Affectionately known as ‘Warby’, the identity of this little town is defined by the river. In the warmer months, it’s a place to cool down with picnics under the shaded shores and the gentle rapids attracting both swimmers and tubers alike. In the cooler months, the riverbank offers fresh air and beauty, for a brisk walk with a coffee in hand.
SEE + DO
Yarra River Trail
There’s no better way to introduce Warburton than with a relaxed walk along the Yarra River. I’d suggest starting at the Warburton Swing Bridge and heading back at the Warburton Redwood Bridge. It’s nice and flat, perfect for doggie companions, as long as you keep them on lead. Along the way, you’ll criss-cross a number of charming bridges, including one of only two swing bridges in Victoria.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, some of the local shops sell tubes that you can float down the river in. Start upstream (towards The Redwood Bridge) and drift slowly back towards the town. If you’ve thought you would never dip a toe in the murky brown Yarra River, I promise you’ll be surprised by how clean the water is 32km before it enters Melbourne.
Warburton Redwood Forest
In the 1930s, almost 1500 Californian Redwoods were planted as a non-native tree experiment. Having had almost 100 years to grow, they now stretch up to 55 metres high and have become a popular heritage-listed attraction in the area. A concept called ‘forest bathing’ (or shinrin-yoku) originated in Japan, but when you’re in a place like this, you can truly understand it. At its simplest, it’s about consciously connecting with nature, with many proven meditative and health benefits.
Here the light is mysterious and dappled on the forest floor, with the harshness of the sun broken by the tree canopy above. Try to visit in off-peak times to really experience the tranquility of wandering the endless rows of sequoia without the crowds. The dirt road and car park are not adequate for the level of popularity it now experiences, so it’s really advisable to go early to avoid the stress of getting in and out.
La La Falls
For a peaceful short walk in Warburton, with a reward at the end, Lala Falls will deliver exactly that. ‘Lala’ means ‘welcome welcome’ in a local Indigenous language, named after a guesthouse no longer in the area. The walk to the falls takes less than an hour return, with all the uphill effort on the way, and a far easier path back. It’s not the grandest waterfall, but you would definitely describe it as pretty! The walk there is also a lovely, fern-lined path with a number of cobble stone bridges and the possibility of spotting some lyrebirds.
Rainforest Gallery
You’ll pass the Rainforest Gallery on the road up to Mt Donna Buang and it’s well worth a stop. There is no art here but nature, which is framed by a short, 20 minute circuit walk. There is an observation platform elevated 15 metres above ground called the ‘Skywalk’, which gives a unique aerial perspective on the forest canopy. The platform is made of grated steel, so I’d suggest not looking down if you’re afraid of heights. Then take the boardwalk that descends down into the rainforest and alongside Cement Creek.
Mt Donna Buang
If you haven’t had your fear of heights tested by the Rainforest Gallery, then keep on going up to Mt Donna Buang. The mountain is already 1245 metre high and then a lookout 21 metres high has been built on top. Expect more steel grated staircases that wind around to the viewing platform. The observation tower provides panoramic views over the mountain ranges. In Winter, you might expect snow up here. As we were trying to squeeze a lot in the day, we drove right up to the viewpoint, but it’s also the starting point for a number of mountain walks in the warmer months.
You may also see the remains of a very unique treehouse-style home, Eumering, on the way up. We wished we’d stopped, but only caught a glimpse of something usual. I later found out this was owned by Robert Prudhoe. It was once featured on Burke’s Backyard and listed as a local attraction, but has seem been deemed unsafe and ordered for destruction. It’s really sad that this hasn’t been preserved.
Blue Lotus Water Garden
The Blue Lotus Water Gardens are one of the most magical attractions you can find in Melbourne’s surrounds. Here you’ll find 14 acres of never-ending ponds filled with more than 70 varieties of lotuses and waterlilies. It’s a beautiful experience to cross the bridge that spans the entirety of Monet’s Lake, which is the largest on the property at half a kilometre long! Kids will also love spotting the painted ladybug rocks around the garden.
The scale and beauty of the gardens more than justify the $20+ ticket price. This is one of my favourite Summer spots, with lotus season only open from early January through to late April. Bring a picnic to make the most of your time there, as there are plenty of lakeside shelters and BBQs available, so you can relax and enjoy the surrounds. There is a cafe on site and I only heard afterwards that you can buy lotus chips there. It’s a shame I missed trying these, but you make the same mistake now.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
The O’Shannassy Trail is actually quite long (30km), so there is no set beginning and ending point for the average walker. We decided the best plan of attack would be to start near the Yuonga Road Carpark and keep going west until we wanted to turn back. It’s a fairly flat walk with lots of shade, so whilst not super exciting, it’s relaxing and perfect for canine companions.
The aqueduct was built in the early 1900s to bring water supply from O’Shannassy Reservoir to Silvan Dam, in order to provide for the expanding city of Melbourne. It was a hand built, engineering feat that carried water for over 80km and was completed just prior to the drought. Caretakers were stationed alongside sections of the aqueduct 24-7 in order to keep the water flowing and clean. Some of their fascinating, but largely unknown, stories can be read here. The actual aqueduct has fallen into disrepair today, but you can still see the remnants of it.
The Waterwheel
The visitor centre in Warburton is unsurprisingly a good spot to pick up a map or a tip. Here you can also buy some local goodies or admire locally produced art. You’ll climb ‘The Great Steps’ to get there, which is a a mosaic built by the local community from more than 20,000 tiles. An old waterwheel is also positioned at the top, which is an example of what the gold miners used in Warburton to power their machinery in simpler times. It’s interesting how it works…each bucket holds about 20 litres of water and as the full buckets from one side reach the top, they begin outweigh the empty buckets on the other side which causes the wheel to turn.
More Options
It’s a popular pastime to bring (or rent) a bike and cycle the 40km Lilydale to Warburton Rail. When in Warburton, you’ll see many recreational cyclists finishing up in town for lunch at the Cog Bike Cafe. I’m very keen to do this, so I’ll be sure to report back.
EAT + DRINK
Silva Coffee Roasters
Sometimes you need to lower your coffee snob expectations when leaving the city, but you don’t need to do so in Warburton. Silva Coffee Roasters offers one of the best cups of coffee and a beautiful spot to sit and watch the activity on the main street. They offer a coffee flight for $20, where you can taste a espresso, piccolo latte and filter coffee. They also stock accompanying sweet treats like danishes and croissants from local business, Our Little Croissanterie.
Glady’s Bakehouse
Every town has a roadside bakery you might make a pit stop at for a quick, inexpensive meal whilst on a road trip. Some of these are better than others, but Gladysdale Bakehouse is the kind that only gets positive reviews. Their cabinets are overflowing with delicious pies, tarts, salads, cakes and slices…there is something for everyone. Sit inside, on the verandah or grab a table in the front yard outside, providing a peaceful setting for a quick bite.
More Options
I’ve only heard good things about the Flying Apron Patisserie and the Yarra Valley Artisan Baker. Both are on my list for a sweet treat stop, as is the Fromagerie The Mill House for Dutch cheeses. All three can be found in Wesburn, on the way into Warburton, I just need an excuse to drive up the Warburton Highway…
Want to explore more in Victoria?
Warburton is one small part of the Yarra Valley, where there is plenty more to explore.
The Dandenong Ranges are also near by for an extended adventure.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric small towns, why don’t you check out historic Castlemaine or Echuca?
