Located approximately 350 kilometres east of Melbourne in Victoria Buchan is best known for its amazing caves. The township lies in a valley surrounded by limestone hills, and crystal-clear rivers. Its proximity to the Snowy River National Park and other natural reserves makes it a great base for exploring. This time we visited to explore the caves and town but would love to return to experience the surrounding area.
History
The history of Buchan dates back thousands of years, with the area being home to the Gunai/Kurnai people, the traditional custodians of the land. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, with agriculture and cattle grazing forming the backbone of the local economy. Today Buchan has a population of around 200 with an additional 150 in the surrounding area.
What to See in Buchan Victoria
Buchan Caves
Access to the caves is only by guided tour which can be booked online. It is recommended that you book ahead as they sell out quickly, especially during long weekends and school holidays. During our visit the caves were undergoing renovations, so we had an abbreviated tour, although we saw most of the formations. The formations are amazing, with our favourite being the calcite rimmed pool because of its beautiful reflections of the surrounding formations. It looks like a grotto or miniature underground city.
To read about our full visit and see more photos of the caves, click here.
Buchan Pioneer Memorial
In front of the Buchan Caves Hotel is a cairn commemorating the first visit by a European to Buchan. It commemorates the discoverers of Buchan by Edward William Bayliss and settler John Rhodes Wilkinson.
Buchan Recreation Reserve
Buchan River Swing Bridge
Connecting the John Flynn Memorial Reserve and Buchan Oval, the swing bridge allows pedestrians to cross Buchan River without using the vehicle bridge. If you want to drive there however, you can park near the Neighbourhood House. From here, it’s a short walk to the bridge and the Buchan River.
Old Butter Factory
Located in the Buchan Recreation Reserve is a concrete building which was the Buchan Butter Factory. Registered in 1900 it serviced the district for many years before it closed in 1948. Managed by the Buchan Heritage Group it is currently (2025) undergoing restoration work. Once complete, it will house Heritage information, community events and exhibitions.
Nissen Hut
To the rear of the Neighbourhood House is a Nissen Hut. Relocated to Buchan after World War Two it was used as a Lands Department workshop. It’s currently owned by the Neighbourhood House, and used for storage, community workshops and projects. Painted on one side is a mural of three women representing women of note in the district. Information about the women are on the interpretive sign next to the building. The three women are:
- Vere Moon who worked in Military Intelligence Operations during World War Two producing maps. Post war she worked as a cartographer for the Victorian Government before marrying a local farmer.
- Sister Margaret Maguire was an early bush nurse who served in the area from 1912 to 1913. She is representative of those nurses who tended to the medical needs of the district.
- Jane Drury Davidson a local businesswoman responsible for building the bakery and accommodation for the baker. She also served home cooked meals, ice-cream and confectionary from her home. On her death, she bequeathed funds to build a Presbyterian Church (now Uniting Church).
Our photos are available for purchase on
For other places to visit in Victoria click here
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