Mt Donna Buang

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    Mount Donna Buang

    Yarra Ranges National Park

     
    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.

    Things To Do

     
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    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.
    Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

    Walking

    Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    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.
    An experienced cross-country skier skis past a small child learning to ski on a maintained path.

    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.
    Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

    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.
    Mount Donna Buang

    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.

    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 Sites

      Mount Donna Buang closed due to COVID-19

      In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer about COVID-19, Mount Donna Buang is closed until further notice. For more information, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19

       

    • Yarra Ranges National Park

      Lady Talbot Drive closed until further notice

      Due to increased risk of tree fall from recent and forecast high rainfall, Lady Talbot Drive is closed including access to Phantom Falls, Keppel Falls, Taggerty River Cascades and The Beeches Walk.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      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. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

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

      Rainforest Gallery Cement Creek Boardwalk Closed

      A large tree branch which fell and impacted the boardwalk has broken a handrail and walking platform and caused structural damage to the supporting beams.  The boardwalk to Cement Creek is therefore closed indefinitely until engineering assessments can take place.

      The Rainforest Gallery Canopy Walk was not affected and remains open.

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