Grab brekky and freshly ground coffee from The Willow’s classic brunch menu and sit in the ambient, plant-filled café. Start your day of exploring on a full stomach.

BUCHAN CAVES & RESERVE

Stand below a mesmerising latticework of towers deep underground at Buchan Caves. This ancient labyrinthine network is one of Australia’s most spectacular, rich in honeycomb-hues. Royal Cave is known for its glassy calcite-rimmed pools, and Fairy Cave is laced with intricate stalactites and stalagmites, replete with ornate chambers. Guided tours to both caves run daily.

After your journey through the 400 million year-old caves, make the most of your time above ground in the scenic reserve. The leafy park is peppered with deciduous giants, which put on a show-stopping display with their changing autumn leaves. There are a number of short ambles and longer hikes starting from the reserve. If you are in need of cooling down, the Buchan River offers shady areas for water play in the shallow river.

BUCHAN TOWNSHIP

Step into the iconic Buchan Caves Hotel, watering hole for the locals. The classic country pub offers all your pub favourites, and the rustic beer garden is ambient and inviting. After lunch, stroll around the town centre, taking in the heritage shop fronts that line the main street, verandahs stretched over the footpaths. The General Store and The Roadie have a range of homewares, gifts and locally produced items.

Head north through John Flynn Reserve arriving at the Buchan River, just a short stroll from town. You can cross the river on the graceful Swing Bridge for some riverside relaxation, or drop a line in the Buchan River.

THE BLUFF RESERVE

Spend the afternoon riverside. The Bluff Reserve is a scenic location with a large granite rock face looming above the Buchan River, just 1km north of town. If the weather’s hot, it’s a great place for a swim, with a deep pool at the bend in the river, or shallower swimming just downstream.

Day 2 takes in the highlights around the southern reaches of magnificent Snowy River National Park.

If you’re looking for food to fuel your day’s adventuring, The Willow offers fresh-made rolls and sweet treats from the cafe. You can purchase sausages from the Buchan General Store and there are also takeaway options at The Roadie. Grab yourself a coffee before you leave town.

BUCHAN - BASIN CREEK FALLS

21 mins | 13.7km

Head east to Basin Creek Falls and get your heart pumping on the steep, but very beautiful descent to the base of Basin Creek Falls (30 mins; 1.3km each way). Walk through perfumed forest and moss covered rocks as you enjoy stunning views over the Snowy River far below. There’s a chance for a splash at the shallow pool under the single span waterfall, which we recommend to stay cool for your return hike back uphill. There is a grassy clearing and picnic tables with tranquil views over the Snowy.

BASIN CREEK FALLS – BALLEY HOOLEY (THE JUNCTION)

14 mins | 6.9km

Backtrack to the Five Ways, then head south on the Balley Hooley Rd. It’s well worth the stop at One Tree Hill as you’re driving past, for the dreamy views across rich farmland and rolling hills, toward the township. There’s a picnic table, and it’s a solid choice for cracking out some morning tea and a thermos of tea.

Continue on to Balley Hooley (The Junction), a place of tranquility at the junction of the Buchan River and the Snowy River. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, lazing by the wide section of river. The secret is out for this being a top spot for fishing, canoeing/ kayaking and swimming. There are toilets, picnic tables and fire pits, where you can cook a barbecue (hopefully the fish are biting!).

BALLEY HOOLEY – BUCHAN

26 mins | 16km

After a long day of outdoor adventure, take the scenic drive back to Buchan. Reward your outdoor pursuits with a pub meal from Buchan Caves Hotel – you've earned it.