A small isolated town, known for the limestone caves in its vicinity. Set in mountainous country, its picturesque river reaches, waterfalls and freshwater fishing also attract visitors. The town is on one of a small number of road which connect East Gippsland to Victoria's High Country. 12 km south-west of the town is Buchan South, the site of a black marble outcrop which was used in the construction of 16 huge pillars for Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. 900 tonnes were also shipped to London for inclusion in Australia House.
Location: 93 km north east of Bairnsdale.
Origin of name: from the Aboriginal term "buchan buchan", meaning "smoke signals".
Brief history: East Gippsland explorer Edward Baylis began the Buchan pastoral station in the late 1830s. The area was first settled around 1840 but no detailed survey or exploration was carried out until 1899 or 1900.
Natural features: Snowy River Gorge; Buchan Caves Reserve, which includes Royal and Fairy Caves, which are lit and open for inspection; waterfalls; Cloggs Cave Area; Shades of Death Cave (Murrindal); Mount McLeod; Mount Tara; Mount Victoria
Heritage features: Cloggs Cave Aboriginal occupation site; New Guinea Area Aboriginal rock shelters