Holiday houses in Warburton

Soaring redwoods, cool rainforest gullies, snow fields, and wineries — remarkably, this natural bounty awaits just 1.5 hours east of Melbourne in the countryside surrounding Warburton. Part of the Yarra Valley, the pretty town is spliced by the Yarra River, all enveloped by the cool, temperate forest that characterises Yarra Ranges National Park. This vast wilderness area is not only home to Mount Donna Buang (the closest snow field to Melbourne), but also jaw-dropping swathes of lush tree ferns and myrtle beech, with towering mountain ash — the world’s tallest flowering tree — overhead.

Gain a bird’s-eye view at the Rainforest Gallery on the outskirts of Warburton — affectionately known as “Warby” by locals — where a walkway takes you through the tree canopy, over Cement Creek, and past 65-metre (215-feet) mountain ash and 400-year-old beech, and steps lead down to the forest floor. Also a few kilometres from town is a forest of Californian redwoods, these remarkable giants of nature dwarfing any visitor exploring quiet country trails.

Given its proximity to Melbourne, Warburton is a popular year-round destination. In winter, city dwellers descend for the chance to see snow dusting the countryside in white, tempting visitors with snowball fights and toboggan rides (there are three runs on Mount Donna Buang).

In summer, the summit provides relief from the soaring temperatures much of the state experiences over these months. If you’re hiking and cycling, there are plenty of places to cool down — follow the lead of locals to discover swimming holes along the Yarra River. Many serious outdoor adventure enthusiasts choose to return in spring and autumn, when wildflowers bloom and deciduous trees transform with fiery hues.

Yarra Valley Wine Region

One of Australia’s oldest and most awarded wine regions, the Yarra Valley’s rolling hills are characterised by neat rows of grapes — in particular Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If you plan on sampling the fruits of the region, ideally pair them with regional produce available from providores throughout the valley’s charming forest-laced towns.

Hiking

From family-friendly walks to challenging hikes, Warburton is the ultimate base for outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll beside the water from the centre of town along the Yarra River Trail, explore the forest on the short path to La La Falls, or get your heart pumping as you head toward the summit of Mount Donna Buang, a climb that gains elevation of more than 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) over 14 kilometres (nine miles).

Cycle the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

Traversing 40 kilometres (25 miles) of Yarra Valley countryside between the Dandenong Ranges and Great Dividing Range, this track follows an abandoned railway line built in the early 20th century. Today, it links sleepy towns, cuts through national parks (be sure to linger at lookouts), meanders across rolling farmland, and skirts postcard-worthy vineyards.