Buchan
Town
Population 326
Situated in East Gippsland, Buchan is primarily an agricultural town renowned for offering some of the best caving in Victoria. Although the origin of the town's name is disputed, it is said to be derived from the Aboriginal term for either 'smoke-signal expert' or 'place of the grass bag'.
Visitor Information
General Store, Main St; (03) 5155 9202 or 1800 637 060
Nearby national parks
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Snowy River National Park
It is thought that the Kurnai people traditionally hunted and fished in this area, camping by the river and spending time on their way to the...more -
Alpine National Park
Alpine National Park embraces a majestic landscape of soaring mountain peaks, alpine meadows, undulating grassy plains, deep gorges and pure...more -
The Lakes National Park
The Lakes National Park in Gippsland is a birdwatcher’s paradise, a tranquil retreat edged by the blue waters of Victoria and Reeve...more
Nearby towns
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Orbost
Situated on the banks of the legendary Snowy River, Orbost is on the Princes Highway and surrounded by spectacular coastal and mountain...more -
Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is a lovely holiday town situated at the eastern end of the Gippsland Lakes, an inland network of waterways covering more...more -
Bairnsdale
An attractive rural centre situated on the Mitchell River Flats and considered to be the western gateway to the lakes and wilderness...more
Nearby
Buchan Caves Reserve The reserve features more than 350 limestone caves, of which the Royal and Fairy caves are the most accessible – the Fairy Cave alone is over 400 m long, with impressive stalactites. Europeans did not discover the caves until 1907, but from then on they became a popular tourist destination. Now visitors can cool off in the spring-fed swimming pool after exploring the caves. Tours of the Royal and Fairy caves run daily. Off Buchan Rd, north of town; (03) 5162 1900.Snowy River Scenic Drive The drive takes in the Buchan and Snowy rivers junction and runs along the edge of Snowy River National Park to Gelantipy. Beyond Gelantipy is Little River Gorge, Victoria's deepest gorge. A short walking track leads to a cliff-top lookout. Near the gorge is McKillops Bridge, a safe swimming spot, a good site to launch canoes, and the starting point for 2 walking tracks. Care is required on the road beyond Gelantipy; 4WD is recommended. Details from visitor centre.Suggan Buggan: this historic townsite, surrounded by Alpine National Park, features an 1865 schoolhouse and the Eagle Loft Gallery for local art and craft; 64 km N.
Fishing spots near town
Ninety Mile Beach 37 km
In autumn, large schools of salmon, along with gummy sharks and mulloway, hit Victoria’s beaches. Snapper can still be caught, along with increasing numbers of yelloweye mullet. One of the most popular beaches in... Find out moreLake Tyers 39 km
Lake Tyers is a few minutes’ drive north-east of Lake Entrance on the Princes Highway. It is one of the most picturesque of the Gippsland Lakes, being surrounded by forest. Covering an area of about 16 sq km, Lake... Find out moreMarlo 43 km
In the annals of Australian folklore, the Snowy River is one of the icons. Anglers know that most of the action is in the lower reaches downstream from Orbost to Marlo where the river flows to the sea. Marlo is reached... Find out moreLakes Entrance 47 km
Lakes Entrance is an ideal base for anglers wanting to fish the region. Facilities are excellent and it is within easy reach of places like the Tambo River and Lake Tyers. The township is situated along Cunninghame Arm. ... Find out moreTambo River 48 km
The Tambo River is renowned for the quality of its bream fishing. From the mouth of the river at Lake King upstream past Johnsonville and Swan Reach, anglers can access long stretches of sheltered water above and below... Find out moreMetung 53 km
Metung, on the western shore of Bancroft Bay, is a major centre for the cruise-boat industry. Whether you own one or want to hire a live- aboard boat for a few days, Metung is a prime spot. Surprisingly, for a town so... Find out moreNicholson River 54 km
The Nicholson is the shortest of the three waterways in the Bairnsdale area and is more affected by thawing snow than rainfall. The stretch near the railway bridge can be productive. A scenic waterway, it has limited... Find out moreMitchell River 61 km
The estuary section of the Mitchell River begins at the rock barrier, about 5 km upstream from Bairnsdale. Bream are caught all the way through to where the silt jetties enter Lake King. The jetties look like two long... Find out moreLake Victoria 73 km
This lake joins Lake King at the popular boating and fishing town Paynesville, opposite Raymond Island. The piers on both sides of McMillan Strait here are popular with anglers, especially lure fishers who have found the... Find out moreBemm River 78 km
Bemm River is located on Sydenham Inlet Road about halfway between Orbost and Cann River. In estuary terms, this waterway is a superstar, regarded by many as Victoria’s best bream and estuary perch fishery. It may... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Cruises - around Lakes Entrance 45 km
More than just a cruise, a one- or two-hour Sea- Safari out of Lakes Entrance is an opportunity to add to research about the area. You will help document seabirds, marine life – including seahorses with an... Find out moreAlpine National Park 71 km
Covering a vast 6460 square kilometres, this is Victoria’s largest national park and cradles the state’s highest mountains and dramatic alpine scenery, as well as the major downhill skiing resorts. The park... Find out moreMitchell River National Park 74 km
Although only 11 900 hectares in size, this rugged national park contains some of the best forest country in Gippsland. Great for experienced rafters, kayakers and canoeists, it also has some superb bushwalks. With a... Find out moreRafting - Mitta Mitta and Murray Rivers 82 km
Adventure Rafting Victoria only takes a few months off, from April to June, and runs exciting day trips down the foaming Murray Gates, and two-night paddles down the Mitta Mitta, staying overnight in the legendary Blue... Find out moreCross-country skiing - Victoria's High Country 106 km
The home of our national cross-country team, Falls Creek is probably the best place to crosscountry ski. It has 65 kilometres of groomed tracks, catering to beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as marked trails on... Find out moreBushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 111 km
There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out morePlatypus-watching - Bombala 115 km
If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out moreCroajingolong National Park 116 km
One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out moreCross-country skiing 123 km
A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out moreSnowy Mountains Touring Company 126 km
Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Narooma Golf Club 225 km
Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out moreRACV Healesville Country Club 236 km
Of the 120 golf courses featured throughout these pages, the new layout at Healesville is the odd one out. It could, in fact, be considered a minnow among giants, for this par-68 measures only 4872 metres from the... Find out moreNearby breweries
Bright Brewery 137 km
The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out moreJamieson Brewery 182 km
Looking for a drawcard to attract tourists to their Victorian High Country pub, owners Jeff and Jeanette Whyte installed a microbrewery into the Jamieson Hotel and started knocking out house beers in 2001. The equipment... Find out moreBridge Road Brewers 183 km
Ben Kraus originally trained as a winemaker but his head was turned in the direction of craft brewing during a stint working in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The cluster of microbreweries in this... Find out moreGrand Ridge Brewery 203 km
One of the country’s longest-running craft breweries began life as the Strzelecki Brewery in 1988, but operated for only a brief period before being re-branded as Grand Ridge under new ownership. Over the ensuing... Find out moreHargreaves Hill Brewing Company 248 km
Craft brewers come from all sorts of different backgrounds but classical pianist Simon Walkenhorst and his opera singer wife Beth Williams are among the more exotic. Together, they started Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company... Find out moreCampsites around town
Balley Hooley camping area 8 km
Balley Hooley sits on the south-western fringe of the national park, due east of Buchan – access is signposted off the Buchan–Orbost Rd. Canoeing is a real treat along the Snowy River here, with its rapids,... Find out moreRaymond Creek Falls camping area 12 km
This tiny campground (comprising just 4 sites) is situated at a waterfall that pitches 20 m into a deep foaming pool, accessed off Yalmy Rd – turn onto Moresford Track to get here. While on the track to the viewing... Find out moreJacksons Crossing camping area (bush camping) 18 km
Access to this bush camping site, on the banks of the Snowy River, is via Varneys Track, off Yalmy Rd. A 4WD is needed to reach this isolated spot in the south of the park, although it’s also possible to get here... Find out moreHicks camping area 19 km
Hicks camping area is in the south of Snowy River National Park, beside the Yalmy River. It’s accessed off Varney’s Track, which runs off Yalmy Rd. A 4WD is required to reach this spot, and note that access... Find out moreWoods Point camping ground 21 km
This idyllic camping ground is beautifully positioned on the shores of the Snowy River. Water-based activities include canoeing and rafting, while throwing in a line may reward anglers with Australian bass. There are... Find out moreTimbarra camping area (bush camping) 23 km
The Timbarra bush camping sites are tucked away beside the Timbarra River about 23 km north-west of Buchan. There is little in the way of facilities, which leaves you free to prioritise fishing and swimming in the river.... Find out moreCamerons Arm camping area 32 km
This is the northernmost camping area in the park, the closest to Nowa Nowa – take Lake Tyers Rd off the Princes Hwy east of the township, then turn west on Camerons Arm No. 1 Track. Canoeists can roam up and down... Find out moreEnsay Recreation Ground 33 km
The recreation reserve at Ensay, on the Great Alpine Rd about 80 km north of Bairnsdale, is centred on the small township’s sports facilities, including a large oval and tennis courts. There’s plenty of space... Find out moreBush camping 34 km
Bush camping permitted on the east side of Nowa Nowa Arm away from established picnic areas and at least 50 m from the lake. Contact ranger for details.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Orbost Caravan Park 34 km
The centre of town is only a short 500-metre walk from this park, which is situated off the main highway. It has large shady trees, good basic facilities and is conveniently located for an overnight stop; it is around a... Find out moreLake Tyers Camp and Caravan Park 41 km
This beachfront park is owned and operated by the Uniting Church. It is a great family park, ideal for a beachside holiday. The park operates in conjunction with a school camp and the consumption of alcohol is permitted... Find out moreLakes Entrance Tourist Park 43 km
This owner-operated park is on the eastern edge of town and very convenient for a stopover. It has good facilities and caters for most needs. We stay here. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out moreEastern Beach Tourist Park 44 km
Just off the Princes Highway and easily accessible, this is a large spacious park where you can walk to town along the waters edge or enjoy a family holiday. We like it. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out moreKoonwarra Beach Resort 45 km
Easily accessible on the Princes Highway, at the eastern end of Lakes Entrance, this park is just a short distance from the town centre. It is ideal for a short stay or a family holiday in this popular destination.... Find out moreWaters Edge Holiday Park 45 km
This good quality park is suitable for a few days in Lakes Entrance. It is on the Princes Highway, across the road from the water, and not too far from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out moreBairnsdale Holiday Park 58 km
There are many caravan parks in Bairnsdale but this is one of the few with a large number of tourist sites. Located on the Princes Highway, it is well suited to a family holiday or just a couple of nights. Bookings are... Find out moreMitchell Gardens Caravan Park 60 km
This park is at the river end of the main street (Princes Highway), just 500 metres from the centre of town. With beautifully maintained surrounds, the park is located on the banks of the Mitchell River. Bookings are... Find out moreLake King Waterfront Caravan Park 62 km
With absolute lake frontage, this neat park has its own jetties and boat ramp and there are waterfront van sites available. This is good value. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies to... Find out more90 Mile Beach Holiday Retreat 90 km
This camping park on a private farming property is just a stroll away, over the sand dunes, from the fabulous Ninety Mile Beach. The owner-operated park is reached via some 5 km of unsealed access road but the journey is... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Parks Victoria Wilderness Retreat Buchan Caves
Situated near the town of Buchan, this comfortable bush camp offers a unique camping experience in five spacious elevated permanent tents. Each tent is insect-proof with a large sundeck and can accommodate a family of... Find out moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 50 km
This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out moreAlpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 121 km
Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out moreThe Odd Frog, Bright 137 km
This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out moreAdobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 139 km
These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out moreThe Buckland, Bright 141 km
With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out moreArthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 150 km
This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out moreRest areas around town
Tambo River No.2 Rest Area 32 km
49 km S of Omeo (L) or 72 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 24.276 E147 50.096... Find out moreNewmerella Rest Area 35 km
West side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 44.415 E148 25.304 ... Find out moreLake Tyers Rest Area 38 km
10 km NE of Lakes Entrance (R) or 49 km SW of Orbost (L) Secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 48.933 E148 01.824... Find out moreLog Crossing Rest Area 42 km
T/O 26 km E of Bairnsdale (L) or 9 km W of Lakes Entrance (R) Small secluded area 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S37 49.555 E147 56.337... Find out moreTambo River No.1 Rest Area 43 km
33 km S of Omeo (L) or 88 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 18.168 E147 45.091 ... Find out moreMurrungower Rest Area 45 km
16 km E of Orbost (L) or 59 km W of Cann River (R) Large secluded area just off the highway in a pleasant forest setting. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 41.358 E148 37.107... Find out moreLakes Entrance Park Area 46 km
East side of town Large area just off the highway overlooking the river near the information centre. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 52.892 E147 58.394... Find out moreNicholson Park Area 52 km
East side of town Small parking area overlooking the river. Good facilities. GPS: S37 49.031 E147 44.409... Find out moreBellbird Creek Rest Area 59 km
39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058 ... Find out moreBemm River Rest Area 65 km
45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out moreOriental Claims Park Area 68 km
107 km SE of Bright (L) or 2 km NW of Omeo (R) Small picnic area at a historical site beside a creek 500 metres off the highway. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 06.465 E147 34.560... Find out moreLookout Rest Area 70 km
102 km SE of Bright (L) or 7 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area just off the road at the lookout. GPS: S37 07.605 E147 32.070... Find out moreVictoria Falls Camp Area 80 km
89 km SE of Bright (L) or 20 km NW of Omeo (R) Small secluded campground 600 metres off the road. Limited shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 05.622 E147 25.503... Find out moreProvidence Ponds Rest Area 92 km
17 km E of Stratford (R) or 35 km W of Bairnsdale (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 55.267 E147 16.401 ... Find out moreThurra River Rest Area 97 km
11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out moreDannys Lookout Park Area 110 km
51 km SE of Bright (L) or 58 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area adjacent to the road. GPS: S36 59.089 E147 06.849... Find out moreInformation Board Park Area 116 km
35 km SE of Bright (L) or 74 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 56.432 E147 03.684... Find out moreHarrietville Park Area 119 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 53.404 E147 03.893 ... Find out moreGenoa Rest Area 125 km
48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out moreFreeburgh Park Area 130 km
North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 46.285 E147 01.768... Find out moreWallagaraugh River Rest Area 137 km
65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out moreWillows Rest Area 141 km
1 km NE of Rosedale (L) or 25 km SW of Sale (R) Large grassed area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 08.504 E146 47.481... Find out moreBlind Joe Creek Park Area 144 km
21 km E of Traralgon (R) or 2 km W of Rosedale (L) Large grassy area just off the highway. GPS: S38 09.306 E146 45.890... Find out moreNimmitabel Park Area 147 km
South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out moreScrubby Creek Rest Area 150 km
86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Foothills Festival: Jan.
Canni Creek Races: Jan.
Rodeo: Easter.
Flower Show: Nov.
