Around Warburton you can experience the majestic mountain ash and manna gums overlooking the valley with visiting wildlife including wallabies, wombats, echidnas, koalas and glider possums. The bird life is prolific with king parrots and crimson rosellas, superb lyrebirds, kookaburras, Major Mitchell cockatoos, Gang-gang cockatoos, Black cockatoos and the list goes on.

Warburton

The former gold rush town of Warburton is one of the most picturesque places in the Yarra Valley. Warburton is tucked into the foothills and is enveloped in lush bushland and majestic stands of Mountain Ash with the Yarra River running behind Warburton's shopping village. Along the river banks there are many places to sit and relax, have a picnic or barbeque, swim or throw in a line to fish, or maybe feed the ducks. The Warburton River Walk is a very pleasant, easy wander along the upper reaches of the Yarra River.

The Warburton River Walk is easily accessed from the Swing Bridge, just off Main Street. The Yarra River is at it's most beautiful in these high reaches of the Upper Yarra Valley. It changes from swirling rapid pools to meandering waterholes along the length of the walk that is probably about 5 kilometres. Top off a brisk walk or pleasant stroll along the river with a cappuccino and teacake at one of the cosy little cafes just around the corner.

Ada Tree

The Ada Tree is approx. 26 km SE of Warburton. Slightly closer NE of Powelltown. Celebrate the Ada Tree experience by making it a day trip. (Thanks GN for feedback. Aug 27th) 

If you would rather set a more leisurely pace, stroll through Myrtle Beech rainforest to the ancient Ada Tree. Over 300 years old, the Ada Tree is considered to be one of the largest known flowering trees in the world. It stands at about 76 m tall with a circumference of 15 m measured at 1.5 m above ground level. The Myrtle Rainforest walk is enchanting and educational with many points of interest displayed along an easy walk of 3.2 km taking approximately 1.5 hours to return. If you have time, allow an extra 45 minutes to visit the New Federal Mill - continue 1.4km along the walking track at the Ada Tree..

Mt Donna Buang

The drive up Mt Donna Buang Road from Warburton affords some great views from a number of lookout points. Visit the Rainforest Walk and walk through the rainforest learning about the diverse flora along the elevated walkway.  Another popular stop along the way is at the 10 Mile Picnic Area where you can partake of the fresh water from the flowing mountain spring. During the warmer months you also can reach Mount Donna Buang via Don Road to Healesville/Mt Donna Buang Road where you can stop off at Mt Ben Cairn rocks. Further along you can stand in awe at the view from the hang gliding ramp with views across to Phillip Island on a clear day. While on the summit you can experience the rainforest and even walk through the tree tops at the spectacular Rainforest Gallery overlooking Cement Creek. The summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and gives panoramic views of Melbourne, suburbs and the high country. In winter the summit area turns to snow play and three toboggan runs open when falls are heavier.

The recently opened ‘O’Shannassy’s Aquaduct Trail’ takes walkers and mountain bike riders through magnificent prestine forest of mountain ash and treeferns from Don Valley to East Warburton – a truly magestic outdoor experience close to nature.

Other walks & things to see & experience are via La La Falls, Warburton Circuit Walk, Cement Creek Walk, Little & Big Peninsula, Upper Yarra Reservoir and many more

Good Wine & Good Food

The Yarra Valley is irresistible, with visitors returning time and again to taste its famous wines and foods. Lush green paddocks and rows of strong vines paint a story book picture of rustic life. Food lovers must stop at Yering Station to meet the food producers at Yarra Valley Regional Farmers market in the Yering Station Barn (third Saturday of each month) or enjoy a cheese platter or tasting of award winning Australian cheeses at the nearby Yarra Valley Dairy. Order a Yarra Valley Platter at restaurants and cafes throughout the Valley, or lunch and/or sample fine wines at one of the beautiful vineyard restaurants.

Explore the wine list and enjoy local foods at the historic Yarra Valley hotels or stoll down the main street of Warburton visiting boutiques and gift shop.   Travel via Archeron Way or Maroondah Highway’s ‘Black Spur’ to Marysville to visit Steavensons Falls.

Wineries Via Warburton Highway

There are many smaller excellent boutique wineries scattered throughout the Yarra Valley & Upper Yarra Valley that beckon to be explored.  Via Warburton Highway, visit Elmswood Estate Winery and other boutique Seville wineries -   The views from Killara Estate capture the panoramic scene of the Yarra Valley’s mountainous backdrop and Bulong Estate’s award winning wines and fine food leave a lasting impression.   The Valley’s ‘Home Hotel’ in Launching Place – Victorian Country Pub of the Year – welcomes Warburton Rail Trail walkers & bikers, travellers and locals to experience their country hospitality, as well as Sam Knott Hotel in Wesburn and the Alpine Hotel in Warburton.

Healesville Sanctuary

Tucked into the tree clad foothills of the Yarra Ranges near Healesville, the renowned Healesville Sanctuary offers 30 hectares of bushland to experience Australia's wildlife and is a great introduction to the sights, scents and sounds of the Australian bush. A path weaves through the sanctuary, leading to spacious areas where birds and animals live within their native habitats. Experience a fly-by of colourful King Parrots, stand beside inquisitive kangaroos, observe sleepy koalas and encounter dingoes and their keepers walking along pathways. The Birds of Prey presentation is a must see: a thrill packed 20 minutes that demonstrates the flying skills of various Australian birds of prey. The Healesville Sanctuary features walks through habitat exhibits, flight aviaries and special nocturnal exhibits all finely tuned to showcase the wonderful natural behaviour of our unique Australian wildlife. Healesville Sanctuary is a sensational way to spend a day in the Yarra Valley. As Australia's premier wildlife park, the Sanctuary gives you a personal encounter with Australian wildlife creating experiences you'll take away forever.