The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mount Buffalo National Park

Myrtleford Mosaic Trail takes you on a playful treasure hunt of hidden mosaics tucked into trees, bridges, and parks around town, created by two local artists known only as “the Crackpots.” Made from leftover tiles and broken crockery, the mosaics range from fish and fairies to ants and bees. The first pieces appeared secretly under a bridge in town one summer night in 2019. The flat, sealed path follows the Ovens River between Rotary Park and Apex Park, and is suitable for everyone, including prams and wheelchairs, and is a delightful way to spend time outdoors as you search for the next one.

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a shared walking and cycling route through Victoria’s High Country, connecting towns and rural landscapes across the northeast of the state. Around Myrtleford, the sealed path passes through the Ovens Valley, with farmland, tree-lined stretches and beautiful views toward the surrounding hills. You can use the Myrtleford section for a short ride or walk, or continue along the trail toward Bright and beyond.

Rotary Park is a family-friendly green space with picnic areas, a playground, barbecues and public toilets. The park is home to the Historic Log Tobacco Kiln, where an interpretive display tells the story of the area’s tobacco-growing heritage. It’s also a starting point for the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail, so look out for small artworks hidden along the riverside path toward Apex Park.

Morses Creek is rarely far from you here, with the track slipping between native bush, patches of pine and the water’s edge on the way towards Wandiligong. Little bridges and creek crossings break up the walk, while rocky gorges, rapids and quieter swimming holes appear along the way. It’s mostly easy underfoot, so you can spend more time looking along the creek than concentrating on every step.

Bennetts Trail is a smooth, sealed stretch linking Bright with Wandiligong, with small hills and no steps to worry about. You’ll pass the historic Bright Cemetery, Morses Creek and the Mystic Flight Park before reaching Alpine Park in Wandiligong. The route is shared with cyclists, so keep an ear out behind you, but otherwise it’s an easy, relaxed section where you can enjoy the valley scenery without watching every footstep.

Mystic Flight Park is Bright’s main paragliding and hang-gliding hub, and on a good flying day you’ll often see colourful wings circling above the valley before coming down into the landing paddock beside Morses Creek Road. The actual launch sits high on Mystic Mountain, around 500 metres above the landing zone. Even if you’re staying firmly on the ground, it’s a fun spot to pause and watch the pilots coming in.

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a network of more than 120 kilometres of sealed, off-road going through Victoria’s High Country, linking towns including Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford and Bright. This Bright to Porepunkah section is a much shorter 6.6-kilometre stretch, following the old railway corridor past trees, open countryside and Bright Golf Club, with Mount Buffalo becoming more prominent as you approach Porepunkah.

Feathertop Winery sits right beside the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail between Bright and Porepunkah, with vines climbing the slopes above the path and Mount Buffalo forming the backdrop. It’s worth knowing that the estate is now private: Summit Cru members have access, while other visitors need to book ahead rather than simply dropping in for a tasting.