Warburton & the Upper Yarra
Beyond the vineyards, the Yarra Valley climbs into cool, green forest — and Warburton is its heart. This laid-back river town is all towering redwoods, riverside walks, waterfalls and mountain-bike trails, with winter snow on Mount Donna Buang above. It's the perfect active, outdoorsy counterpoint to a day of tastings. Here's what to see and do in the Upper Yarra.
Cathedral of redwoods
The Upper Yarra's signature sight is the Redwood Forest on Cement Creek Road — cathedral-like rows of towering Californian redwoods that are utterly photogenic and completely free to walk among. It's deservedly popular, so the small car park fills early on weekends and in autumn; arrive early or come midweek. Nearby, the short La La Falls walk and the riverside paths along the Yarra make for easy, beautiful strolls.
Bike park, rail trail & walks
The Upper Yarra has become a genuine adventure hub. The new Warburton Mountain Bike Park is now open, its trail network growing towards a planned 70-plus kilometres with shuttle uplift for the descents. Prefer something gentler? The Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail is a flat, ~40 km walking-and-cycling path following the old railway line, and there are riverside and waterfall walks to suit every level. It's the valley at its most active.
Mount Donna Buang & the snow
In winter, Mount Donna Buang above Warburton is the closest snow to Melbourne, with a summit lookout, a toboggan area and picnic spots — a fun day when the snow falls, though cover can be patchy and roads may need care. Note the mountain's Rainforest Gallery boardwalk is currently closed, so check access before setting out. Even without snow, the drive up through cool-temperate rainforest is lovely year-round.
Warburton & the Upper Yarra: your questions
Warburton is the Yarra Valley's forest and river town, about 40 minutes upstream from the vineyards. The big drawcards are the towering Californian Redwood Forest, the riverside walks along the Yarra, the La La Falls walking track, the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail, and the new Warburton Mountain Bike Park. In winter you can chase snow up nearby Mount Donna Buang. It's a cool, green contrast to a day among the cellar doors.
Yes — the Warburton Mountain Bike Park is now open, with the first trails delivered and more of the planned network (ultimately 70-plus kilometres) rolling out. Shuttle/uplift services have been operating for the descent trails. It's a major new drawcard for the Upper Yarra, catering to everything from gentle green runs to technical descents. Check the latest trail status and shuttle timetable before you ride, as new sections continue to open.
Yes — the Redwood Forest on Cement Creek Road at East Warburton is free to visit. Its cathedral-like rows of Californian redwoods, planted last century, are magical to walk among and hugely popular for photos. There's no charge to enter, but the small car park fills early on weekends and in autumn, so arrive early or midweek. Please stay on the paths and take your rubbish with you.
Yes — Mount Donna Buang, above Warburton, is the closest snow to Melbourne and often gets a winter dusting, with a summit lookout, toboggan area and picnic spots. It's a fun day out in season, though snow can be patchy and roads may require care in icy conditions. Note that the mountain's Rainforest Gallery elevated boardwalk has been closed, so check current access before you go.
Warburton sits at the eastern, upstream end of the valley — roughly 30 to 40 minutes' drive from the main winery district around Healesville, Yarra Glen and Coldstream. That makes it easy to combine a morning among the cellar doors with an afternoon in the forest, or to base a more active, outdoorsy day here. A car is essential; there's no train beyond Lilydale.