Twenty years after the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet was shut down, the heritage-listed alpine landmark is all set to begin a new innings as a hub for outdoor learning, conservation, and community engagement.

Through a partnership between Belgravia Outdoor Education (BOE) and Parks Victoria, with support from the Victorian and Australian governments, the Chalet is being repositioned as a year-round destination that will welcome more than 5,000 students each year to explore the dramatic landscapes of Mount Buffalo National Park and participate in educational and personal development activities.

School camps organised by BOE in collaboration with Parks Victoria will not only connect students with the natural environment through experiential learning programs but also offer future generations an opportunity to engage with one of Victoria’s most significant heritage landmarks.

Mount-Buffalo-Chalet-home site.jpg — *Image source: https://mountbuffalochalet.com/*

Originally built in 1910 following the opening of the first road to the mountain summit, Mount Buffalo Chalet was entirely constructed with timber, making it the biggest timber building in Victoria. It was also Australia’s first ski resort, becoming a popular destination for skiers, hikers, families and nature enthusiasts over the decades.

The chalet’s architecture reflects the Arts and Crafts movement prevailing at the time, with design influences drawn from traditional northern European alpine buildings, complete with gabled roofs, narrow chimneys, and decorative timber detailing. The structure was built for about £A3,195, equivalent to about $500,000 in today’s money. Several extensions and renovations have been carried out through the years while retaining its original bungalow character and terraced gardens.

The resort was finally closed to the public in 2006 following a devastating bushfire in the area that destroyed nearby properties. However, the Chalet’s storied past, historical legacy and enduring architectural grandeur have ensured its listing both in the Victorian Heritage Register and the National Heritage List. Parks Victoria remains responsible for site management and conservation works to protect its heritage values through funding support from the Victorian Government as well as the Australian Government.

Mount Buffalo Chalet - home site.jpg — *Image source: https://mountbuffalochalet.com/*

Plans for the revitalisation and reopening of the Chalet commenced in 2019, beginning with conservation and maintenance works at the site and culminating in the Belgravia Group signing a 40-year lease with the Victorian Government in late 2024 to organise outdoor education camps for students through BOE.

Under BOE’s stewardship, Mount Buffalo Chalet will host thousands of students for immersive education programs designed to develop resilience, leadership, teamwork and environmental responsibility.

Student Camps-home site.jpg — *Image source: https://mountbuffalochalet.com/*

BOE CEO Richard Thornton describes the Chalet as “a place where young minds grow through exploration and challenges that build skills for life.”

"At the Mount Buffalo Chalet, students will embark on journeys that not only connect them with nature but also build resilience, leadership, and teamwork skills that last a lifetime,” he says.

Combining hands-on conservation activities with outdoor exploration, the programs will connect participants with the natural environment while encouraging environmental awareness.

Surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of Mount Buffalo National Park, the Chalet is the gateway to outdoor adventures throughout the year, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary educational and tourism needs. Winter visitors can explore snow-covered slopes through cross-country skiing and sledding, while warmer months offer opportunities for hiking and discovering the region’s vibrant alpine scenery. Autumn brings colourful walking trails, adding to the mountain’s year-round appeal.

Chalet-South-Wing-First-Floor-Guest-Room-home site.jpg — *Image source: https://mountbuffalochalet.com/*

The historic building will also offer a café – to be opened in October 2026 – where visitors, guests and day-trippers can pause to enjoy refreshments and mountain views. Its location provides a distinctive setting for weddings, private functions and other events. Alongside accommodation for key workers and visitors, the Chalet is also planning to add 200 beds to support the school camping program as part of a phased renovation process.

The revitalisation of Mount Buffalo Chalet is expected to generate broader economic benefits for the region through new jobs, training opportunities and increased tourism activity. The project is also intended to support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the appeal of North East Victoria as a year-round tourism destination.

Main image: The Mount Buffalo Chalet | Credit: Parks Victoria | https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2024/12/12/03/28/new-future-for-iconic-mt-buffalo-chalet

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