Parks Victoria reopens flood impacted Buchan Caves Reserve ahead of Easter long weekend

Following a major flooding impact on Boxing Day 2023, the Buchan Munji (Buchan Caves Reserve) located in the alpine region of East Gippsland, will reopen to visitors ahead of the Easter long weekend following the completion of a major program of recovery works after joint managers Parks Victoria and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

The reserve will open on Tuesday 26th March, with tours of the stunning cave system, a tourism drawcard and vital economic contributor for the region, now open for bookings for the Easter period.

Most roads and walking paths will be open with some changed conditions, the visitor centre and shop operating, and the pool available for a cooling swim. The campground and historic Caves House will also be open for accommodation bookings. 

Holidaymakers can visit this picturesque spot on Krauatungalung Country, home to Victoria’s largest cave system. Nearby, the Snowy River National Park offers a variety of outdoor experiences alongside townships and country hospitality, such as the Buchan Caves Hotel.

The Boxing Day flash flood caused massive destruction throughout the reserve with more than 60 millimetres of rain falling in 30 minutes. Roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure were inundated and large amounts of soil, vegetation, rocks and road surface carried away. During the initial clean-up phase more than 250 tonnes of debris was cleared.

Thanks to a united recovery effort that included Parks Victoria, Gunaikurnai Rangers, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, East Gippsland Water, Forest Fire Management Victoria and countless private contractors, the reserve is ready to safely welcome visitors once again.

Due to the scale of the flood, the reserve will still have some visible signs of damage for some time and there will be temporarily restricted areas.

Visitors should check the Parks Victoria website when planning their trip.

A temporary closure of the reserve will be required after the Easter school holidays to permanently repair the road network. The Easter reopening is a boost for local residents and businesses.

Images: Buchan Caves (top) and camping at the Buchan Caves Reserve (below). Credit: Parks Victoria