Set within the Mount Buffalo National Park, the Mount McLeod Trail is a 10 mi out-and-back walking route that starts and ends at the Reservoir picnic area, Victoria, Australia. This classic mountain trail is well-maintained and undulating and allows hikers to explore the breath-taking Northern Buffalo Remote and Natural Area. Graded as Medium to Difficult it is usually completed in 5 – 6 hours and boasts superb views from the summit of Mount McLeod at 1541 metres, with a total elevation gain of 1906 ft. With much wildlife and nature to enjoy on the route, including cockatoos, snakes and lizards, enjoy sections of bushwalking through native shrubs, with areas that can become a little overgrown before the track climbs to the ridgeline for fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Continue to climb, with some challenging sections and steep rocky scrambles toward the summit. For hikers looking to extend their adventure, there are two designated hike-in campsites within the national park; the Rocky Creek Camping Area for those on the Rocky Creek Track and the Mount McLeod Camping Area for this, the Mount McLeod Trail; the campsites have five basic sites to accommodate a maximum of 2 people per site and is sheltered with a basic composting toilet and nearby small creeks for water collection (to be treated). Some hikers who plan to stay the night like to lighten the load and set up camp before heading to the summit of Mount McLeod. Parking is available for day hiking or for campers at the trailhead at the Reservoir picnic area and dogs are not allowed in the Mount Buffalo National Park for the protection and conservation of the park and its wildlife.
