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.
The picnic area has gas barbecues, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.
The picnic area has gas barbecues, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.
Things To Do
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.
10 Mile Turntable
A short walk from the carpark wanders through Mountain Ash and snowgums to the summit of Mount Donna Buang.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Walking
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Skiing and snow play
Stomp, ski, snowshoe or toboggan in Victoria's alpine region with snow season spanning from mid June to September each year.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
How to get there
Mount Donna Buang
There is angle parking near the information shelter and toilets that accommodates approximately 20 vehicles. This parking is on a sealed surface and has a slight cross slope. There is no designated disabled parking in this car park. Parking at the summit is not available when there are significant snow falls. Parking at the summit is not suitable for large buses or coaches.
There are large car parks approximately 300 metres down from the summit and these are commonly used during the snow season. These are large enough to accommodate large buses or coaches. Access from these car parks to the summit using wheelchairs and heavy strollers is not recommended due to the distance and gradient of the road leading up to the summit picnic area.
Visitors are reminded that dogs are not permitted in Mt Donna Buang or the Yarra Ranges National Park.
There are large car parks approximately 300 metres down from the summit and these are commonly used during the snow season. These are large enough to accommodate large buses or coaches. Access from these car parks to the summit using wheelchairs and heavy strollers is not recommended due to the distance and gradient of the road leading up to the summit picnic area.
Visitors are reminded that dogs are not permitted in Mt Donna Buang or the Yarra Ranges National Park.
When you're there
Walks
Times are estimates only. Allow more time if starting from the bottom or in inclement weather.
Mt Donna Buang to 10 Mile Picnic Area
Distance: 1.2km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Moderate
Mt Donna Buang to Mt Boobyalla
Distance: 2.5km
Time: approx 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate
Mt Donna Buang return via Mt Victoria and 10 Mile
Distance: 6km
Time: approx 3 hours
Grade: Moderate
Scenic mountain drive
As you drive towards the summit, watch out for Superb Lyrebirds which can often be seen foraging on the roadside, particularly in the cooler months.
Take time to admire views of Warburton and the Yarra Valley from the vantage points located along the way.
Rainforest Gallery
This beautiful site features a 40 metre long observation platform (one of only three of its type in Australia) which takes you into the rainforest canopy 15 metres above the ground.
A 350 metre long elevated walkway takes you through the Rainforest Gallery where you will see magnificent 65 metre tall old growth Mountain Ash trees, ancient Myrtle Beech trees (many of which are 300 to 400 years old), ferns, mosses and other plants that make up this damp and diverse rainforest environment.
There are several viewing spots along the walkway where you can pause and enjoy the sounds of Cement Creek flowing past on its journey to the Yarra River.
Need to know
Mount Donna Buang
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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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 provide continued access to the trail are due to commence in 2022 with completion expected in 2023.Road access closed to the Californian Redwoods Forest
Yarra Ranges Council Cement Creek Road Bridge works: Road access closed to the Redwoods- Yarra Ranges Council is
completing works to rehabilitate and upgrade Cement Creek Road Bridge.
These works are currently impacting road and vehicle access to the Cement
Creek Redwood Forest and car park.
- While the Cement Creek
Redwood Forest itself is not closed, vehicle access will remain closed
into 2023 as bridge works are being completed.
- Visitors can still
access the Cement Creek Redwood Forest by bike or on foot via the
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, however please note this journey is
approximately a 16km round trip.
- Information about the
Council’s Cement Creek Road Bridge upgrades and expected construction
timelines are available on their website at https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Development/Council-projects-works/Cement-Creek-Bridge-Upgrade-Project
- Yarra Ranges Council is
completing works to rehabilitate and upgrade Cement Creek Road Bridge.
These works are currently impacting road and vehicle access to the Cement
Creek Redwood Forest and car park.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
FIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKS - Warramate Hills N.C.R
Impact: Park users may notice equipment and works crews in the vicinity of Killara Road. Please follow the instructions of work crews if you need to go through the site. Selected vegitation removal and mulching will be taking place to improve the fuelbreak network in this area.Why: This work is maintaining the existing fire access roads and fuel breaks, which are critical for firefighter and emergency vehicle access and safety in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Winter snow play
In winter the summit area turns to snow play. Three toboggan runs open when there is adequate snow on the mountain.
Please note the following when planning your winter visit:
Donna Buang Road can be extremely busy during snow season. Please drive carefully. Delays may be encountered.
Donna Buang Road may close at any stage if conditions become hazardous or if the summit carparks are full.
Due to safety reasons, only plastic toboggans are allowed on the summit. Skis, snowboards and toboggans with materials other than plastic as part of their construction (such as metal or timber) cannot be used.
Toboggan hire is generally available at the summit. No other equipment or clothing is available for hire. Toboggans can also be hired from nearby towns.
Please note the following when planning your winter visit:
Donna Buang Road can be extremely busy during snow season. Please drive carefully. Delays may be encountered.
Donna Buang Road may close at any stage if conditions become hazardous or if the summit carparks are full.
Due to safety reasons, only plastic toboggans are allowed on the summit. Skis, snowboards and toboggans with materials other than plastic as part of their construction (such as metal or timber) cannot be used.
Toboggan hire is generally available at the summit. No other equipment or clothing is available for hire. Toboggans can also be hired from nearby towns.
