Trail Fast Facts
Morley Walking Track is a 9.4km, grade 4 hike in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Track Grade
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.
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.
- Management vehicle tracks and pedestrian pads through forest
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 675 m
Min elevation: 221 m
Total climbing: 272 m
Total descent: -589 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.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
About the region
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.
Suggest an edit
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.
Let someone know
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 “Morley Walking Track (9.4km)”
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.
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!