An Exciting New Era As Mount Buffalo Chalet Reopens
As the Mount Buffalo Chalet reopens, it is embarking on an inspiring new chapter, transforming from a beloved alpine landmark into a hub for outdoor learning, conservation, and community engagement. Through a visionary collaboration between Belgravia Outdoor Education (BOE), Parks Victoria, and with support from the Victorian and Australian governments, this 1910 heritage site will evolve into a space where history meets innovation in outdoor education.
A Legacy Reimagined
For over a century, the Chalet has been a destination of awe and exploration. Now under the stewardship of BOE, it’s poised to inspire generations of students and visitors, connecting them to nature in profound and lasting ways. This transformation ensures that the Chalet’s legacy is not just preserved but actively celebrated, with a focus on environmental stewardship and community impact.
Education in Nature’s Classroom
The Chalet will host immersive outdoor education programs, welcoming over 4,500 students annually. These experiences are crafted to nurture resilience, leadership, and a connection to the natural world. BOE CEO Richard Thornton describes it as “a place where young minds grow through exploration and challenges that build skills for life.”
From learning the intricacies of team dynamics to understanding the environment through hands-on conservation projects, the Chalet offers an unparalleled setting for growth. Nestled in Mount Buffalo National Park’s breathtaking landscape, it combines adventure with education in a way that is both transformative and deeply personal.
More Than a Venue
The Chalet isn’t just for students. Plans include opening the space for public accommodation, offering families and visitors a chance to engage with the alpine environment. An on-site café, expected in 2025, will further establish the Chalet as a community gathering place, blending local hospitality with the grandeur of the mountains.
Access for All
BOE is committed to making outdoor education inclusive. Through initiatives with the Belgravia Foundation, financial barriers will be removed so that all students can benefit from these life-changing experiences. “No child should be denied the chance to connect with nature,” Thornton affirms.
A Sustainable Future
Significant investments are being made to modernise the site while maintaining its heritage. Over $7.6 million from state and federal governments supports conservation, upgrades, and the development of facilities like the outdoor education centre. The Chalet will also promote sustainability by incorporating regional worker accommodation and enhancing the local tourism landscape.
Be Part of the Journey
Mount Buffalo Chalet is not just a project—it’s a movement to reimagine how we connect with history, nature, and each other. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a lover of the outdoors, this initiative invites you to play a role in a story that spans generations.
Sign up to our mailing list and stay tuned as we share updates and unveil opportunities to engage with this remarkable venture. Together, let’s honour Mount Buffalo Chalet’s past and build its future—a beacon of education, community, and conservation in the heart of Victoria’s Alps.
For more information on the programs and outdoor education centre to be based at the Chalet, please visit the National Mountain Centre and Belgravia Outdoor Education.