Visitor Information
Sightseeing in the District
From Buchan you can visit the Snowy River National Park. The main camping areas and facilities are situated at MacKillop's Bridge, although there are also several bushcamping spots and hostel accommodation. From MacKillop's Bridge are several walking trails including the magnificent Silver Mine Walking Track.
There are some fabulous lookouts along the track at Little River Falls and Little River Gorge. Numerous activities are also popular within the park including abseiling, canoeing and caving. Several activity packages within the Snowy River National Park are available.
Those interested in sight-seeing may choose the road to Orbost, 55 km south-east, or the 80 km trek north to Suggan Buggan. The road north out of Buchan overlooks the Buchan and Murrindal Valleys and leads to Murrindal, the home of the Shades of Death Cave, discovered by Europeans in 1900, explored in 1905 but not permanently opened to the public until 1984. The area is mentioned in an Aboriginal legend which tells of a man who wandered into a cave and met Nyols, tiny people rarely seen by mortals.
Further along the road are West Tree Creek, where the river tumbles into a deep gorge, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, where petrol, refreshments and information are available and, along an unsealed road, Wulgulmerang. This area featured in Rolf Boldrewood's Robbery Under Arms (1888). Bushranger, Captain Starlight, is also said to have passed through the region.
An excellent brochure by Parks Victoria, Snowy River Drive. Featuring highlights of the remote Snowy River National Park. Spectacular river scenery, deep gorges, waterfalls and magnificant forests. Includes the Tulloch Ard Lookout walk. Launched by Craig Ingram MP on Monday 1st November 2010.
Buchan Self Guided Historical Walking Tour
Take a tour around the township using this guide and discover the history of the buildings, the river and the people. This tour was developed by Buchan Gallery and the Buchan Heritage Group. Guides are available at the Buchan Gallery, Caves Reserve, Main Street Cafe and General Store.
The Bataluk Cultural Trail
The Bataluk Cultural Trail extends from Sale in the east, through Stratford, Mitchell River National Park, Bairnsdale, Metungg, Lake Tyerss, Buchan and Orbostt to Cape Conran in the west. It follows the trails and trading routes of pre-colonial days and focuses on elements of Koorie history and culture, including Dreamtime stories, traditional lifestyles, the Den of Nargun, Legend Rock, Aboriginal Keeping Places, archaeological sites such as canoe trees and shell middens (some dating back 10 000 years), cultural centres of the region, and aspects of European invasion, colonial settlement and present-day existence. At Buchan the focus is on Buchan Caves.
Rafting on the Snowy
Peregrine offer rafting expeditions along the Snowy River which depart from Buchan, tel: (03) 9662 2800 or the Peregrine Travel office in your state capital.
Buchan South
12 km south-west of the town is Buchan South, the site of a black marble outcrop which was used in the construction of 16 huge pillars for Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. 900 tonnes were also shipped to London for inclusion in Australia House.
Stonehenge, in Buchan South, is worth a visit for gemstone collectors.
Other websites of nearby towns www.marlo.vic.au