BUFFALO RIVER - LOWER

Lake Buffalo to Johnson’s Bridge

Central. Myrtleford

Class: II-III-IV

Season: Anytime that Lake Buffalo is releasing good flows

Gradient: Gradual Time: 1-1.5 hours Length: 4km

Level: Requires good flows from the spillway (at least above 1.5m on

Gauge: Lake Buffalo D/S (fairly inaccessable).

Shuttle: Park & play or approx 4km by road for the entire paddle

 

Character: Unfortunately the drop at the dam is no longer accessible with a high fence and wire as well as prohibited access signs. This means that the best drop and waterfall on the river are no longer available to the average paddler. The spillway waterfall would be approx 7m drop/ slide with a good landing, and there are some potential play spots grade 3 below.

You can put in lower down on the opposite side of the river and paddle up to play on the waves, but climbing to the falls would still be no-access.

The rest of the paddle to the bridge at Nug Nug is leisurely with only a few gravel races, and a couple of potential 2+ or 3 depending on water level, right above the bridge. This is a very small gorge style section, but the top rapid does have some big trees and snags right in the line.

In good flows this is quite a surprising rapid with a nice drop & a tricky narrow chute. A large pillow of water can form on the big mid-river boulder which can make it more fun to boot. About 50m below the bridge on the left hand side is an easy single track to walk out from. While this paddle won’t rank highly in your repertoire, if you’re in the area & looking for a quick paddle or play on some fun rapids, it may just deliver! 

 

Putting In: The Buffalo is near Myrtleford which is located along the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta & Bright. From Myrltleford, head south along the Buffalo River road for about 15km (passing Johnson’s bridge) until you reach Lake Buffalo Dam.

 

Taking Out: Head back along the Buffalo River road to Myrtleford for about 4km’s until you reach Johnson’s bridge again. Turn right after the bridge on a dirt track and park 50m down on the right side.

Map: 1:100,000 National Mapping – Buffalo