Distance: 15.5 Km | Duration: 5 Hrs | Grade: Grade 4 | Rating: | Style: Circuit | Map
About the Walk
Overview
This could be one of the best aerobic walks in the Yarra Ranges! It involves a substantial climb on pleasant walking trails through some of Victoria’s most magnificent old trees, a mature forest of mountain ash, beech and fern. There are beautiful views and perhaps a lyrebird or two.
The Walk in Detail
At the corner of Martyr Road and Marlino Avenue, follow a minor foot track along the Martyr Road easement down into a small fern gully, then steeply up as it skirts some picturesque farmland before fully entering the forest. After about 700m cross a disused aqueduct before climbing steeply for another 3.3 km to the tourist road (make a note of this point as this track junction can be difficult to find on the way back). Head north along the road for a short distance to a gated track then follow this track for about 900m to a pair of communication towers. Beyond the towers a walking track heads off to the north. Follow it for 2.6 km over Mount Victoria to the next junction where a side track to the left leads to the Ten Mile Turntable. Ignore this track and continue on for a further 600m to the summit of Mount Donna Buang. There is a tall observation tower on the summit with extensive views over the surrounding forest and a picnic area that could be a good spot for lunch. Complete the walk by retracing your steps back to the starting point.
Getting There
From the Warburton Visitors Centre, drive towards Melbourne for 1 km. Cross the river taking Dammans Road to the right (Melway 289 J4). After 500m, turn left onto Martyr Road. The starting point is at the top of the hill just before the road turns east into Marlino Avenue.Walk Precautions
The tracks are soft under foot but have some steep pinches and muddy patches that could be slippery, particularly after rain