Mount Donna Buang is a fantastic all-seasons playground. In spring, summer and autumn, the picnic area is a great base for walks up the mountain and views across to Melbourne and beyond. The Rainforest Gallery has a spectacular observation platform and walkway allowing you to stroll among the treetops.
Rising to 1245m, Mount Donna Buang often receives frequent snowfalls in the winter. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first taste of snow play and tobogganing here over the years.
On the way up to Donna Buang from Healesville, Ben Cairn is a popular spot for rock climbing and there is also a take-off site for hang gliders.
One of the most popular walks in the Yarra Ranges is the Redwoods. In contrast to the Mountain Ash that are such a feature of the Yarra Ranges, the trees here are introduced from California. Californian Redwoods are a type of conifer and are the tallest of all plant species in the world, while Mountain Ash are the tallest flowering plant in the world.
Warburton is a popular centre for cycling, with the iconic 40km Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail ending here. The 30km O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is suitable for cyclists of all ages and can be tackled in shorter sections. More energetic road cyclists like to climb to the summit of Mount Donna Buang.
Things to do in the area
The park provides habitat for 120 species of native birds. Hollow-using species found here are the Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl and Barking Owl. Other important species include the Pink Robin, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot and Grey Goshawk. Crimson Rosellas are common.
The park features tall Mountain Ash forests, with an understorey of tree ferns, and gullies of cool temperate rainforest. Large pristine areas of these and other vegetation types are of national and state botanical significance. Damp river valleys are home to stands of Myrtle Beech festooned with mosses, ferns and lichens.
The highest elevations, such as Lake Mountain and Mount Donna Buang, are characterised by sub-alpine vegetation, and receive regular snowfalls over the winter months.
Fourteen plant species occurring in the park have been identified as being rare or threatened, including the Slender Tree-fern and Tree Geebung.
How to get there
Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra
When you're there
In winter, following sufficient snow, Mount Donna Buang becomes a very popular family friendly snow playground. You might experience long delays in reaching the summit.
Car parking is available at the summit through the day, however the summit gate is locked when there is snow. At these times car parking is available at the gate and the summit can be accessed by a 300m walk along the road.
Need to know
Warburton Donna Buang and the Upper Yarra
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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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)
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Yarra Ranges National Park
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed
The Dee Road Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safetySubsequently, 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 Program
Parks Victoria will be undertaking a deer control program on the southern fall of Mt Donna Buang from late April until late October 2024. During this time the area in the attached map will be closed from dusk until dawn, a number of nights each month for shooting operations. This area includes a large section of the O'shannassy aqueduct trail and the Mt Victoria trail. Signage will be placed on access points to the control area whilst control operations are being undertaken. For public safety reasons please read these signs and do not enter the site if control operations are taking place.This program will use professional contract shooters and will operate between the 29th of April 2024 and 31st of October 2024.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.