Mount Donna Buang

Mount Donna Buang rises as a cool-climate escape from the Yarra Valley, a 1250-metre peak where rainforest, snow gums and panoramic views converge. The drive up through ferny gullies and towering mountain ash sets the tone for a day that feels worlds away from Melbourne, yet is barely 90 minutes from the city. In winter, the summit is one of Victoria’s most accessible snow-play spots; in summer, it’s a haven for walkers, picnickers and anyone chasing crisp air and big-sky views.

Highlights & What to See

• Summit Lookout Tower – Climb the wooden tower for 360° views that stretch from the Yarra Valley to the Great Dividing Range and, on clear days, to the Melbourne skyline.
• Rainforest Walks – The 1.4 km O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is a gentle boardwalk through myrtle beech and tree ferns, while the 3 km Donna Buang Rainforest Walk offers a deeper immersion.
• Snow Play in Winter – When the white stuff falls, the summit area becomes a family-friendly snow-play zone with sledding and snowman-building – no ski lifts needed.
• Cement Creek Redwood Forest – A short detour from the summit road leads to a grove of towering Californian redwoods planted in the 1930s, creating a surreal, cathedral-like atmosphere.
• Warburton Trail – The summit is the northern trailhead of this 33-km rail-trail that winds through forest and farmland down to Warburton – ideal for cyclists and walkers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–4 hours on the mountain, combining a summit visit with a short rainforest walk and a picnic. If you’re keen on a longer hike (such as the 12 km return Mount Donna Buang summit walk from the car park), allow a full half-day. In winter, snow play can extend your stay, especially on weekends when the summit buzzes with families. The drive up is an attraction in itself, so factor in photo stops at the redwoods and viewpoints along the way.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Warburton – A charming Yarra Valley town with a great bakery, riverside walks and the famous Warburton Waterwheel.
• Yarra Valley Wineries – After your mountain fix, descend to cellar doors like Yering Station, De Bortoli and Domaine Chandon for tastings and lunch.
• Healesville Sanctuary – Australian wildlife sanctuary set in bushland, home to koalas, kangaroos and platypuses.
• Marysville – A pretty town with waterfalls (Steavenson Falls) and access to Lake Mountain for more snow play.
• Mount Baw Baw – A higher alpine resort with skiing, snowboarding and summer hiking – about 1.5 hours east.

Please check official sources for current details.