Mount Ritchie is a 16km, grade 3 return hike located in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 6 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Mount Ritchie hike is a steady moderate walk uphill along a 4 wheel drive path, ascending 650 meters over 8Km, then descending all the way back to the starting point. The route begins from Acheron Way. Crossing the Acheron River and winding through beautiful tall mountain ash forest. This area is brimming with interesting fungi in the wetter months but the flora is impressive all year round. This walk is most spectacular when the top of  Mount Ritchie is covered by snow. This is more likely to occur between mid July to mid September.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1251 m
Min elevation: 702 m
Total climbing: 867 m
Total descent: -867 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Drive to Warburton; from Warburton continue on to Donna Buang Rd/C507; Continue and follow C507 (do not turn to Donna Buang), the destination will be on the right 18.3 km from Warburton (25 minutes from Warburton on a winding road). There is limited parking space at the trailhead. Enough room for 3 to 5 cars. Search "Start Mount Ritchie walk" in Google.
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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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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
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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.