Yarra Ranges National Park

Just an hour from Melbourne, Yarra Ranges National Park is a lush wilderness of towering mountain ash forests, fern-filled gullies, and cascading waterfalls. This is the heart of the Great Dividing Range, where cool-climate rainforest meets alpine heathland, and where you can walk among the tallest flowering trees on Earth. The park is a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a deep dose of nature without straying far from the city.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Donna Buang: Drive or cycle to the summit for panoramic views across the Yarra Valley and, on clear days, all the way to the city. In winter, you might even find snow.
• O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail: An easy, mostly flat walk along a historic water supply channel, winding through towering mountain ash forest and ferny glades.
• Cement Creek Redwood Forest: A surreal grove of towering California redwoods planted in the 1930s. It's a short, magical walk among giants.
• Warburton Trail: A scenic rail-trail perfect for cycling or walking, following the Yarra River through the park from Warburton to the outskirts of Melbourne.
• Badger Weir Picnic Area: A family-friendly spot with a gentle walk to a picturesque waterfall and excellent birdlife – look out for lyrebirds and rosellas.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can get a taste of the park in a half-day, but a full day allows you to explore two or three key walks and enjoy a picnic. For serious hikers, an overnight trip on the Yarra Track or the more challenging Mount Strickland circuit is unforgettable. If you're based in Melbourne, a day trip is easy; if you're staying in the Yarra Valley wine region, allocate a full day to immerse yourself in the park's ancient forests.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yarra Valley wine region: Pair your forest adventures with cellar-door tastings at world-class wineries and gourmet produce.
• Healesville Sanctuary: See native Australian wildlife up close, including platypuses, kangaroos, and koalas.
• Warburton: A charming mountain town with a vibrant café scene, perfect for a post-walk coffee or a riverside lunch.
• Marysville: A historic town at the park's edge, with lovely gardens and access to the stunning Steavenson Falls.
• Lake Mountain Alpine Resort: In winter, this is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snow play; in summer, it offers great mountain biking.

Please check official sources for current details.