Any time in Warburton

Warburton-Lilydale Rail Trail (40KMs)

With a backdrop of mountains including Yarra Ranges National Park this trail passes through a scenic landscape following the Yarra River valley. There are plenty of good places to stay and good things to consume in the region's cafes, pubs, wineries and restaurants. Popular with cyclists, horse riders and walkers. Refer to www.railtrails.org.au

Walking tracks - river and mountains

River walks and designated walking tracks abound for all levels of fitness. Information and maps available through Visitor Information Centre phone 03 5966 9600 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for more information.

Rainforest Gallery and Mt. Donna Buang

The Mount Donna Buang Skywalk at Cement Creek, 9km from Warburton at the junction of the Mount Donna Buang Road and the Acheron Way, is a 17m high, 40m long aerial walkway which brings visitors into contact with giant 250-300 year old, 60m tall, mountain ash trees. Also leading from the carpark is the staircase which descends to the Rainforest Walkway and myrtle beech forest. Some of the beech trees here could be up to 400 years old. Part of the walkway runs alongside the cascading waters of Cement Creek.

In winter, tobogganing and snow play attract many visitors to the mountain's peak as Mt. Donna Buang has the closest snow cover in Victoria for people living in Melbourne.

Upper Yarra Reservoir

Up in the peaceful high country, 24 km east of Warburton, lies the popular Upper Yarra Reservoir Park - the upper most point of the Yarra River accessible to the public. The carefully maintained gardens and picnic grounds, encompassed by eucalypt bushland and spectacular scenery, makes visiting Upper Yarra Reservoir Park a memorable experience.

The Ada Tree Walk and Drive

The highlight of this stroll through myrtle beech rainforest is the Ada Tree (an ancient mountain ash) which is one of the largest known flowering trees in the world. Thought to be over 300 years old it is 76 m tall with a circumference of 15 m. Follow the Powelltown-Noojee Rd for 15 km then turn left onto the Ada River Rd and 12 km will bring you to the carpark and picnic area to the left. From the carpark follow Island Creek to the tree and loop back to the carpark via Federal Rd (3.6 km return).

Yarra Ranges National Park

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.

Around 40 native mammals are known to occur in the park. The large areas of undisturbed old and mixed-age forests are particularly important for the conservation of hollow-dwelling species including bats, owls and parrots. Among the most significant of these is the endangered Leadbeater's Possum.

The park provides habitats for 120 recorded species of native birds. Significant hollow-using species are the Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl and Barking Owl. Other important species include the Pink Robin, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot and Grey Goshawk. Crimson Rosellas are also common.

Browse the local shops and cafes in Warburton

Picnic by the river

Fish for trout

Contact Visitor Information Centre on 03 5966 9600 for more details on all of the above.

Calendar of Events

December

Concerts at Rochford Winery: More details contact 03 59622119
Sunday December 2nd Lionel Richie
Saturday December 8th Crosby, Stills & Nash

February

Warburton Lilo Derby: More details contact 03 9920 4400
Yarra Valley Grape Grazing - 10 days of events at various wineries.: Starts Saturday 9th February culminating in Grape Grazing weekend Saturday 16th & 17th February. 21 Local wineries along Warburton highway and Maroondah Highways participate. In fact 2008 is the 21st anniversary of Grape Grazing and should be a wonderful week of food, wine and activities. Stay in the area at our accommodation and enjoy!

Visit website www.grapegrazing.com.au or phone 03 5962 6600 or download PDF here for more information.

March

Rod Stewart Concert Rochford Winery: Saturday 1st March. More details contact 03 59622119
Warburton Up and Running: More details phone 03 5966 2028
World's Longest Lunch: More details phone 03 9823 6100
2nd Harmony Festival in Warburton: Tibetan monks & more. More details Phone 03 5966 5160

April

Oxfam Trail Walk: More details phone 1800 088110

June

Warburton Annual Film Festival (3 day event): Dates to be confirmed More details 03 5966 5160
Winterfest: Dates to be confirmed. A fabulous festival involving local artisans , crafts people, comedians, musicians and family fun More details phone 03 5966 5160
Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch: Dates to be confirmed More details phone 03 9730 1349.
The Shortest Lunch now in its eighth year, was developed as a weekend celebration of the Winter Solstice, as is run by a group of the smaller wineries of the Yarra Valley particularly along the Warburton Highway.
The Shortest Lunch provides the opportunity to enjoy gourmet food, award winning wines and music in an intimate family orientated atmosphere. It is designed as a moving feast, where all meals are entree size and people are encouraged to visit several wineries in a day.

There is a large variety of wines available for tasting, which can be purchased by the glass or bottle to be consumed on the day or taken home. All wineries are encouraged to have live music to add to the atmosphere for the weekend. The Shortest Lunch is held over two great days giving people the opportunity to visit more wineries, and to experience some of the other features of the Yarra Valley whilst staying at some of the fantastic local accommodation.

October

Shedfest Wine Festival: Every year, on the second weekend in October, thirteen wineries along the Warburton Highway open their sheds for two days of fabulous food, fine wine, live music and entertainment. Website: www.shedfest.com.au ery year, on the second weekend in October, thirteen wineries along the Warburton Highway open their sheds for two days of fabulous food, fine wine, live music and entertainment.

November

Open Gardens Weekend: Organised by Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club, 6 stunning gardens along the Warburton Highway are chosen every year to be open to the public for a small fee. More details phone 03 5967 1158