The Monda Track is a very picturesque track following various access roads and tracks, plus firebreaks, through the Yarra Ranges National Park. There are many very beautiful segments where you are surrounded by great specimens of the Mountain Ash.
The track begins just before the access gate at the South End of the Carpark. Follow the road to your left, then take Dom Dom Creek Road to your left after roughly 400 metres. After approx another km you will see Hermitage Walking Track to your left (not signposted). Follow this to the highway.
You will need to walk along the highway until you see Black Spur Caravan park. Be very careful along the highway as traffic moves fast. Cross the highway then head uphill on Rough Road (the signs say Rouch Road!?).Keep following this until you hit the junction (roughly 8km since beginning). You'll then need to take a couple of lefts until you are on Lookout Spur Road. Keep following this until you arrive at Archer lookout. This is a good lunch spot, it is recognisable by having large stones placed.
After this follow Monda Track and continue along this and then downhill. You will come to a gate which you will need to climb over. You can then take the firebreak to Archer Hill and then righ and downhill where you will join Road 9. Keep following this downhill and eventually you will arrive at the road. The section from Archer Hill back to the road is the most scenic.
You may encounter leaches on this hike. Make sure you have a good map as there are many different roads passing through and it would be easy to take a wrong turn.
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Total distance: 18174 m
Max elevation: 960 m
Min elevation: 386 m
Total climbing: 831 m
Total descent: -835 m
Getting to the trailhead: Yarra Ranges National Park.
Make your way to Healesville, then continue on the Maroondah Highway for roughly 18km until you see the entry to Dom Dom Saddle Carpark on your right. Be careful as it comes up quickly, but there is a sign notifying of picnic area 300 metres beforehand.
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Healesville, Lilydale, Marysville, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Warburton
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Yarra Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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.
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5 Reviews on “Monda Track (18.1km)”
I saw a post that suggested sections of the track are now heavily overgrown.
I used to love that walk, but have not done it for a while.
Al Morkans seems to be the way with a lot of trails these days. Not enough funding or volunteers to keep all the tracks maintained.