Mount Donna Buang

A family looks out from the Mount Donna Buang tower looking out towards endless forested mountain range.

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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, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.

Things To Do

 
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.
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.
Family tobogganing down Lake Mountain

Mount Donna Buang snow play - what to know before you go

Here’s what you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable experience at Mount Donna Buang this winter.
Ferns in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Badger Weir

Badger Weir Picnic Area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or barbecue. Visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and forest walks passing through ancient fern gullies, across clear mountain streams and meandering among mighty Mountain Ash.
Man wearing a khaki shirt, red cap and red backpack looking up at the trees.

Cambarville Picnic Area

Enjoy a peaceful day out at Cambarville Picnic Area and explore Cora Lynn Falls along the Cambarville Circuit Walk.
Ferns in the background and a body of water with rocks in the foreground.

Keppel Falls

On your Lady Talbot Drive adventure, take a break at Keppel Falls.
A road winds through a lush temporate rain forest.

Lady Talbot Drive

This scenic drive, featuring several attractions along the Taggerty River, was named after the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, Governor of Victoria from 1903 to 1908. If time permits stop for a picnic along the way or take one of the scenic walks.
The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur.

Picnic areas in Yarra Ranges National Park

There are several designated picnic areas within the Yarra Ranges National Park including Donnellys Weir, Dom Dom Saddle, Fernshaw and Badger Weir Picnic Areas.
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.

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.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    10 Mile Toilets Temporarily Closure

    The 10 mile toilets on Mount Donna Buang is temporally closed due to vandalism
    There are alternative toilets located at the summit, 3 km up the road, following Donna Buang rd. 
    We apologise for any inconvenience

  • 10 Mile Turntable (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Donna Buang - 10 Mile Toilets temporary closed

    The toilets at 10 Mile (Donna Buang) are temporary closed due to vandalism. 
    Alternative toilets are located 3 km up the Donna Buang road, at the summit.
    Apology for any inconvenience

  • 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 

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.
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