Trail Fast Facts
Warby Falls Heritage Trail is an 8.2km, grade 4 hike in Warby-Ovens National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Warby Falls Heritage Trail is a moderately challenging hike located within Warby-Ovens National Park, Victoria. Classified as a Grade 4 track, the trail offers several options to suit varying distances and time commitments.
The main trail is an 8.2km loop, taking approximately four hours to complete. This scenic route winds through a gully, showcasing remnants of the area's rich history including a historic sawmill, weirs, sheep washes, and dams. Hikers may also encounter waterfalls, although these can be dry during summer months.
For those seeking a shorter option, a 3.7km one-way track begins from the carpark on Booth Road. This section takes roughly two hours to complete, but requires arranging transportation back to the starting point.
Alternatively, a 7.4km return walk tackles the same route as the one-way option but returns via the same path. This variation takes approximately three and a half hours.
Regardless of the chosen path, the trail starts and finishes at the carpark located near the intersection of Booth Road and Baileys Road, adjacent to the Taminick Winery. The track itself can be completed in either direction.
The difficulty level varies throughout the trail. The beginning and concluding sections offer a gentle gradient, while the middle portion features steeper inclines, obstacles, and undulating terrain. A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Map and GPX file
Warby Falls Heritage Trail Loop (8.2km)
Max elevation: 433 m
Min elevation: 240 m
Total climbing: 273 m
Total descent: -273 m
Warby Falls Heritage Trail Return (7.4km)
Max elevation: 383 m
Min elevation: 232 m
Total climbing: 354 m
Total descent: -354 m
Getting there
The trailhead for the Warby Falls Heritage Trail is located at the carpark near the intersection of Booth Road and Baileys Road in Victoria, Australia. This carpark is conveniently situated right next to the Taminick Winery, so you can use the winery as a landmark for navigation.
Photo gallery
Image: Visit Wangaratta
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.
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.
About the region
The Warby-Ovens National Park, situated near Wangaratta in Victoria, holds a deep significance for the Yorta Yorta Peoples, the traditional owners of this land. This diverse park offers a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you seek breathtaking views, invigorating walks and bike rides, peaceful canoeing on the Ovens River, or simply a chance to unwind at a campsite amidst native wildlife, Warby-Ovens National Park caters to all.
The park encompasses three distinct ecosystems. The heritage-listed lower Ovens River boasts majestic River Red Gum forests, one of the most intact floodplain ecosystems in northern Victoria thanks to the unregulated nature of the river. The Killawarra Forest features a box-ironbark woodland, particularly important for threatened birdlife like the Swift Parrot, Hooded Robin, and Speckled Warbler. The Warby Range offers a scenic blend of grassy woodlands and granite outcrops, coming alive with wildflowers in spring and providing access to spectacular lookouts.
A mere 10 kilometres from Wangaratta, the park is perfect for a day trip. Enjoy walks, picnics, birdwatching, cycling, or a scenic drive. Take in the exceptional views, especially during winter when the distant peaks are dusted with snow, from Ryan's Lookout and Kwat Kwat Lookout.
Explore the walking tracks that weave through the Warby Range and Killawarra Forest, immersing yourself in the park's diverse birdlife and spring wildflowers. Alternatively, relax by the river with a picnic or fire.
For a longer stay, pitch your tent and spend a few days camping, hiking, or birdwatching. The Ovens River is a haven for canoeing, offering calm waters suitable for paddlers of all experience levels.
Keep an eye out for Black Wallabies or Eastern Grey Kangaroos as you navigate the tracks. Wildlife spotting is generally best at dawn and dusk. With a keen eye, you might even catch a glimpse of a vibrant Turquoise Parrot, a Koala, or a Lace Monitor.
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 Warby-Ovens 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.