The Morley Walking Track offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through the heart of Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately 50 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria. This 9.4-kilometre trail, classified as grade 4, traverses stunning mountain ash forest, requiring approximately 3.5 hours to complete.
Commencing at the Fernshaw Picnic Area, the track leads to Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area, forming a circuit through diverse landscapes. The trail is well-defined and features informative signage, although it includes several steep sections that can be challenging, especially in wet conditions. Sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are essential for this hike.
The Morley Walking Track is renowned for its towering mountain ash trees, some reaching heights exceeding 90 metres. These ancient giants create a unique ecosystem, supporting a diverse understorey of ferns, wattles, and other plant species. The dense canopy provides a cool and sheltered environment for walkers, making the track enjoyable even during warmer months.
As this area falls within a water catchment, it is crucial to adhere to park regulations and remain on designated tracks to protect the environment. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while minimising their impact.
The Morley Walking Track offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the grandeur of Victoria's mountain ash forests.
Want to find the best trails in Yarra Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia offers a comprehensive guide to walking, hiking, and running routes across the country.
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.
- 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.
- Management vehicle tracks and pedestrian pads through forest
Total distance: 9463 m
Max elevation: 675 m
Min elevation: 221 m
Total climbing: 272 m
Total descent: -589 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Belgrave, Emerald, Healesville, Lilydale, Marysville, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Warburton
Yarra Ranges National Park, located approximately 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria, offers a diverse landscape of mountain ranges, forests, and waterways. This significant parkland, situated on the traditional country of the Wurundjeri people, is renowned for its towering mountain ash trees, the tallest flowering plants on Earth.
The park encompasses a vast area, encompassing the towns of Marysville, Healesville, and Warburton. Visitors can explore dense rainforests, clear streams, and stunning lookouts, including the iconic Mount Donna Buang, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding region. The Black Spur Drive winds through the park's heart, providing access to numerous walking trails and picnic areas.
Yarra Ranges National Park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species inhabiting the area. The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich tapestry of plant life, creating a visually stunning environment for visitors to explore.
Whether you seek a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll, or a scenic drive, Yarra Ranges National Park offers a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Looking for more walks in or near Yarra Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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3 Reviews on “Morley Walking Track (9.4km)”
A solid forest walk through classic mountain ash country with a mix of gentle trail and some steep sections to keep you honest.
Do this walk in the direction advised. No uphill climb at all
Avoid stopping at the River as Melb Water will fine you
Josh
Susan Hackett
Oliver Bonaccorso
track is so overgrown with ferns and blackberry bushes, we had to turn back 3-4kms from Fernshaw because it was so thick the track disappeared so you couldn’t see if there were snakes around and risked getting (even more) sliced up by blackberry thorns. Only recommend this track with long pants and a machete.
Bushwalking Victoria worked with Parks Vic to clear this track May 2025. There is still about 1km to clear at the base of the climb but it has been well taped so you can follow it.
They do such amazing work. Very grateful.
Shannon Maes
Most of this track was destroyed in 2009 fires. Was closed for years, so now it is MUCH tougher than a grade 3 hike! DId this on the weekend, 8 hours – 22km in and back from Dom Dom Picnic Ground (very poorly maintained no water, loos are shocking,) to Fernshaw. This trail is very steep up and down, trail is hardly visible but for tree markers in parts, lots of big trees to get over and slippery as hell. Good luck!