Starting from Donnelly Weir the Donnellys Weir Mt St Leonard circuit follows Track 12 the Rd 11 to Monda road to the summit of Mountt St Leonard. This is the highest part of the walk at just over 1,000 metres.
From the summit, head north alond R 10 to the Mount St Leonard Carpark then continue north along Monda Road. Remain on Mondar Road as it heads east, then south to the junction of Hardy Creek Road.
Remain on Monda Road as it heads south east to the junction of RD 12. This junction is approximately 16km from the trailhead. Continue south along RD 12 for approximately 800m. RD 12 will start turning west at this point so you will need to follow a smaller track south, this is known as Condon Track.
Condons Track is steep, narrow and often indistinct, making this 2.5km section a lot of fun. Condons Track passes RD 22 (on your left) before reaching the junction of RD 21 at around the 19.5k mark.
Turn right (west), to stay on R 22 and walk a short distance (200m) to the junction of Track 17. From here, you will slowly descend to the Maroondah Aqueduct which you follow back to the trail head at Donnelly Weir Picnic Area
- This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.
- Can be slippy in the wet, recommend poles for steeper sections.
- Condons track is steep and slippery with loose dirt and lots of debris and fallen trees so take your time. It can be particularly challenging after rain.
Total distance: 23274 m
Max elevation: 1027 m
Min elevation: 143 m
Total climbing: 1172 m
Total descent: -1172 m
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Donnelly's Weir is reached from Healesville via St Leonard Road which forks off the Maroondah Highway northwards near the east end of the shops. After 1.3km turn right on to Donnelly's Weir Road and travel 700m, avoid a road off to the right and cross the small Watts River. Some 400m further on diverge left for another 700m to a ford and gate which marks the entry to the weir area.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
The Yarra Ranges spans an extensive, mountainous area of cool temperate forest around the three towns of Marysville, Healesville and Warburton. This national park is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. Dark gullies are home to clear streams which feed the Yarra River and major reservoirs from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.
The Yarra Ranges boasts some stunning lookouts, one of the best being Mount Donna Buang. From here you can see awesome views of Westernport Bay and Port Phillip - or walk the Rainforest Gallery and see the Mountain Ash from a different perspective. In the winter, Mount Donna Buang is Melbourne's closest winter playground. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first sight of snow here through the years.
Healesville is the start of the Black Spur Drive, a short but beautiful scenic car journey. The road winds through majestic Mountain Ash forest to Narbethong, passing a number of pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, such as Donnelly's Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Yarra Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
2 Reviews on “Donnellys Weir Mt St Leonard Hike (25.3km)”
28 May 2022 – Access conditions have changed. Rd 12 off Monda Road (CH46+VMG Toolangi, Victoria) has a notice posted about damages and the gate is closed for repairs until Jun 2022. If you ignore the notice, the trail disappears from (CH35+599 Healesville, Victoria) onwards and you have to rely on tree markers. At (CH24+9R2 Healesville, Victoria) is the last marked tree beyond which the weather damage is significant and signposts cannot be located anymore. It’s very risky to proceed, especially in wet conditions. There is no signal on Optus / Vodafone in the damaged area. Monda Car Park is the nearest location accessible by car, should you need to be rescued by someone.
What a fantastic walk. Thank you for the detailed write-up.