committee of Management and the Campers Association, with additional support from the local Buffalo River CFA.
The campground offers a mix of powered and unpowered sites, toilet facilities, cold showers, bins, and non-certified potable water. Most of the dispersed sites are well shaded, and Nug Nug Creek, which flows into the Buffalo River, became a welcome refuge from the 40-plus-degree temperatures we experienced during our stay.
Camping in busy campgrounds isn’t usually our first choice, but during peak periods it’s something we’re learning to embrace as part of the journey.
Our days were spent enjoying peaceful morning walks along quiet, hilly tracks and u?nwinding at nearby Lake Buffalo. This picturesque dam is popular for boating, watersports—including skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding—along with fishing, swimming, picnics and scenic drives. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Buffalo National Park, it’s easy to see why the area is so well loved. Lake Buffalo is managed by Goulburn-Murray Water.
We also made time for a trip to Mount Buffalo, a must-see alpine favourite of ours. The mountain truly has it all. While it’s well known for winter snow activities, Mount Buffalo offers just as much in the warmer months. You can camp beside beautiful Lake Catani, try your hand at fly fishing, kayak, or take a refreshing swim in the cool alpine water.
Our first stops were Lady Bath Falls and Eurobin Falls. A short walk from the car park led us to Lady Bath Falls, where a large, crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls makes for a perfect summer dip. We then continued to an upper Eurobin Falls lookout to watch the water cascade down the sheer granite rockface.
From there, we drove higher up the mountain to the Mount Buffalo Chalet precinct, which offers incredible viewpoints—particularly at the Gorge Precinct, home to a new all-abilities observation deck complete with a glass floor and sweeping views across the Ovens Valley. We wandered through the chalet’s beautiful gardens, taking time to admire this historic timber building, constructed in 1910 as Australia’s first ski resort.
To really stretch our legs, we continued on to The Horn, the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park at 1,723 metres. A short but steep walk from the picnic area rewards you with stunning 360-degree views across the plateau and the surrounding Australian Alps—well worth the climb.
Lake Catani was the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch before we made our way back to camp, content after another memorable day in the high country.
With extreme heat, high fire danger and multiple fires burning across the state, we made the decision to bunker down and stay put at Nug Nug Reserve. Trev, the park caretaker, is also Captain of the Buffalo River CFA and was across the situation at all times. Along with local police, he kept everyone informed and ready to evacuate if necessary. Thankfully, we remained safe throughout what was a challenging and uncertain period.
Overall, it was a fantastic camp stay, and we’d love to return in the cooler months to experience it again, ideally with a little more peace and fewer crowds.
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