Trail Fast Facts
Monda Track is an 18.1km, grade 3 hike in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Track Grade
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.
Tips
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 960 m
Min elevation: 386 m
Total climbing: 831 m
Total descent: -835 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
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.
About the region
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.
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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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Yarra Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
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.
Gear to consider
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
Explore Safe
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.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 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.