The views from `The Horn', a large crop of rocks on top of the plateau, are absolutely breath-taking and are well worth the 20 minute climb. Also worthwhile is the Mt Buffalo Chalet which may offer devonshire teas while you are entertained by a rag-time jazz-quartet during the summer months.
The road up has grippy bitumen the whole way and some good views from the side of the mountain. This is a sensational road and well worth the visit in its own right not just for the views from the top.
At the 25 km mark from Porepunkah, there is a T junction: left to the Chalet (2 km) and right to The Horn (8 km). The road to The Horn is dirt for the last two and very tight in places. It doesn't flow like the rest of the road but it offers views of the lake (too cold to swim anytime of the year) and the surrounding mountains and is a favourite area for bush walkers.
The road from the Porepunkah roudabout is brilliantly wide and smooth bumping the speed rating to "fast", but only for 3 km or so until you reach the toll booth. The rest is typically "medium" with a couple of 25 km/h hairpins midway and again near the summit providing the "slow" rating.
Having camped at the base of Mt Buffalo in the Mt Buffalo Caravan Park on and off over the past 20 years, and after extensive testing, I consider it to be the best mountain pass in the area (marginally better than Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, and Mt Buller). Try them and see if you agree!
The collection of money at the National Parks booth ceases around 4.30 pm. Given nightfall is after 9 pm during the summer months, visibility and road surface temperature are still excellent well into the evening.
As it is a National Parks' road, it is very welled marked and maintained. The road is suitable for a slow (engine off) downhill roll rides, the toll collection booth the nominal finish line.
Last modified: Ben Warden, 14-3-2006