THINGS TO DO IN WARBURTON
Warburton punches well above its size. Tucked into the Yarra Ranges just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this mountain town offers an extraordinary range of outdoor adventures, wellness escapes, and great food — all within a few kilometres of each other. Here’s our guide to making the most of your stay.
Mountain Biking at Warburton Bike Park
Mountain Biking at Warburton Bike Park
Warburton Mountain Bike Park is one of Victoria’s most exciting trail networks and with the launch of Stage 1B in April 2026, it just took a significant leap forward. The park now has 70+ km of purpose-built trails open across Mt Little Joe, with grades catering to everyone from first-time riders to experienced singletrack enthusiasts. You’ll find flowing Greens, technical Blues, and demanding Blacks across the network and a hidden favourite among those in the know is Tools Down, a gem of a trail about two thirds of the way up that most riders never find.
Shuttle services are now running daily during school holidays and on weekends off-peak, transforming Warburton from a pedal destination into a genuine gravity park. Pick-up points include the Wesburn Park trailhead, the Warburton township pick-up on the highway, and a mid-mountain pick-up at Edwardstown Junction for rapid upper-mountain laps. Tickets are virtual so book online before you ride.
Book your shuttle tickets at warburtonbikepark.com.au →
The park is accessible from the Wesburn Park trailhead or, for experienced riders, directly from Warburton township — with all three main descents finishing in town. Looking ahead, a further expansion in September 2026 will introduce three iconic trail elements, with the full 125km Southern Network expected in 2027.
Bike hire and servicing is available at Cog Bikes & Brew Café on Station Road in Warburton.
→ Read our complete guide to Warburton Mountain Bike Park (Phase 2)
Ride the Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail
The Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail — known locally as the Warby Trail — runs 40km along the route of the old railway line through farmland, bushland, and townships of the Yarra Valley. It’s flat enough for beginners, scenic enough for seasoned riders, and dotted with cafes, pubs, and produce stops that make it easy to stretch a simple ride into a full day out. Suitable for walkers, cyclists, prams, and leashed dogs.
Starting from Warburton means more downhill and a finish at Lilydale station — the 683 bus runs back to Warburton if you don’t want to ride both ways. Bike hire is available locally from Cog Bikes & Brew Café on Station Road in Warburton, or Yarra Valley Cycles at the Lilydale end. Ride Time Yarra Valley offers hire with one-way drop-off, useful if you only want to ride the trail in one direction. Ride Time also offers a brilliant local set-up — pick up bikes at Yarra Junction and drop them off at Yarra Valley Wine Co at the end of your ride, so you can finish the afternoon with a tasting flight on the deck.
Read our full guide to riding the Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail →
Gravel Cycling Around Warburton
Warburton is one of the best gravel cycling bases in Victoria. The terrain ranges from the flat, accessible Warburton Rail Trail — which runs all the way to Lilydale with great café stops along the way — to serious climbing routes that will test even fit riders. The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail sits about 300m above town and is largely flat once you’ve made the climb, making it a brilliant option for riders of most levels. Head east to reach the Redwood Forest, or west for sweeping Yarra Valley views.
For those after more challenge, the Ada Tree climb delivers champagne gravel surfaces with achievable gradients, and several loop routes via Big Pats Creek and Starlings Gap offer 35–50km adventures with 700–1,200m of climbing. All routes can be navigated via phone or downloaded as GPX files.
Note: these routes involve real climbing — they’re best suited to riders with some fitness and experience.
Route links: Warby Rail Trail loop, 34.4km, 740m ↗ · Big Pats, Lyrebird & Redwoods, 34.4km ↗ · Big Pats & Groom Hill, 33.7km ↗ · Starlings Gap via Big Pats, 44.9km ↗ · Starlings Gap via Britannia Creek, 50km ↗ · Mt Myrtalia loop, 36.8km ↗
Ride Time Yarra Valley is a great local resource for route advice and more options.
Hiking and Nature Walks
The walking around Warburton is genuinely special. The La La Falls Track is a favourite — a peaceful trail through tree ferns and tall eucalypts leading to a picturesque waterfall. The Rainforest Gallery Walk immerses you in ancient fern gullies, while the Yarra River Walk offers an easy riverside stroll right from town. For something more ambitious, the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail runs for approximately 30km along the ridge above Warburton with panoramic valley views — go east for the Redwoods or west for the views.
All skill levels are catered for, from short flat walks suitable for families with young children to full-day hikes for experienced walkers.
Walk or Ride the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is one of the great underrated walks and rides in the Yarra Ranges. Running for approximately 30km along the ridge about 300 metres above Warburton, the trail follows the historic aqueduct route with sweeping views across the Yarra Valley on one side and dense mountain forest on the other. Once you’ve made the climb up to the trail, the going is predominantly flat — making it surprisingly accessible for the views it delivers.
Head east and you’ll eventually reach the Redwood Forest, turning the walk into a proper point-to-point adventure. Head west toward Don Road and you’re rewarded with some of the best open valley panoramas in the region. The trail works equally well on foot or by bike, and is a favourite with e-bike riders who hire from Ride Time Warburton and join their guided Redwoods tours.
Visit the Redwood Forest
East Warburton’s Redwood Forest is one of the most otherworldly natural experiences in Victoria. Towering Californian Redwoods create a cathedral-like canopy above a quiet forest floor of ferns and filtered light — it’s the kind of place that makes people stop talking and just look up. The forest is free to visit and suitable for all ages, making it one of Warburton’s most-loved stops.
You can drive directly to the forest, but the best way to get there is via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail on foot or by bike — turning the visit into a proper adventure. E-bike hire and guided Redwoods tours are available through Ride Time Warburton.
Mount Donna Buang
At 1,252m, Mount Donna Buang is one of the most accessible alpine experiences in Victoria. The summit is reachable by car or by a challenging ride up from Warburton, and once you’re there the views across the Yarra Ranges are exceptional. A lookout tower adds extra elevation for a truly panoramic perspective. In winter and early spring, the mountain often receives snow — making it one of the closest snowfall locations to Melbourne. The Rainforest Gallery boardwalk near the summit is one of the most beautiful short walks in the region year-round.
Staying nearby makes all the difference. Our properties are within minutes of the Rail Trail, bike park trailheads, and the Redwood Forest. Many include secure bike storage and washing facilities. Browse properties →
Float or Raft the Yarra River
The Upper Yarra River running through Warburton is clean, clear, and surrounded by forest — a world away from its downstream reputation. Floating or rafting it is one of the most memorable things you can do in the area. The best experience is with the team at Warburton Adventure Co, who run guided trips suitable for all ages — from relaxed floats to proper white-water experiences. You can bring your own inflatables, but a guided trip delivers the full adventure with safety handled for you.
Fly Fishing the Yarra River
The clear mountain streams around Warburton are some of the best trout fishing water in Victoria. The Upper Yarra holds healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout, and the setting — dense forest, cold running water, total quiet — makes for a genuinely restorative experience whether you land fish or not. Warburton is suitable for all levels of fly fisher; the river is accessible and the fish are there if you’re patient.
Caving at Britannia Creek
The Britannia Creek Cave Geological Reserve, about 15 minutes from Warburton, is a genuine hidden gem — a network of limestone caves with impressive formations and passages that genuinely rewards exploration. If you want a guided experience (recommended for first-timers), Warburton Adventure Co run caving trips that cover the cave safely and in detail. While you’re in the area, Britannia Creek Falls is worth the stop — a beautiful cascade in a lush creek setting.
Trail Running
Warburton’s trail network is tailor-made for running. The Yarra River flats offer easy, scenic kilometres for recovery runs, while the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail provides a long, predominantly flat ridge run with exceptional views. For those after technical terrain and elevation, the network around the MTB park can be run on foot. The diversity of surfaces and distances means Warburton works equally well for a casual 5km morning jog or a proper trail race training day.
Walk the Swing Bridge
Warburton’s historic Swing Bridge spans the Yarra River and is one of those simple pleasures that makes a visit memorable. The wooden planks creak, the bridge sways gently underfoot, and the views up and down the river are lovely. It’s been connecting the two banks for generations and is a popular spot for photos, a riverside picnic, or as a starting point for the Yarra River Walk. Free to visit, a couple of minutes from the main street, and suitable for everyone.
Water World (families)
Warburton’s Water World is a firm favourite for families with younger kids. Running from mid-September through to late April, it features a drenching bucket, a slide, and water jets designed for children to run through and cool down. The surrounding area has picnic tables, barbecues, and toilet facilities — making it a great spot for a family afternoon. Entry is free and it’s right in the heart of town.
Food and Coffee in Warburton
Warburton’s food scene is well above what you’d expect for a small mountain town. For coffee, locals swear by Silva Coffee Roasters — a proper specialty roaster on the main street that’s become the heartbeat of the community. Cog Bikes & Brew Café on Station Road doubles as a bike workshop and hire shop, making it the natural starting (and finishing) point for a day on the Rail Trail or the MTB park. Three Sugars Café is worth knowing too, with great baristas and a relaxed atmosphere.
For meals, Little Joe’s is a cosy pizza and café spot with forest views. The Alpine Hotel — a beautifully restored 1885 heritage building — does a full menu plus Saturday pizzas, with stunning Yarra River views and direct access off the Rail Trail. Riverview Café is great for brunch. The Warburton Hotel is the classic country pub option with generous portions. And for something completely different, Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen brings vibrant, authentic South Indian cooking to town — the interior is as bold as the food.
Wine, Cellar Doors & Tasting
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most respected cool-climate wine regions, and Warburton is a great base for exploring it. Yarra Valley Wine Co, on the main street at 3371 Warburton Highway, is a relaxed wine bar and bottle shop showcasing the best of the region — tasting flights, grazing plates, pretzels, a riverside deck, and a fireplace inside for cooler days. Walk-ins welcome, dogs welcome in the backyard. The interior fit-out was designed by Two Design.
Read our full guide to Yarra Valley Wine Co →
If you want to explore further afield, the wider Yarra Valley has more than 80 cellar doors within a 30-minute drive, including big names like Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station, and smaller producers worth seeking out.
Lawn Bowls, Tennis and Golf
Warburton has a surprisingly complete set of social sport options for a small town. The Warburton Bowling Club is open to all ages and skill levels and is a wonderfully relaxed way to spend an afternoon in the fresh air. The Warburton Tennis Club has well-maintained courts with social events and casual hire. And the Warburton Golf Club offers a scenic 9-hole course set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains — a lovely way to spend a morning regardless of your handicap.
Ready to plan your Warburton escape? Browse our properties and find the right base for your adventure — whether you’re here for the trails, the river, or simply to switch off. See all properties →