Winter has begun, and there’s lots of possibilities for an exciting winter getaway. Escape to the snow, head to the coast for a bit of whale watching, or time your visit to coincide with one of the lovely winter festivals around regional Victoria. If you’re looking for an atmospheric winter trip, that’s not too far from Melbourne, why don’t you head to the lovely town of Warburton? Nestled in the Yarra Valley, you might think of it as more of a summer destination, with river tubing along the Yarra, cool forest walks and a mountain bike park. But, it’s also a great place to be in winter, due to its proximity to Mount Donna Buang. Warburton is about 90 minutes away from Melbourne, making it great for day trips and weekend escapes.
Warburton in winter
Tucked away in a valley, and surrounded by lush, mountain ash trees, Warburton is a pretty town to visit all year round. And in winter, this destination acts as a great base for casual snow lovers, as it’s just a 20 minute drive away from Mount Donna Buang. The summit is located 1,245 metres above sea level, and when the conditions are right, this area gets covered in snow! It’s located within Yarra Ranges National Park, which means that it’s free to visit. While it’s not suitable for skiing or snowboarding, Mount Donna Buang is a great place for snow play. Make a snowman, have snowball fights and squeal with joy as you ride down a toboggan.
When you’re not frolicking in the snow, embark on a moody walk through the woods. Don’t miss the majestic Redwood Forest, which feels more mysterious in the colder months, and is home to a diverse range of winter fungi. Breathe in the crisp air, walk beneath the towering trees, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Other hikes and forest strolls near Warburton include the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, the Ada Tree Walk and the Rainforest Gallery on the way to Mount Donna Buang. If you can’t resist a good waterfall, park your car five minutes out of town, and take a one hour hike to see the pleasant La La Falls.
But, if the outside is just too cold, you’ll find all sorts of cosy pubs and restaurants in Warburton itself. If you can’t resist a good fireplace, sip on wine and graze on cheese at Yarra Valley Wine Company, or feast on pub favourites at the historic Alpine Hotel. Otherwise, feel the heat of a curry from Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen, or slurp on a hot bowl of pho from Camon Co.
You can also stay nice and toasty in your car, and take in scenic views along the Black Spur Drive. Located between Healesville and Narbethong, this beautiful stretch of road near Warburton is packed with lush forests and valley views.
