Explore
Yarra Ranges National Park
Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
The Yarra Ranges spans an extensive, mountainous area of cool temperate forest around the three towns of Marysville, Healesville and Warburton. This national park is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. Dark gullies are home to clear streams which feed the Yarra River and major reservoirs from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.
The Yarra Ranges boasts some stunning lookouts, one of the best being Mount Donna Buang. From here you can see awesome views of Westernport Bay and Port Phillip - or walk the Rainforest Gallery and see the Mountain Ash from a different perspective. In the winter, Mount Donna Buang is Melbourne's closest winter playground. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first sight of snow here through the years.
Healesville is the start of the Black Spur Drive, a short but beautiful scenic car journey. The road winds through majestic Mountain Ash forest to Narbethong, passing a number of pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, such as Donnelly’s Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Mount Donna Buang
At an elevation of 1245 metres, the summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.
Lady Talbot Drive
The Lady Talbot Drive is a scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of fantastic walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. The drive from Melbourne includes the famous Black Spur Drive, another road known for its scenic beauty. Bring a picnic and escape the city for a day.
When you're there
Need to know
Yarra Ranges National Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Lady Talbot Drive Closure
Lady Talbot Drive will remain closed while hazardous tree works are conducted and asset rectification works (damaged bridges, platforms and walking tracks) are assessedThis change of condition note will be updated when reopening dates are finalised. -
Yarra Ranges National Park
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed
The Dee Rd Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safetySubsequently, the O'Shanassy Aqueduct trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Rd Picnic Ground, please plan your visit accordingly. We would recommend accessing the western section of the Trail from the Dee Rd Picnic Ground (Millgrove) and the eastern section from the Yuonga Rd Picnic Ground (Warburton).Works to construct a new section of trail to bypass the bridge are due to commence in 2022 with completion expected by the end of 2023.Walking Track Closure - Dom Dom Saddle to Mt Donna Buang
The Dom Dom Saddle to Mt Donna Buang walking track between Morleys Tk and Mt Vinegar will be closed from Saturday 21st May to Friday 27th May to conduct Fuel Management Burns associated with the upgrade to the Strategic Fuel Break on Rd8Track Closure - Donnellys Weir to Mt St Leonard Walking Track
The Donnellys Weir to Mt St Leonard Walking Track will be closed from Sunday 22nd May to Friday 27th May to conduct Fuel Management Burns associated with the upgrade to the Strategic Fuel Break on Rd11 -
Rainforest Gallery (Donna Buang) (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Rainforest Gallery (Mt Donna Buang) Board Walk Partial Closure
Due to recent storm damage a section of the Rainforest Gallery Boardwalk is closed until repairs can be made. Resultantly the walk is no longer a loop, however all viewing points can still be accessed. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know the all best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How we keep it special
The Management Plan for Yarra Ranges National Park directs all aspects of management in the park until the plan is reviewed.
Warburton MTB Destination
Parks Victoria is working in partnership with the Shire of Yarra Ranges, DELWP and Melbourne Water to construct a world-class mountain bike destination around Warburton.
