Lakes and Wilderness Attractions

Buchan (pop. 400) is a little timber-working township in the Gippsland mountain country.

Buchan is famed for its limestone caves, over 300 in number. The two principal caves, the Royal Cave and the Fairy Cave, are open to the public (conducted tours). Near the caves are a park and a swimming pool fed by a spring.

95,400ha.

Magnificent river scenery with deep gorges, eucalyptus forests on the Rodger River, a very varied vegetation pattern and a rich fauna. The park is popular with climbers and mountain walkers, and also with experienced bush walkers. Canoeing on Snowy River.

2300ha.

The characteristic features of Alfred National Park are its deep, moist depressions, with over 40 species of ferns, and one of the few areas of warm temperate and sometimes subtropical rain forest in Victoria.

In the heart of the Victorian Alps, is the little township of Omeo (pop. 550), whose name in the language of the Aborigines means 'hills'. It is within easy reach (55km to Hotham Heights) of the winter sports area on Mount Hotham ; in summer there is good walking country and good fishing round the town. Omeo was devastated by earthquakes in 1885 and 1892 and bush fires in 1939. In spite of this there are still many traces of the gold-digging period (abandoned mine shafts and ruined buildings). Gold panning is still popular in Livingstone Creek, and pans can be hired.