A vital catchment for Melbourne's water supply, Yarra Ranges National Park is home to forests of mountain ash, rainforest and fern gullies, and the endangered Leadbeater's Possum. Stretching from Healesville to Warburton, from the headwaters of the Yarra to Marysville, this national park was declared in 1995.

Things to Do

- The Rainforest Gallery with it's spectacular observation platform and rainforest walkway is on the southern slopes of Mount Donna Buang.
- Take the scenic drive to the summit of Mount Donna Buang. Snow in winter, great views from the twenty-one metre lookout tower all year round.
- Delightful drives along the Acheron Way between Warburton and Marysville, or along the Warburton-Healesville Road.
- See spectacular rainforest at The Beeches Rainforest Walk on Lady Talbot Forest Drive.
- Enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow play at Lake Mountain.
- Drive the world famous Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong and have a picnic and short walk at Fernshaw along the way.

For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Local directions

The 80-kilometre drive from Melbourne via the Maroondah or Warburton highways takes between one and two hours. The park stretches from Healesville to Warburton and beyond to the headwaters of the Yarra River and north to Marysville. Some public bus transport is available.

Facilities

Activities

Additional business information

Heritage
The dense forests of this area were a barrier to European settlement until the 1860s when hopeful prospectors passed through the area to Woods Point goldfields. Soon the area was recognised as a valuable source of timber. The water catchment value of the forest was also recognised last century, and dams were built at Maroondah and later at Upper Yarra. The Black Spur (or Blacks Spur) gained its name from the route taken by displaced Aboriginal people from northern Victoria on their way to a mission settlement at Corranderk near Healesville. Severe fires, such as those experienced in 1939, have burnt this area, but the vegetation and wildlife are adapted to survive or regenerate after such events.

Precautions
* If you are walking in the snow you should hire Sorrels (or other snow boots) as normal walking boots become saturated after a time and VERY cold. If you're not intending to walk in the snow, sturdy walking boots are recommended. * During winter you should always have good water proof pants and jacket, and a warm jumper/polar fleece as the weather can change quickly bringing rain and snow. Always tell some one where you intend walking and report to them when you return. * You can take a mobile phone, however, there are few places where they work in the Yarra Ranges. Having a good map (and knowing how to read it) and not leaving the track are your best safety measures.