Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra

A sloping hill covered in old tree ferns and towering Mountain Ash

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Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra

Yarra Ranges National Park

The Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay - and the area around Warburton delivers all three. Mount Donna Buang offers panoramas towards Westernport and Port Phillip Bays and tobogganing in the winter, while the Rainforest Gallery will give you a new perspective on the Mountain Ash forests of the region.
Warburton, Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra spans much of the southern part of the Yarra Ranges National Park. The stunning natural beauty, wildlife and plantlife of this region can be enjoyed by all. There are accessible and family friendly walks and picnic areas as well as more challenging summit climbs that will appeal to the more experienced hiker.

Mount Donna Buang is a fantastic all-seasons playground. In spring, summer and autumn, the picnic area is a great base for walks up the mountain and views across to Melbourne and beyond. The Rainforest Gallery has a spectacular observation platform and walkway allowing you to stroll among the treetops.

Rising to 1245m, Mount Donna Buang often receives frequent snowfalls in the winter. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first taste of snow play and tobogganing here over the years.

On the way up to Donna Buang from Healesville, Ben Cairn is a popular spot for rock climbing and there is also a take-off site for hang gliders.

One of the most popular walks in the Yarra Ranges is the Redwoods. In contrast to the Mountain Ash that are such a feature of the Yarra Ranges, the trees here are introduced from California. Californian Redwoods are a type of conifer and are the tallest of all plant species in the world, while Mountain Ash are the tallest flowering plant in the world.

Warburton is a popular centre for cycling, with the iconic 40km Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail ending here. The 30km O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is suitable for cyclists of all ages and can be tackled in shorter sections. More energetic road cyclists like to climb to the summit of Mount Donna Buang.

Things to do in the area

The park provides habitat for 120 species of native birds. Hollow-using species found here are the Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl and Barking Owl. Other important species include the Pink Robin, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot and Grey Goshawk. Crimson Rosellas are common.

The park features tall Mountain Ash forests, with an understorey of tree ferns, and gullies of cool temperate rainforest. Large pristine areas of these and other vegetation types are of national and state botanical significance. Damp river valleys are home to stands of Myrtle Beech festooned with mosses, ferns and lichens.

The highest elevations, such as Lake Mountain and Mount Donna Buang, are characterised by sub-alpine vegetation, and receive regular snowfalls over the winter months.

Fourteen plant species occurring in the park have been identified as being rare or threatened, including the Slender Tree-fern and Tree Geebung.

A family walk along the Rainforest Gallery near Mt Donna Buang.

10 Mile Turntable

A short walk from the carpark wanders through Mountain Ash and snowgums to the summit of Mount Donna Buang.
A family take in the view of the Yarra Ranges from the elevated platform at Mt Donna Buang.

Mount Donna Buang

At an elevation of 1.2km, the summit features a lookout tower which offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It's a great picnic spot and starting point for walks on the mountain.
A section of the O'Shannesy Acquaduct near Warburton.

OShannassy Aqueduct Trail

Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled aqueduct. Stretching 30km, the trail passes fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Two friends walking along the Rainforest Gallery trail in the Yarra Ranges National Parkl

Rainforest Gallery

Take a stroll through the rainforest. This beautiful walk features a 40m long observation platform (one of only three of its type in Australia) which takes you into the rainforest canopy high above the ground.

How to get there

Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra

Yarra Ranges National Park is approximately 65km east of Melbourne. Visitor sites in the Warburton area can be accessed via the Warburton Highway.
Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra

When you're there

Yarra Ranges National Park visitor sites are open every day, including weekends and public holidays. Numerous picnic areas and walking tracks are open to the public, however sections of the park are designated closed water catchments and are not publicly accessible.

In winter, following sufficient snow, Mount Donna Buang becomes a very popular family friendly snow playground. You might experience long delays in reaching the summit.

Car parking is available at the summit through the day, however the summit gate is locked when there is snow. At these times car parking is available at the gate and the summit can be accessed by a 300m walk along the road.

When to go

Coolness of the shaded forests, particularly the Redwoods and the Rainforest Gallery. Mt Donna Buang can be up to 10 degrees cooler than in Melbourne. Refreshing mountain streams.

Need to know

Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra

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.

  • Yarra Ranges National Park

    O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Road Trestle Bridge Closed

    The Dee Road Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safety
    Subsequently, the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Road Picnic Ground.
    Parks Victoria recommends accessing the western section of the trail from the Dee Road Picnic Ground in Millgrove and the eastern section from the Yuonga Road Picnic Ground in Warburton. Please plan your visit accordingly.

    Works to provide continued access to the trail are being investigated. For more information and to receive updates on the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail Dee Slip Bridge project, refer to the Projects page on this website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-region/oshannassy-aqueduct-trail-dee-slip-bridge-project.

  • Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area - Toilet Closure

    Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area toilets are permanently closed and will be removed in their entirety at a later date.
    The nearest toilets are at Fernshaw Picnic ground.

  • Cambarville Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Partial walking track closure on Cumberland Circuit walk (South of Woods Point Road)

    There is a partial closure in place on the Cumberland Circuit walk due to hazardous tree fall risk south of Woods Point Rd (see map attached) 

    Attachments: Cambarville_A4_0412 (1,190KB)

    Cambarville toilet block closed until further notice

    Cambarville toilet block is closed until further notice due to water supply issues and structural problems 

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