Warburton, Donna Buang, Upper Yarra

Warburton, Donna Buang, Upper Yarra

Warburton, Donna Buang, Upper Yarra

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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.

    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.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2021

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate 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.

    • Yarra Ranges National Park

      Part of O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail closed due to storm damage

      Yarra Ranges National Park was heavily impacted by severe storms on 9 June 2021 and the following areas will be closed until further notice:

      - O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail between Mt Donna Buang Road and Cement Creek Road 

      Assessments are ongoing, with some areas opening in the coming weeks.  Areas where there is extensive damage may be closed for some time.  We recommend you check this page for updates on closures.

      Please note, it is dangerous and illegal to enter closed areas and there is still high risk of further trees and branches falling.

    • Rainforest Gallery (Donna Buang) (Yarra Ranges National Park)

      Rainforest Gallery Boardwalk Closed

      Following recent storm damage, the Rainforest Gallery Boardwalk has been closed until further notice. 

      The Rainforest Gallery Canopy Platform remains open. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Mt Donna Buang Rd Closed

      Mt Donna Buang Rd is closed at the Rainforest Gallery gate due to the 5km lockdown travel restrictions. 

      This gate closure prevents access to:
      - Mt Donna Buang Summit
      - 10 Mile Car Park
      - 10 Mile Spring Water

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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