Trail Fast Facts
Mt Donna Buang is an 18km, grade 4 hike in Warburton, Victoria. This hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Whether you're training for a seriously steep overseas trek a la Kokoda or Kilimanjaro or just want to complete the best mountain climb close to Melbourne, the Mount Donna Buang Walking Track is for you.
Donna Buang boasts enough natural beauty in its own right to guarantee it is a bushwalking gem that can be done at a leisurely pace. However, shooting up 1170-vertical metres in 9km, the Track comes into its own as a hill training venue.
Located only an hour (80km) from Melbourne's CBD, the sheer slopes of the mountain deliver an ascent profile that gets lungs bursting and thighs burning, making it prime training ground, especially for hikers heading to Kokoda in Papua New Guinea or to overseas mountain summits. Indeed, Donna Buang's jungle-like environment make it the perfect Kokoda preparation.
Those tackling its length rise up through towering mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech trees, pushing on into a dense rainforest jungle populated by gigantic tree ferns. The trail reaches Mount Victoria before nearing Donna's summit (1245m), the prior saddle featuring a mystic atmosphere, especially when the mist rolls in, as it often does.
The finale is stepping up the viewing tower, a 21m rise that on a clear day delivers views across the Upper Yarra Valley.
For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton
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
Best completed in summer and shoulder season; muddy, slippery, potentially snowbound and difficult going in winter; car shuffle required if walking one way.
For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1260 m
Min elevation: 152 m
Total climbing: 1181 m
Total descent: -76 m
Alternative Trail
For an easier, shorter walk that does not require a car shuffle, drive to the summit car park. Walk back along the trail towards Mount Victoria, eventually popping out on Mount Donna Buang Rd. Walk roadside uphill for approximately 1km until you reach the 10 Mile Picnic Area. Pick up the linking trail at the rear of the car park taking you back on to the main Donna Buang Walking Track you came down on. Walk back to the summit. Approximately 6km.
Max elevation: 1253 m
Min elevation: 998 m
Total climbing: 290 m
Total descent: -290 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
From Melbourne City to Yarra Valley (via Eastlink Tollway) - Make your way onto the Eastern Freeway and travel towards Ringwood. The Eastern Freeway turns into the Eastlink Toolway after Springvale Road. If you have an Eastlink or Citylink pass, continue on the Eastlink Tollway and go through the Mullum Mullum tunnel - make sure to stay in the left lane as the turnoff is straight after the tunnel ends. Turn left after exiting the tunnel towards Ringwood. Turn left onto the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale. Once past Lilydale, turn right at the Warburton Highway turnoff to explore the Warburton Valley. Pass through the villages of the Warburton Valley, arriving at Warburton, about 40km from Lilydale. The Donna Buang walk can be commenced from anywhere within the Warburton township, and is reached by walking up Martyr Road, beside the golf course.
By Public Transport Public Transport Victoria has regular trains heading to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale Station, catch a Martyrs bus to travel to Warburton .
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.
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 Warburton 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 “Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)”
Stratos Kouvrakis
Suzie Sharp, Joelene Gordon-Cooke let’s book this in for when we’re allowed out to play again ?
Tammee Mitchell miss you too honey! ?
Tammy Morgan we could have a weekend there in the vans!
Tania Cake
Tanya Marshall-Disher with spring around the corner this hike is a must.
That looks scary for a novice… ?
This is a cracker. Absolutely beautiful hike.
This killed me!
This would have been it Ash Cochrane!
Yep absolutely- when it gets a bit warmer ?
Yes!!!!!
Yeah!! I pm you
Tom Scott
Yeah that would be awesome
When it dries up. RIP Patella
We can do it! Cant be worse than 35km!!
True! Giving birth remember!
Tammee Mitchell ill look after the kids!!
Tramping would be okay too…?
Is this the walk we are doing with Mr K ??
Its a big bitch!! Always will be!! ????
Jason Whittle
Jay CourtneyMatt Omond Good one to get back into it in spring
Jill thoughts
Let’s go away
Lachie Bosomworth here’s one for you.
Laurinda ???
Leesa Swanson absolutely it looks lovely
Kylie Durrant it’s grade 4 too .. the scale is generally 1-5 … 5 being difficult.. ?? x
Lana Mae hope they warn people of the leeches haha
Lucia Zelesco It will be non stop talking ?
Josh Mitchell when we are allowed out again please get kids baby sat! Just you and me
Kylie Durrant ? good warm up for mount bogong ?
Kylie Durrant book this one in!
Lock it in ?
Jill Wren another one I would like to do
Krystle this hike looks fun!!
Krystle 18km. We could totally do that with a back pack!
Liz Crask we could do this one after COVID-19 is done!
Tammee Mitchell ill look after the kids!!