The Upper Yarra Valley region has something for all age groups throughout the entire year.
| Local History |
Upper Yarra Museum – link
Run by the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society, the fascinating Upper Yarra Museum which is located in the old railway station at Yarra Junction is open every Sunday and most public holidays from 1.30pm ~ 5.00pm.
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| Snow Play |
Mt Donna Buang – link
Only an hours drive, and at 1245m above sea level, Mt Donna Buang is the closest place to Melbourne to hop on a toboggan, build a snowman or to have a snow fight. A food and coffee van is found at the summit on weekends and a small entry fee is also charged. Check out the current snow condition at ski.com.au
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| National & State Parks |
Yarra Ranges National Park – link
Established in 1995, Yarra Ranges National Park protects wonderful treasures of landscape and ecology. Some of Australia’s tallest forests including the state’s tallest tree (83 metres) can be found within the park’s vast 76,000 hectares which also protects the forested water catchments that supply both Melbourne’s water and the Yarra River that flows by the base of Mount Donna Buang. The landscape is enhanced by winter snows, and in summer there are cool dappled retreats for nature study and bush walking. Many creatures, including lyrebirds and Victoria’s faunal emblem, Leadbeaters Possum, share the natural habitats.
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – link
Up in the peaceful high country, 24 km east of Warburton, lies the popular Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – the upper most point of the Yarra River accessible to the public. The well maintained picnic facilities and camping grounds, encompassed by eucalypt bushland and spectacular scenery, makes visiting Upper Yarra Reservoir Park a memorable experience.
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| Lookouts |
Mt Donna Buang Summit Tower – link
The Mt Donna Buang summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and gives panoramic views the Upper Yarra Valley, the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, the
Cathederal Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and part of the Victorian Alps.
Rainforest Walk – link
The Mount Donna Buang Skywalk at Cement Creek, 9km from Warburton at the junction of the Mount Donna Buang Road and the Acheron Way, is a 17m high and 40m long aerial walkway which brings visitors into contact with giant 250-300 year old, 60m tall, mountain ash trees.
Ben Cairn
Walk out onto the huge rock known as Ben Cairn and check out the great view of the lower section of the Upper Yarra Valley.
Hang Glider Launch Ramp
Step out onto the hang glider launch ramp, located on the road that follows the mountain ridge between Mt Donna Buang and Ben Cairn, and experience an amazing view. Note that this road is closed during winter. |
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| Cycling |
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail – link
Hop on your bike and ride along the 40km old train line, that was built in 1901, between Lilydale and Warburton. The trail caters to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and the rail trail’s gentle gradient makes it an ideal destination for people of all ages and fitness.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail – link
Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, the trail follows the historic open channelled O’Shannassy Aqueduct, meandering through pristine forest which has been protected for nearly 100 years for water harvesting. Stretching 30km in its entirety, passes mature fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Warburton to Mt Donna Buang – link
Riding a bike to the top of Mt Donna Buang may not be
everyone’s idea of fun, but this 16.8km ride starting in the township of Warburton, is becoming a very popular challenge for a large number of competitive recreational and professional bike riders. The road is bitumen all the way and starts in Warburton at an altitude of 170m and climbs up a total distance of 1080m to the base of the tower at the summit of Mt Donna Buang at 1250m. The best recorded time so far (as of the 30th of August 2007) is a blistering fast 49 minutes and 18 seconds.
The Half Donna / Cement Creek – link
Starting at Warburton, and following the Mt Donna Buang road to the half way point at the
rainforest Gallery at Cement Creek, this ride is a great challenge for those a a little fitter than your average bike rider. While the total distance is only around 7.5km, the climb starts at 160m and finishes up at 670m above sea level with a total vertical distance covered of 500m and an ascent gradient of around 6.9%. Oh yeah…the ride down can be pretty quick (and dangerous) with speeds well over 50km/h, so remember to take it a bit easy. |
| Walking & Hiking |
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail – link
If you are not up to a big 40km walk, then you can break up the much longer trail that follows old train line between Lilydale and Warburton into smaller sections to make for some great walks for the whole family.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail – link
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 30km in its entirety, passes mature fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Mt Victoria Trail
This 6 hour return trail leaves Warburton near the golf course and after a long steep walk, finishes on the top of Mt Donna Buang before returning.
Rainforest Walk – link
The Mount Donna Buang Skywalk at Cement Creek, 9km from Warburton at the junction of the Mount Donna Buang Road and the Acheron Way, is a 17m high, 40m long aerial walkway which brings visitors into contact with giant 250-300 year old, 60m tall, mountain ash trees. Also leading from the carpark is the staircase which descends to the Rainforest Walkway and myrtle beech forest. Some of the beech trees here could be up to 400 years old. Part of the walkway runs alongside the cascading waters of Cement Creek.
La-La Falls
This 1.6 km walk along Four Mile Creek to the La La Falls is a steady, gradual climb up to the lovely falls.
Powelltown Railway – link
The 43km walk that follows the route of the old timber tramways that were built in the early 1900’s between Powelltown and Big Pats Creek, is a great way to experience some of the history of the Upper Yarra Valley.
Little & Big Peninsula Tunnels
Located between East Warburton and Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, the Little Peninsula and Big Peninsula Tunnels and the Gold Fields Walk, highlight the areas rich goldmining heritage.
The Upper Yarra Walking Track
This one is for the serious walker, it starts at Big Pats Creek and finishes at Mt Baw Baw, a total of 81km.
Ada Tree Circuit
Take this short, but interesting walk and visit the Ada Tree, a Mountain Ash tree thought to be
over 300 years old that is 76m tall and has a circumference of 15m. |
| Fishing |
Yarra River
Wether you do bait, lure or fly fishing, the gorgeous upper part of the Yarra River is a perfect place to spend some time looking for your next big catch or even just to spend some quality time with the family.
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| Camping |
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – link
Up in the peaceful high country, 24 km east of Warburton, lies the popular Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – the upper most point of the Yarra River accessible to the public. The well maintained picnic facilities and camping grounds, encompassed by eucalypt bushland and spectacular scenery, makes visiting Upper Yarra Reservoir Park a memorable experience.
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| Canoeing / Kayaking |
Yarra River
The Yarra River around Warburton provides a number of canoeing and kayaking opportunities for beginners looking to brush up on their skills or for the experienced kayaker our for a bit of fun.
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| Abseiling |
Ben Cairn – link
Not for the fainthearted, abseiling and climbing at Ben Cairn provides you with an amazing view of the Upper Yarra Valley.
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| Hang Gliding |
Mt Donna Buang Launch Ramp – link
Launch yourself over the Upper Yarra Valley (if you have the skills) from the hang glider launch ramp that is located on the road that follows the mountain ridge between Mt Donna Buang and Ben Cairn. Note that this road is closed during winter. |
| Other |
Tennis – Warburton Tennis Club
Other than servicing the Warburton Tennis Club, the courts which are located next to the Swing Bridge at the western end of the main shopping area, are available to visitors for a small fee. See the website for details.
Golf – Warburton Golf & Sporting Club
Located at the far western end of Warburton, the Warburton Golf Course is a picturesque course with huge views making it a favourite with players.
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