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, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.

Things To Do

 
Rainforest Gallery in Yarra Ranges National Park

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.
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.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

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.

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.

  • 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.

  • Phantom Falls (MARYSVILLE STATE FOREST, Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Phantom Falls walk closure

    The walking track to Phantom Falls is currently closed due to extensive storm damage. The second bridge and viewing platform are damaged and deemed unsafe. The track is overgrown and has numerous fallen tree obstructions.

    Access beyond the first bridge, overlooking the Taggerty River is not permitted.

    Access to the carpark, picnic area and first bridge is still permitted. 


  • Cambarville circuit walk (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    The lower section of Cumberland walking track at Cambarville is closed until further notice (Cora Lynn falls remains open)

    - The lower section of the Cumberland walking track is closed until further notice, however Cora Lynn falls remains open.
    - The upper section of Cumberland track including the Elephant Tree and the Big Tree are still open.

    Attachments: Cambarville_A4_0412 (1,190KB)

  • Yarra Ranges National Park

    O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd 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.  We recommend 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.

    Southern Fall of Donna Buang Deer Control night closures

    Parks Victoria will be undertaking deer control works on the southern fall of Mt Donna Buang between April 22nd and 30th August 2024. During this time sections of the O'shannassy aqueduct, the Mt Victoria walking track and a number of access points to this area will be closed between the dusk and dawn, approximately 5pm in the evening and 6am in the morning. These specific times will change with daylight hours. Signage will be placed at all access points to the control zone. Please read these signs and for public safety reasons do not enter the site if they state control is taking place. Please refer to the attached map for more information or call 131963.

    Temporary closures for southern fall of Mount Donna Buang

    Parks Victoria will be undertaking deer control works on the southern fall of Mt Donna Buang between April 22nd and 30th August 2024. During this time sections of the O'shannassy aqueduct, the Mt Victoria walking track and a number of access points to this area will be closed between the dusk and dawn, approximately 5pm in the evening and 6am in the morning.  Signage will be placed at all access points to the control zone. Please read these signs and for public safety reasons do not enter the site if they state control is taking place. Please refer to the attached map for more information or call 131963.

  • Big Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)

    Big Peninsula Stepping Stones Closed

    Big Peninsula Stepping Stones closed due to flood damage. 

  • Little Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)

    Little Peninsula Bridge Closed

    Little Peninsula Bridge closed due to storm damage. 

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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