Along with the Rainforest Gallery at the junction of the Acheron Way and the Donna Buang Road, this short Mount Donna Buang - 10 Mile Turntable to Summit hike is a pleasant introduction to Mount Donna Buang.
Park your car at the large car park at the 10 mile turntable and walk back down the road for 20 metres. There you will see a track heading up hill with a couple of posts to prevent vehicle access. Walk up this gently climbing track for 400 metres to a signposted junction. Turn left and continue uphill through mixed beech and eucalypt forest for another 600 metres to the summit area. Have a look around and if the weather is clear, it is well worth climbing the lookout tower which has stunning views in all directions.
For the return trip, head down the stairs next to the toilet block to the toboggan run. When you reach a former road, turn left along the track, climbing over a gate to cross the toboggan run. Continue walking along the old road until you reach the track you climbed earlier. Head down the track for about 400 metres to the junction. Turn right and walk another 400 metres to the 10 mile car park.
If you wish to extend the walk by an hour to Mount Victoria, on the return trip take the signposted track to Mount Victoria and follow the directions for the walk below.
Background
Mount Donna Buang (1250 metres) is the nearest snowfield to Melbourne. The tall ash forests on it's slopes were harvested at the turn of the 20th century and the timber was moved by a network of tramlines and cable haulages. The industry took off in 1901 with the completion of the railway to Warburton.. Before the Second World War, Doona was also a minor ski resort with cleared runs, a huge ski jump and four ski lodges. In 1935 12,000 watched ski races on Donna. However the snow was never terribly reliable and after the war, two of the lodges that survived the 1939 fires were moved to the more dependable snowfield at Mount Buller, while the ruins of another can be seen at the foot of an old ski run.
Today most of the mountain is parkland. It is a accessed by a sealed road and is a popular tourist destination. In winter it attracts families to play in the snow. There is a 21 metre high lookout tower on the summit accessed by a strange double helix staircase. From the top there are impressive views of the mountains and forests, as well as the farmlands and towns of the Yarra Valley.
While you can drive to the top, there are a number of walking tracks up the mountain. One is a long day hike from Dom Dom Saddle, another begins at the aptly named Martyr Road in Warburton while a third starts half way up, near the Cement Creek Rainforest Gallery. There is also an easier option of a scenic walk near the summit.
Summary provided by: David Sisson | www.australianmountains.com
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Total distance: 2826 m
Max elevation: 1252 m
Min elevation: 1069 m
Total climbing: 185 m
Total descent: -185 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Badger Creek, Big Pats Creek, East Warburton, Gladysdale, Healesville, Launching Place, Marysville, Millgrove, Olinda, Reefton, Warburton, Yarra Junction
Getting to the trailhead in Mount Donna Buang.
Drive through Warburton until the highway, B 380, crosses the Yarra River. Shortly afterwards turn left onto The Acheron Way, C 507. The road climbs steadily for 7 km to the Cement Creek junction. Park here and spend 15 minutes inspecting the impressive Rainforest Gallery, a 350 metre walking circuit that starts high in the canopy before descending to the forest floor. Then drive up the Donna Buang Road, C 505, for 6 km to the 10 Mile picnic area and park. This is the most attractive place on the road and much nicer than the rather bleak summit area.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Steep Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
Mount Donna Buang is a mountain in the southern reaches of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, Victoria. Approximately 80 kilometres from Melbourne with an elevation of 1,245 metres, Mount Donna Buang is the closest snowfield to Melbourne. The summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.
The picnic area has gas barbecues, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.
Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Donna Buang or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
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.
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