It’s winter, which means it’s the perfect time to go frolicking in the snow! But if your budget is a little tight, or if you’ve never been to the snow before and you’d just like to see it for the first time, why don’t you make your way over to Mount Donna Buang? Located near Warburton, this mountain is roughly two hour drive away from Melbourne, making it a nice spot for day trips. Between June and August, when conditions are right, this area gets covered in snow. Have fun in the snow play area, take in the view, and if there’s adequate snowfall, you can even go tobogganing. Mount Donna Buang is a part of the Yarra Ranges National Park, which means that you can visit it for free!
Snow on Mount Donna Buang
The summit is located 1245 metres above sea level, and offers sweeping views of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps.
Play in the snow, have snowball fights and make a snowman. You’re welcome to bring your own toboggan or any other toys you might need for a day of fun in the snow. If you don’t own one, toboggans are also available for hire on the mountain, or to purchase locally. This area is not suitable for skiing or snowboarding.
During peak periods, you’ll find a Mountain Tucker food van selling hot drinks and jam donuts. As there’s no snow cam on the mountain, you can check out their Facebook page for updates on the snow coverage. You can also look out for updates via the Warburton Info Facebook page, or reach out to the Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre if you have any questions.
When the weather is nice, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes to drive from Warburton to the summit. As you’re driving, please remember to take care and move cautiously. There is a grader that clears the road each morning, and snow chains generally aren’t needed. If you have snow chains, do bring them with you, as chains aren’t available for hire or purchase in Warburton. Just remember that road conditions can change at any time, so keep an eye on resources like VicTraffic.
As this is set within a national park, dogs aren’t allowed to come with you.
What if it isn’t snowing?
There’s still lots of fun things to do in the area if it isn’t snowing. Make the most of your time around Warburton, and check out the stunning Rainforest Gallery. Located about 10 minutes away from Warburton, on the way to the Mount Donna Buang summit, you’ll find a gorgeous forest walk. Stroll along a 40-metre-long observation platform, and admire the rainforest canopy. Then, amble along an elevated walkway, underneath towering mountain ash and myrtle beech trees.
For more outdoor adventures, take a trip to see the remarkable Redwood Forest. Just ten minutes away from Warburton, this space is filled with almost 1500 trees. The first trees in this area are now over 90 years old, and some stretch as high as 55 metres. This serene spot is perfect for visits all year round.
