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
More information
For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton
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
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 9239 m
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.
Total distance: 6513 m
Max elevation: 1253 m
Min elevation: 998 m
Total climbing: 290 m
Total descent: -290 m
Getting to the trailhead: Warburton.
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 .
Closest towns to this walk: Gladysdale, Launching Place, Millgrove, Reefton, Warburton, Wesburn, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction
Looking for more walks in or near Warburton? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Yarra Ranges National Park
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.
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.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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.
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_16.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_11.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_12.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_4.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_9.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_5.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_3.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_14.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_8.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_7.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_13.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_6.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_2.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_10.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
/Mount-Donna-Buang-Hike_1.jpg "Mount Donna Buang Hike (18km)")
10 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!!