Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Day hikers
Winter and spring for the best lyrebird activity (they display most actively from May to August). Autumn for beautiful forest colours. Summer mornings offer cool rainforest air when Melbourne is sweltering.
Mount Donna Buang offers the most accessible ancient rainforest experience near Melbourne — a short 30-minute walk from the carpark leads through towering mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech to a spectacular canopy observation tower, with lyrebirds calling in the forest below. At 1252 metres, it is one of the highest points accessible by road in the Yarra Ranges, and the views from the tower on clear days extend across the ranges to Melbourne.
Why Mount Donna Buang makes a perfect Melbourne weekend getaway
The mountain ash forest on the upper slopes of Mount Donna Buang contains some of the tallest flowering plants on Earth — mountain ash trees (Eucalyptus regnans) that grow to over 90 metres in favourable conditions. The ancient myrtle beech rainforest near the summit is otherworldly on a misty morning, when the light filters through the canopy and lyrebirds can be heard mimicking other birds (and sometimes chainsaws and camera shutters) in the forest below.
The Rainforest Gallery walk (1.2km return) is one of the best short walks in the Yarra Ranges — a boardwalk through a particularly dense stand of myrtle beech and tree ferns, with interpretive signs explaining the ecology of this unique cool temperate rainforest. The walk is suitable for all fitness levels, including families with prams on the lower sections.
The summit observation tower provides 360° views when clear — east to the alpine areas of Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain, west to Melbourne's CBD, and north across the Great Dividing Range. The tower is accessible via a 1.2km return walk from the summit carpark. The mountain is often in cloud, which adds to the atmosphere, but also means you should check the forecast before a tower-view focused visit.
Top things to do in Mount Donna Buang
Lyrebird Sightings
Mount Donna Buang is one of the most reliable places in Victoria to see wild lyrebirds — the forest along the Rainforest Gallery walk and the summit approach path are both excellent spots, particularly in the early morning. Listen for their extraordinary mimicry calls.
Rainforest Gallery Walk
A 1.2km boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech rainforest and tree ferns — the best short walk in the Yarra Ranges and suitable for all ages. The forest is most atmospheric on misty mornings when the light filters through the canopy.
Summit Observation Tower
A metal observation tower above the summit carpark providing 360° views across the Yarra Ranges — Melbourne to the west, alpine areas to the east. Best on clear winter and spring mornings after cold fronts have cleared the air.
Cement Creek Valley
The drive up Mount Donna Buang Road passes through the beautiful Cement Creek valley, with several short walks through enormous mountain ash and rainforest pockets. The Rainforest Walk at Cement Creek is an excellent stop on the way up.
Practical tips for your Mount Donna Buang trip
- Lyrebirds are most active and vocal between May and August — walk quietly along the Rainforest Gallery early in the morning for the best chance of a sighting.
- The summit is frequently in cloud even on otherwise fine Melbourne days — check the Warburton weather forecast and aim for days with northeast winds (which clear the summit).
- The road to the summit is narrow and winding — drive slowly and use the turnouts when meeting oncoming traffic.
- Combine with a stop in Warburton township (30 min downhill) for excellent café options and the Warburton Rail Trail cycling path through the Yarra Valley.
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