Warburton is 1 hour and 27 minutes from Melbourne, Australia with the Yarra River flowing right next to the small town. It is a very popular town on the weekends for walking, bike riding along the Warburton Trail, swimming in the river during summer, there is a nice playground for kids to play on right next to the river. There are cafes and a bakery for food and drink, you can also hire a bike or an E-Bike.
The photo below is directions from Melbourne to Warburton.
Winter on the Mt Donna Buang mountian….
During summer and spring Mt Donna Buang is only a 20 minute drive up to the top of the mountain from Warburton but during winter it can take up to 3 hours when snow has fallen. It’s free to drive up during winter and enjoy the snow but it’s best to go early just wait for the snow plough. Make sure you come prepared with food and snacks to eat and drink. I wouldn’t recommend anyone going up to the mountain without proper ski clothes. I have seen so many people and kids not wearing the right clothes and they don’t last long on the moment, its not fun when you are freezing and cold and do not have the right clothes on.
Parking and facilities….
There are a number of places to park your car in Warburton but one of the best places is past the town and near a Recreation Reserve, it has a large area to park and a toilet. You can drive down to the oval and park closer to the river or just walk from the top parking area. Near the Recreation Reserve there are some facilities and seating areas, also a pavilion and barbeques plus a nice little playground.
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Mt Donna Buang is in the background of the photo below, with the Yarra River. The day I visited was in September 2022 where there had been a lot of heavy rain so there was a lot more water flowing down the river, usually you can see the rocks in the river.
Walking around the river….
There is a nice walking track on both sides of the river and you can complete a nice circuit in around 45 minutes. A couple of places there are some steps, see the photos below, they do get a little steep.
The photo on the bottom row is of the Bakery and next to it are photos of the car park, where you don’t have to walk far to the bakery.
You can walk along the walking track on the side of the shops and then cross over on the bridge below and walk on the track on the other side of the river.
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There is a car park on the other side of the bridge.
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There are a couple of places along the track that have seating and nice grass areas perfect for picnics and watching the ducks swim around.
These photos are of the main street, where you can hire a bike, eat at a cafe, there is a playground half way along the shops with toilets and an information centre.
This backpack is ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Mt Donna Buang….
If you are in Warburton then definitely take the time to drive up to the top of Mt Donna Buang, the drive is easy and really nice. On the other hand if you are feeling a little more adventurous then how about walking up to the top or mountain biking. There are smaller tracks you can try if you drive up to the car parks.
There is a Rainforest Gallery Walk on Mt Donna Buang, the turn off to go up to the mountain is just outside of Warburton heading north. There is a 40 metre long cantilever platform within reach from the car park that looks over the rainforest. There are toilets in the car park area. For more information check out Warburton Rainforest Gallery.
The rainforest has a nice cool temperature that allows visitors to appreciate the 400 year old Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech that are 65 metres tall with ferns and mosses.
The circuit walk takes 45 minutes to walk around with enough time to stop at the viewing platforms and enjoy the sounds of the flowing river water. The walkway is elevated with about 100 steps along the walk, so it’s not suitable for prams or wheelchairs or people who have walking limitations. Its a good walk for kids that are kinder/primary school age as it is free.
In Australia, prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn easily. Hence, I make sure to have a hat and sunscreen with me at all times. Find it here on Amazon hat, Amazon sunscreen.
Heading up the mountain….
Driving up the mountain a little more leads to the first large car park, from here you can walk up to the top of the mountain, the first photo shows a clearing, you just head up over the log until you reach the track. This is about 2km of steep track through ferns and huge eucalyptus trees, taking only about 30-45 minutes to reach the top. There is also a spring water fountain which never stops running and has some of the nicest spring water you will ever taste. There are some toilets located just next to the road and in better condition than the toilets on the top of the mountain.
I rely on this mosquito spray outdoors, especially near water, as mosquitoes are drawn to it. Perfect for deterring insects. Discover it on..Amazon
Finally the summit….
These are photos of the Summit at Mt Donna Buang, there are picnic areas with seats and tables and plenty of open space to let the kids run around. There are walking tracks all over the mountain for people who love hiking and exploring, but definitely check out the Parks Victoria Website Warburton for more detailed information about the walks and conditions of the mountain before planning any trips.
If you aren’t scared of heights check out the views from the top of the tower. The walk up the tower is really safe, with hand rails to hold onto. The day I walked up the tower I had perfect views into the distance as shown in the photos.
I keep a reusable water bottle handy as I prefer not to purchase and discard plastic ones. There’s a water fountain located just outside the restrooms where you can easily refill your bottle. Find it here on Amazon
Warburton Water World….
Warburton Water World opened in September 2020 where the former Warburton Pool closed. It’s a recreation, play space and water park for everyone. The facilities are BBQ area, toilets, water features plus a drenching bucket and picnic area. There is also an open space for community events.
The play water part of the park only operates from September to April, the park is located next to the Warburton Caravan Park.
The park is free to visit with no booking systems, on warm/ hot days the park gets busy with the car park being limited.
The water jets at Warburton Water World will not operate on Extreme or Code Red Fire Danger Rating. On days where the temperature is above 35 degrees or higher, the Warburton Water World will stay open until 9pm.
There are 2 playgrounds, one for junior kids and the other for older kids. The water area is suitable for everyone.
All water runs through the UV-sterilised and ph-controlled without chlorine system every 2 hours.
During the March opening hours, which is autumn, the water will turn off at 7:30pm at the splash park for the safety of park users, until the end of Term 1 School Holidays when the water play season ends. The hours of the water play area are 10am-7:30pm everyday.
The carpark is at the back of the Redwoods Centre, electric signs will be operating to follow to the free parking, then it is a short walk to the water park. The gates at the free parking close at 7:30pm and will be locked.
Packing suggestions for Warburton
Sunscreen: With a potent SPF but without the oily sensation of other sunscreens, it’s a game-changer when you’re out in the sun, especially on those active, sunny days! Take a look here on… Amazon
A reliable Rain Jacket: North Face. It’s a must-have in our backpack! This North Face jacket ensures you stay dry while also feeling comfortably warm (unlike many others that can make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Find it here on… Amazon
Mosquitoes Spray: Ideal for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Explore it on… Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22: Ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab: For men and women. Check them out on Amazon
Reusable water bottle: To steer clear of disposable plastic, take a look at them on… Amazon
Sunhat: Aqua Classic represents a technically refined, sun-protective swim fabric resistant to chlorine and saltwater, featuring a modest 4-way stretch. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and exceptionally comfortable. Check them out on Amazon Amazon This one is waterproof and is for both women and men Amazon
Band Aid: I always carry a pack of band aid when walking for blisters and cuts. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera: This camera is my go-to for capturing photos and shooting 4K videos of wildlife. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera Bundle: This camera bundle includes Triple Battery + Deco Gear Backpack Bag Case + Filter Kit + Photo Video Software and Accessories, all with the same camera model. Check them out on Amazon
Compact Camera: The Sony DSC-HX99 is a versatile and powerful compact camera. With its 18.2 MP sensor and a remarkable 24-720mm zoom range, capturing both wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects is effortless. Its 4K video capability ensures stunning video quality, while the touchpad provides intuitive control. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a traveler seeking a compact yet feature-rich camera, the DSC-HX99 delivers exceptional performance for capturing high-resolution images and videos in various settings. Check them out on Amazon
Binoculars: The MIQXUAS Night Vision Binoculars offer impressive performance for various activities like stargazing, bird watching, concerts, sports events, sightseeing, and hunting. With a 60X60 magnification power and a range of up to 10,000 meters, these binoculars deliver excellent clarity and detailed visuals. The waterproof design ensures durability and reliability in various weather conditions.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, these binoculars provide a clear view even in low-light environments. However, while they offer night vision capabilities, the quality might not match higher-end specialized night vision devices. The included carrying bag adds convenience for portability.
Overall, these binoculars are a solid choice for multiple outdoor activities, offering good value for their price point. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: This tool is ideal for extended hikes and overnight stays in the wilderness, equipped with a torch, camping knife, fire starter, light stick, wire saw, and a Paracord bracelet featuring a fire scrapper, whistle, and compass. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: I opt for this one during short hikes, as it’s smaller and fits more comfortably in my backpack. Check them out on Amazon
That’s the end of the this list, but if you are interested in walking and waterfalls then check out my other posts
If you have any other suggestions on places to visit please leave comments below the post.
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