Looking for somewhere to go for a break [in 2009], I thought Mt Buffalo would be good. I had been there years before; it’s beautiful.

But I discover the resort’s website reduced to a bulletin announcing that proprietors Eddie Sanflippo and Eddie Puhar "have reached the personally painful decision" to cease trading after huge damage in the recent bushfires. They were having "amicable discussions" with parks authorities to see if their business can be rebuilt.

Preservation of the historical buildings, particularly the much loved 1910 Mount Buffalo Chalet was of greatest concern. The famed chalet was saved. But the Cresta Valley Lodge, including a visitor centre, a restaurant and a motel were lost. This is the second time in recent years that much of Mt. Buffalo has been burned.