Yarra Ranges National Park (Marysville)
Cradling the Yarra River headwaters and much of Melbourne's water catchment, the park features majestic Mountain Ash trees.
Visit the Rainforest Gallery with its spectacular observation platform and rainforest walkway on the southern slopes of Mount Donna Buang. Enjoy cross-country skiing and tobogganing at Lake Mountain. Drive the world famous Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong, continue through to Marysville stopping along Lady Talbot Drive to walk through ancient rainforests at the Beeches and view the waterfalls at Keppel and Phantom Falls.
Things To Do
Rainforest Gallery (Donna Buang)
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.
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled O'Shannassy Aqueduct, meandering through pristine forest which has been protected for nearly 100 years for water harvesting.
The trail, stretching 30 kilometres in its entirety, passes mature fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Step-On Step-Off Walking - The O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is a long distance walking track passing through the Yarra Ranges National Park from Don Valley to East Warburton.
Opportunities exist to Step-On Step-Off the trail from main visitor areas for a shorter walk. Or if you're interested in a longer hike, the trail can be linked to the popular Warburton Rail Trail at several locations.
When completed, the trail will link Lilydale to East Warburton via a 70km network of walking and bike trails.
Drive the Black Spur
Drive the world famous Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong and see luxuriant rainforest on The Beeches Walk on Lady Talbot Forest Drive near Marysville.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic and short walk at other nearby visitor areas such as Donnelly's Weir, Dom Dom Saddle or Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Mt Donna Buang Summit
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.
Car parking is available at the summit through the day, however the summit gate is locked in the evening and when there is snow. At these times car parking is available at the gate and the summit can be accessed by a 300 metre walk along the road.
Winter snow play - In winter the summit area turns to snow play. Three toboggan runs open when there is adequate snow on the mountain.
Walks include:
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
Donnelly Weir Picnic Area
Donnellys Weir forms both the start and finish of the Bicentennial National Trail. A variety of walks from the picnic area cater for both casual and longer distance walkers. Note: There are restricted opening times.
Walking tracks include:
Condons Track
Distance: 8 km
Time: Approximately 3.5 hours, one way
Grade: Difficult
This walk is for experienced bushwalkers only and is very steep. Beginning on Road 17 just past Echo Tunnel, the track climbs the slopes of Mt Monda through ancient fern gullies and tall, wet Mountain Ash forest. From Road 9 Mt Monda return to
Donnellys Weir via Condons Track, or follow the sign posts on Road 9 to Mt St Leonard. The entire circuit from Donnellys Weir to Mt Monda, Mt St Leonard and back to the weir is 21km and takes seven to eight hours.
Mt St Leonard Track
Distance: 8km
Time: Approximately 3 hours - one way
Grade: Moderate
Incorporating part of the Bicentennial National Trail, this track passes through mixed eucalypt forest and offers magnificent views across the Yarra Valley from the summit of Mt St Leonard.
Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area
Dom Dom Saddle Picnic area is located on the Black Spur and is accessible from Maroondah Highway. There are several picnic tables scattered on the site near the carpark.
Fernshaw Picnic Area
The picnic facilities include approximately 6 picnic tables scattered throughout a European garden area, a gas barbecue, toilet block and information shelter.
Badger Weir Picnic Area
Badger Weir Picnic Area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or barbecue. Visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and forest walks passing through ancient fern gullies, across clear mountain streams and meandering amongst mighty Mountain Ash.
Walking tracks include:
Badger Weir via Slip Creek Track
Distance: 1.4km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Moderate
Badger Weir via Coranderrk Track
Distance:1.1km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Easy (follows vehicle track to weir)
Badger Weir via Lyrebird Track
Distance: 1.1km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Easy (a few steps)
Web Links
→ Yarra Ranges National Park
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Healesville area (PDF)
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Lady Talbot Drive, Cambaraville Historic (PDF)
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Lake Mountain (PDF)
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Mt Donna Buang (PDF)
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - OShannassy Aqueduct Trail (PDF)
→ The Best Family Activities in the Yarra Valley
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Badgers Weir (PDF)
