Explore
Mount Donna Buang to 10 Mile Picnic Area Walk (Yarra Ranges National Park)
The Mount Donna Buang 10 Mile Picnic Area connects the 10 Mile Turntable Picnic Area to the summit of Mount Donna Buang. The trail meanders through sub-alpine Mountain Ash before transitioning into stunted snowgum dominated forest.
How to get there
Mount Donna Buang to 10 Mile Picnic Area Walk (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Need to know
Mount Donna Buang to 10 Mile Picnic Area Walk (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
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.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed
Restrictions
- No dogs allowed
- No camping
- No fires permitted
- No bicycles
- No firearms allowed
Warnings
-
Other warnings
- Limbs may fall take care
Be Prepared
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.
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 - 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.
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
Summit Loop Trail - Partial Closure - Lake Mountain Summit
The Summit Loop walking trail is partially closed at Lake Mountain until further notice.
Attachments: Lake Mountain Summit Loop Partial Track Closure (562KB)
Restricted night time access due to Deer control Program at Mount Donna Buang and along the O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail
Parks
Victoria will be undertaking deer control in the Yarra Ranges National Park on
the southern fall of Mount Donna Buang. This program will be taking place
between the hours of 5pm and 6am on a number of nights between the 1st of March
and the 12th of June 2026. These control works are being undertaken
by accredited and authorised contractors.
For reasons of
public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the
evening throughout this period. This includes the O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail
and the Mount Victoria walking track. Signage onsite will provide specific dates control will take place. Please refer to the attached map for
further information.
Signage will
be in place at access points when control activities are occurring. For our own
safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed
areas.
For further
information please call 131963
Attachments: Donna Deer Control zone map (652KB)
Areas of Yarra Ranges National Park closed for aerial deer control operations
Areas of Yarra Ranges National Park
closed for aerial deer control operations
Parts of
the Yarra Ranges National Park will be closed from 7:00 am until 6:00
pm daily on the following dates:
·
Monday 15 June 2026
·
Tuesday 16 June 2026
·
Wednesday 17 June 2026
·
Thursday 18 June 2026
·
Friday 19 June 2026
These
closures are required for aerial shooting operations to control introduced deer
species.
For public
safety, do not enter these areas before or during operations. Warning
signs will be displayed at all official entrance points to the control zones
and at visitor sites while the program is underway.
Affected
Areas & Closures
All
campgrounds and visitor areas within the control zones will be closed while
activities are active. Closed areas include:
·
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – Picnic Area and Campground
·
Big Peninsula – The Goldfields Walk
·
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail (Partial closure) – Closed East of Cement Creek
Road
· O’Shannassy Weir
Picnic Area
Why is this
work being done?
Parks
Victoria is responsible for conservation management to restore and protect park
habitats, including the control of introduced plant and animal species.
This
program aims to:
·
Protect native vegetation: Reduce damage to rare and threatened plant
species.
·
Preserve waterways: Minimise deer impact on significant waterways and vegetation within
the Upper Yarra and Armstrong catchments.
·
Improve road safety: Reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents
involving deer on surrounding roads.
More
Information
For your
own safety, please strictly observe all signage and do not enter any closed
areas.
For further
information or updates, please call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit
the Parks Victoria website.
Attachments: Armstrong Creek Aerial Shoot (1,094KB)
Big Peninsula access to tunnel entry viewing platform and Goldfields walk via Peninsula Rd temporarily closed during road works
Melbourne Water are repairing the crossing on Peninsula Rd. During this time, the walking track beyond the Big Peninsula maintenance vehicle gate will be inaccessible. Works are scheduled to start in early June 2026 and finish in late June or early July 2026.
Attachments: Big Pen culvert works (238KB)
Big Peninsula Stepping Stones permanently closed due to erosion
Due to instability caused by erosion, the Big Peninsula Stepping Stones are permanently closed for visitor safety.
Rainforest Gallery Closed for Repairs
The Rainforest Gallery boardwalk is closed until further notice. Urgent repairs are required for visitor safety.
Mount Donna Buang BBQ's closed
The Mount Donna Buang BBQ's will be closed for the foreseeable future. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Portable BBQ's and Heat Bead BBQ's are allowed to be used on site, so please bring your own. We ask that you take home any resulting waste items, including used heat beads.
No campfires are allowed however, due to the resulting ground fire scar.
❄ Mt Donna Buang Snow Play: What to Know Before You Go ❄
❄ Mount Donna Buang Snow Play:
What to Know Before You Go ❄
Looking for snow near Melbourne this winter? Located just
two hours away in Yarra
Ranges National Park (Wurundjeri Country), the 1,245-metre summit of Mount
Donna Buang typically sees snow from June to August.
Access is completely free. When there is enough snow, you
can enjoy three dedicated toboggan runs, build snowmen, and enjoy family snow
fights. Because of its proximity to Melbourne, the mountain gets extremely
busy on weekends and right after fresh snowfall.
Here is how to plan a safe, enjoyable winter trip.
1. Check Weather & Road Conditions
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for cold, wet,
and windy conditions regardless of the morning forecast.
- Pack
Essentials: Bring extra warm layers, spare dry clothes, food, and
water.
- Emergency
Kit: Travel with a full tank of fuel, blankets, and a torch in case of
traffic delays.
- Connectivity:
Mobile coverage is patchy. Download maps/guides before leaving and let
someone know your plans.
- Live
Updates: Check the Parks Victoria website for road closures and conditions changes before departing. The Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre in Warburton
also provides real-time local updates.
2. Time Your Departure & Driving
If heading up after a fresh snowfall, always check the road
conditions before setting out. Don't leave too early—give Dept. of
Transport road crews time to grit and clear the ice.
- Snow
Chains: While not mandatory, carrying chains is highly recommended.
Hire them in the valley before reaching Warburton. Watch Parks Victoria’s
two-minute online video: ‘how to
fit snow chains’.
- Drive
Time: From Warburton, the 17km drive up Mount Donna Buang Road takes
20–25 minutes in good weather. Drive slowly and carefully.
- Have
a Plan B: If the access road is temporarily closed due to overcrowding
or weather, head to Warburton to enjoy local cafes or the Riverside Walk while you wait.
3. Consider Carpooling & Mid-Week Visits
As Melbourne’s closest free snow destination, the summit
experiences extreme traffic congestion on weekends. To beat the crowds and
reduce delays, carpool with friends or plan a mid-week trip.
4. Enjoy Fun, Safe Tobogganing
- Equipment:
Use plastic moulded toboggans only. Skis and snowboards are not permitted.
- Location:
Only toboggan in designated areas to protect the environment.
- Hire:
Toboggans can be hired in surrounding towns or at the summit on select
snow days.
Note on Variable Snow: Mount Donna Buang is lower
than major alpine resorts. Snow melts quickly and tobogganing isn't always
possible. Always check the daily snow report before packing the car.
5. Leave Your Dogs at Home
Because Mount Donna Buang is in a national park, dogs and
pets are strictly prohibited to protect native wildlife.
Other Places to See Snow in Victoria
If Mount Donna Buang is crowded or lacking snow, consider
these alternative winter destinations:
|
Destination
|
Best For
|
Drive from
Melbourne
|
|
Lake
Mountain Alpine Resort
(Taungurung
Country)
|
Fully managed
snow
play, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and nearby rainforest walks.
|
2–3 hours
|
|
Mount St
Gwinear
(Gunaikurnai
& Wurundjeri Country)
|
Free park
entry, family-friendly snow
play, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
|
3 hours
|
|
Mount
Buffalo National Park
(Taungurung
Country)
|
4–5 hours
|
|
|
Dinner
Plain, Alpine National Park
(Taungurung
and Gunaikurnai Country)
|
Near Mount
Hotham Resort, quaint alpine
village atmosphere, snow play and cross-country skiing.
|
5–6 hours
|