Only 75 km’s east of Melbourne’s CBD, Warburton sits tucked deep in the Yarra Ranges. Where rugged mountain terrain meets lush cool climate rainforest, the landscape rolls from towering mountain ash forests into sheltered fern gullies and creeks with the Yarra River threading its way through town
Published 29th December 2025 Words and Photos Mandy Lamont
Warburton has been a mountain escape for Melbournian’s since the early 1900’s. An eclectic mix of mountain charm with quaint timber cottages, iconic swing bridges, riverside cafés, crystal shops and bike stores. But Warburton’s sleepy mountain charm is about to shift a gear as the town prepares to transform into one of Australia’s next world-class mountain bike destinations.
In what feels like the longest build in Australian mountain bike history, the first 30 kilometres of trail of the Warburton Mountain Bike Park was finally opened in July 2025.
The project, first proposed back in 2010, has been more than a decade in the making, winding its way through feasibility studies, detailed planning work, approvals, extensive impact investigations and community debate.
From Vision to Reality
The Warburton Mountain Bike Park began as an ambitious idea to transform a small Yarra Valley town into a world-class trail hub that could rival Tasmania’s Derby or New Zealand’s Rotorua. What followed was a fifteen-year odyssey of paperwork, environmental assessments, and passionate debate.
Tucked between the Yarra River and the towering forests of Mount Donna Buang, Warburton is a natural paradise for hikers and cyclists alike. But building 160 kilometres of trail through such sensitive terrain demanded a careful balance between recreation and conservation. Over the years, the project faced opposition from environmental groups concerned about the impact on native flora and fauna, particularly the critically endangered Leadbeater possum and the Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly.
The New Flow
After multiple rounds of revisions, impact studies, and community consultation, approval was finally granted to World Trail in 2023. Construction began soon after, with the first 30 kilometres of trail opening to the public in July 2025, a long-awaited milestone for riders in the Yarra Ranges and across Victoria.
A planned 160km trail over two stages. The first 30 of the 100 km Stage 1, is predominantly easy green trails with a with a blue and a black for those wanting a bit more of a challenge. A blend of flowing descents with sweeping forest views through towering mountain ash, fern gullies, eucalypt forest and rugged bush with a mixture of sweet red dirt and loamy goodness.
These trails start from the Wesburn Park Trailhead and stretch through beautiful Yarra Ranges bushland around the gold bearing slopes of Mt Little Joe to Warburton and back. With no shuttleable trails currently, you have to earn your turns as all trails begin with an uphill ride. Designed to suit all skill levels, the current networks family friendly loops and progressive features ensure everyone can enjoy the ride. The trailhead includes bike wash facilities, pump track and play equipment.
With the next 30-50 km of trail set to open in Autumn 2026, shuttling will commence from both Warburton and Wesburn Park to the gravity trails from the Mount Tugwell Trail head which will offer 800 metres of gravity fed descent! Currently unfunded, Stage 2 will deliver a further 20 km to the existing network to make Warburton Australia’s biggest bike park (125km) and an additional 40km of more technical trail from the Mt Donna Buang summit into Warburton.
As the final sections of trail take shape over the next few years, Warburton is set to emerge as Australia’s next Mountain Biking Mecca.
From rainforest canopy walks and gentle valley walks along the river to strenuous climbs up to the Mt Donna Buang summit, there’s plenty to do in Warburton outside the mountain bike park.
Already popular for cyclist, the Warburton Rail Trail (39km) links Warburton with Lilydale, providing a smooth, flat trail perfect for beginner cyclists, walkers, and families. The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is a 30 km walking and bike riding trail from East Warburton to the Don Valley. The trail runs parallel with the Warburton Rail Trail but set into the mountain ranges, it provides a different perspective.
Picturesque La La Falls. An easy 3km return walk follows the Four Mile Creek through the Yarra State Forrest.
Mount Donna Buang at 1,245 metres is the closest snow field to Melbourne with walking tracks in summer, toboggan runs in winter and a 21 metre tall lookout. The road to the summit is popular with road cyclist, and a 9km Grade 4 hiking track climbing 1170 metres from Warburton is a popular hike.
On the drive to Mt Donna Buang summit, the Warburton Rainforest Gallery is a must see. The Mt Donna Buang Skywalk perched 15 metres above the cool temperate rainforest floor is a 40 metre long elevated walkway through towering Mountain Ash and ancient Myrtle Beech trees, some estimated to be over 400 years old. Below a raised walkway winds amongst the forest floor. When I visited recently I was fortunate enough to spot a rare Pink Robyn native to cool climate forests in southeast Australia.
California Redwoods grow to be the tallest trees in the world, up to 115 m, and can live for 2000 years. Step inside the towering Redwood Forest, uniformly planted 90 years ago, the soft dense undergrowth is cushioned and scented with pine needles. Arrive early to get a car park.
Blink and you’ll miss them, tucked along the Warburton Highway, neighbouring tiny towns of Wesburn and Millgrove are worth slowing down for. In Wesburn, the Yarra Valley Artisan Baker’s slow-fermented rustic loaves fresh from the oven sell out quickly. A few minutes down the road Mill Grove Dairy’s handmade artisanal cheeses from the Yarra Valley offer the perfect companion. A treasure trove of creamy wheels and crumbly blocks, perfect for a picnic along the river after a hike or ride.
And of course the Yarra River itself. Cool down after a hike or ride along the rivers edge.
For more information go to rideyarraranges.com.au/warburton-bike-park
