Escape The Grind: Our Guide To Sleepy Warburton in Melbourne's Yarra Valley
In the green hills of the Yarra Valley, pretty Warburton is one of Melbourne’s best day trips & weekender getaways. Our guide to Warburton covers the best things to do, where to stay, eat, and play, plus plenty more!
Set amongst the forested hills of the Yarra Ranges (read our Yarra Valley guide here), the town of Warburton might just be Melbourne’s best-kept secret.
We’ve been making the easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne to Warby (as the locals call it) for more than eight years, visiting Mark’s dad who lives in the foothills of the surrounding hills. Pretty, tranquil, and with more than a hint of ‘ye olde worlde charm’, it’s one of the first places we head to when we return home to Australia craving fresh air and natural beauty.
For outdoor lovers there’s plenty to see and do, including the incredible Californian Redwood Forest, the clear waters of the upper Yarra river, the rainforests of Mt. Donna Buang, and the myriad of wonderful hikes and rides. Warby is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and escape the 9-5 hustle and bustle.
Urbanites needn’t fret either, Warby still has its fair share of inner-city necessities. Think good coffee, amazing bakeries, delicious local produce and outstanding wine, all housed on the quaint main road or in the valleys nearby.
A small town at heart, Warburton definitely packs a punch as an attractive summer or winter day trip or weekender - without the crowds of say, Daylesford or the Mornington Peninsula.
If you’re planning to make the trip up and experience it for yourself, our guide to Warburton provides everything you need to know, from what to see and do, where to eat, stay, and of course, hike.
* We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
WARBURTON
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Yarra Valley, 1.5hrs from Melbourne
WHAT TO SEE AND DO | The Warburton Redwods, Walk the Yarra trail, Mt. Donna Buang summit, Rainforest Gallery
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Silva Coffee, Alpine Hotel, The Flying Apron, 3 Sugars, Little Joe, Oscar’s on the Yarra
WHERE TO STAY | Warburton Motel, Alpine Hotel, Oscar’s on the Yarra
THINGS TO DO IN WARBURTON, VICTORIA
GET LOST IN THE EAST WARBURTON REDWOOD FOREST
Home to over one thousand towering Californian Redwoods planted in orderly rows, the Warburton Redwood Forest is our favourite place to visit in Warburton.
In years past, the plantation was the epitome of a hidden gem in the area. Hardly anyone knew about it (even in Warby itself), and you were basically guaranteed to be able to wander amongst these silent giants without encountering anyone else.
Times have definitely changed though, and recently the forest has become a major tourist attraction in the region, beckoning day-trippers from Melbourne to enjoy the magical environment. For city-slickers, a walk through the Redwoods is highly cathartic; spending hours amongst their mysterious web and discovering each corner is highly recommended.
Beyond the towering Sequoias, there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire, from the intriguing tree art that dots the forest floor, to the trail that leads past the bubbling Cement Creek and the early flow of the Yarra River.
Get there early to avoid the crowds — and please respect the local environment by not littering, urinating, or trampling where you’re not supposed to — then head off to enjoy more of Warburton’s best attractions
*Please note: The Warburton Redwoods are currently closed for infrastructure improvements. If you wish to see some incredible Redwoods elsewhere in Victoria, visit the Otway Redwoods.
THE DETAILS
Where | Redwood Forest, Warburton
Cost | Free
How to get there | From Warburton, head towards East Warburton, turning left at Cement Creek Rd. Pass the bridge, and parking is on your left
Note | Respect the natural environment: don’t litter, stick to the paths, and avoid during peak hours/public holidays
Read | Our complete guide to the Redwood Forest in Warburton
HEAD TO THE MT DONNA BUANG SUMMIT
Located just outside of Warburton, Mt Donna Buang ("body of the mountain" in local Indigenous language) is absolutely worth the hike or drive to the top, especially in the colder months.
Donna Buang is the closest snowfield to Melbourne, morphing itself into a snowy wonderland as the temperatures drop - and making it popular with locals and tourists alike!
Take in the beauty of the trees dusted with powder; brave the climb up the 21m lookout tower for wonderful panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas; or relive your youth via the mountain’s three toboggan runs (for the record, snowball fights are not only acceptable here, but they're also encouraged).
In summer, the summit provides welcome relief, with cooler temperatures and picturesque picnic spots making it the perfect place to day-trip from Melbourne. There are also many short hikes from the peak.
The drive to the summit itself is worth the trip from Melbourne; towering gums and dense ferns reminiscent of the far more famous Black Spur in Healesville, with a fraction of the crowds.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mt Donna Buang
GO HIKING AROUND WARBURTON
In our opinion, the best hiking in Victoria can be found in the Yarra Ranges.
There’s just something about the dense Aussie bush in the region that makes us feel warm inside - maybe it’s the sweet scent that wafts through the canopy, the famous call of the lyrebird that echoes through the trees, or the faint sound of rushing water. Whatever it is, whenever we hike here we feel so much better for it.
Warburton is a great starting point for a lot of wonderful hikes, from lung busting to easy stroll.
Some of our favourites include:
Yarra river trail | 6km hike that follow the Yarra river through the centre of town. Picturesque, easy, and perfect for a day trip to Warby
O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail | 30km trail from East Warburton to the Don Valley. It’s easy, extremely picturesque, and has multiple stop off points for those after a shorter stroll
Mt. Donna Buang Summit | The regions toughest hike takes you from Warburton to the summit via Mt. Victoria over about 15km’s in 6hrs. Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart, with an elevation gain of over 1,000m
La La Falls | Another tried and trusted short walk in the area, the easy 3.2km walk to La La falls takes in dense forest and the famous falls
Hiking in Australia comes with its challenges, especially in the summer months, when bushfires, snakes, and dehydration can catch some hikers out.
Always be prepared; pack enough water, a first-aid kit, and always let someone know where you’re going. Also, be aware of fire conditions in the area before hiking.
VISIT WARBURTON’S BEST WINERIES
One of Australia’s oldest winemaking regions, you simply can’t visit the Yarra Valley and not sample some of the incredible wines from the region. Famed for its chardonnay and pinot noir, and respected for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, this part of the Yarra Valley is literally brimming with tasting options.
While Warburton may not have the reputation of its Yarra Valley counterpart, Healesville, the wines produced in rich, red volcanic soil in the surrounding valleys are no less wonderful.
Mostly situated in the rolling hills of Seville, the wineries here are more intimate than in Healesville, but with far better views overlooking the vast Yarra Ranges.
Although we’re slightly biased (we’ve been coming to these parts for years), the wine here is also better, with award-winning vintages a regular occurrence - some of the best Reds we’ve ever tried are from these very hills.
Below are our absolute favourites throughout the region:
SEVILLE HILL | Boasting one of the most picturesque views of the Yarra Ranges, Seville Hill also produces the best wine in the area, in our not-so-humble opinion. The Reds are full-bodied and intensely flavourful. Tastings are available on the weekends, which you can book here
SEVILLE ESTATE | Winner of the 2019 James Halliday Winery of the Year, Seville Estate is home to excellent wines. Famous for their Shiraz, as well as their sumptuous Reds, Seville Estate is a must-visit. The restaurant is currently closed, however, when open serves the best food in the region. The cellar door is open each Saturday 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, otherwise by appointment
KILLARA ESTATE | A long-time favourite of ours, mostly due to the excellent wines on offer and the endless views of sweeping vines, back by the Yarra Ranges. Wine tastings are available (10 am - 5 pm - learn more here), while an onsite cafe (open Wed-Sun) serves Italian-inspired dishes + pizza. You could easily spend the whole afternoon here, enjoying a glass of red and admiring the endless views
BRUMFIELD WINERY | Home to the best Lambrusco (sparkling red) we’ve ever tried, Brumfield is a small-batch winery specialising in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They also sell locally brewed cider, beer and homemade biodynamic sourdough
Simply put, a visit to Warburton wouldn’t be complete without a quick stop and wine tasting at one of the many wineries.
SWIM, KAYAK, OR FLOAT DOWN THE YARRA IN SUMMER
A favourite summer pastime for any Warby local is to spend the sweltering days by the Yarra.
The cool mountain waters that start in the Upper Yarra Ranges are the perfect antidote for the typically hot Melbourne summers, and with many swimming holes dotted along the river banks, it’s easy to find your perfect place to cool down.
Some of our favourite swimming holes include:
The recently refurbished rocky embankment in the centre of town
Opposite Warburton Golf Club in the west of town
Any of the swimming holes around the Warburton Caravan Park
The large hole to the east of Warburton redwood bridge
Alternatively, you can find your own slice of riverside real estate on the Yarra River Walk.
If swimming isn’t your jam, grab yourself a tube or lilo at the local hardware store and set about lazing your way down the river. This is, in our opinion, the best way to do summer in Warby!
Most people tend to start their tube/lilo float at the Warburton Caravan Park and float down to Thomas Ave. in the centre of town, then jump out and do it all again.
Finally, if you’re up for a more hardy adventure, kayaking is one of the best things to do during summer. The upper Yarra has some of the best Grade 2-3 rapids close to Melbourne, making it the perfect place to get your kayak on.
CYCLE THE LILYDALE TO WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL
Cycling is Melbourne’s favourite pastime, and the Lilydale to Warburton rail trail is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle of Melbourne’s roads, for a more relaxed amble through the countryside.
The iconic trail, which follows the historic former railway line from Lilydale to Warburton, is 40km in length and passes through many of the region’s prettiest little towns, including Wandin, Woori Yallock, Seville, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Millgrove before finishing in Warby.
The trail passes through vineyards, farmlands and forests, with the ever present mountains looming in the distance. There are also remnants of the former station platforms to stop and take a photo on.
Some sections though, are more beautiful than others, with the section between Seville and Yarra Junction our personal favourite.
The gentle gradient means it’s accessible for most, although if you’re like us and the occasional cyclist, your legs will be very heavy at the end of the day.
There are also a few cafes to stop at along the way, including the famous Cog Bike Cafe (where you can get coffee and bike repairs!), and the Seville carriage cafe.
THE DETAILS
Where | Lilydale to Warburton
Length | 38kms one way
Time | 3 + hours depending on fitness
Grade | Easy to moderate
HAVE A DRINK AT THE HISTORIC ALPINE HOTEL
For years, Warburton has been crying out for a charming local pub - the kind of place you want to sit by a fire and enjoy a local red, before devouring delicious local produce. After their recent restoration, the historic Alpine Hotel is just that place.
Situated on the edge of town since 1885, the Alpine Hotel was recently restored to its former beauty. Now, the expansive dining room, cosy front bar, and well-appointed rooms are just the tonic to reinvigorate Warby.
Overlooking the picturesque Yarra river and Mt. Donna Buang, the front bar is just the place to settle down after a long days hike, enjoy a beer or two, and tuck into excellent regional pub grub (their eggplant parma is a thing of beauty). There’s a great selection of beer and wine, a full-sized pool table (which is free!), and a vibe only country pubs can provide.
The expansive dining room, complete with an open fireplace, is home to an excellent bistro serving a range of share plates championing local produce - honestly, the food here is top-notch and something you’d expect to find in Melbourne’s best restaurants (try the 16-hour slow-cooked brisket pie). It’s wonderfully cosy, especially in winter.
However, the best feature of the Alpine’s recent renovation is the huge beer garden. Overlooking the fast-flowing Yarra, with twinkling fairy lights above, the garden is absolutely perfect for long summer evenings. For beer lovers, there are 16 beers on tap, cocktails, and a great selection of local and international wines.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Alpine Hotel
Opening Hours | Open 7 days a week, Mon - Thurs 12 pm - 9:30 pm, Fri 11:30 am - 11:30 pm, Sat 8 am - 11:30 pm, Sun 8 am - 9:30 pm
COFFEE + CAKES APLENTY
Walk the main street of Warburton and you’ll come across five or so cafes serving all the good things, from coffee and cake, to pies and milkshakes. And while they’re not bad, we think that the best cakes, pastries and coffee can be found just outside of Warby, in Wesburn.
The Flying Apron, which opened in 2016, serves some of the best pastries we’ve ever eaten. Trained in France, the owners brought their talent to the Yarra Valley to benefit us all.
A few must-tries include the mushroom & pumpkin pie with semolina gnocchi, which will take your breath away (we’re still dreaming of it), while the veggie pastie is to die for.
For those with a sweet tooth, a fruit & custard tart or almond croissant is the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee (which may we add, is also brilliant).
Just next door is the recently opened Yarra Valley Artisan bakery (more on that below), which serves fresh sourdough, olive bread, and french sticks equal to any we’ve tried in France. Be sure to get there early in the day, as they sell out quickly!
Other places to grab coffee and cake in Warby town centre include the long-running Three Sugars, Riverview Cafe, Cog Bike Cafe, and the Warburton Bakery.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Flying Apron, Wesburn
Cost | Pie/Pasty = $6.5, Coffee = $4
Opening hours | Wed-Sat 6 am - 4 pm
GRAB THE BEST BREAD & CHEESE THIS SIDE OF THE DANDENONGS
As self-appointed sourdough aficionados, we’re absolutely convinced the Yarra Valley Artisan Baker, located in Wesburn, just outside of Warburton, is home to some of the best bread in Victoria.
After working in some of Melbourne’s best kitchens, Ben Griffiths escaped Melbourne and set about crafting the best bread possible. The result is astonishingly good - their baguettes are beautiful, while the sourdough loaves are so wonderfully dense and flavoursome, we keep coming back for more and more. And given they sell out of all bread by around 11 am daily, the rest of Warby agrees.
Yarra Valley Artisan Baker is open Wednesday - Sunday 7 am till sold out. Baguettes are available from 10.30 am.
Just next door is Millgrove Dairy, which sells artisanal cheeses of excellent quality. Their speciality is Gouda, which comes in a range of different flavours - our favourite is the cumin Gouda, an absolute taste sensation. Other excellent options are the Triple Cream Brie and Persian Feta, all of which, paired with Yarra Valley Artisan Baker bread, make for the perfect combination.
WALK THE ENCHANTING RAINFOREST GALLERY
Like most things in Warburton, we’ve visited the Rainforest Gallery more times than we can remember, and yet with each visit, we’re still enchanted by the magical surroundings.
Set amongst the dense rainforest on the way to Mt. Donna Buang, the rainforest gallery provides a unique perspective on the surrounding flora and fauna, with the 40m long observation platform taking you directly into the forest canopy, 15m above the ground.
There are 350m of elevated walkway weaving through the rainforest and alongside Cement Creek, allowing you to walk amongst 300 - 400-year-old Myrtle Beech trees, the stunning Mountain Ash eucalyptus, ferns, and other plants that make this native forest environment so beautiful.
The walk takes around 20 minutes to complete and can be done by going to, or returning from, Mt. Donna Buang.
THE DETAILS
GO SHOPPING AT CABIN & CO.
Shopping in Warburton leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared to regional counterparts such as Healesville, Daylesford and Beechworth. There are a smattering of antique shops, candy stores, and second-hand bookstores, with little catering for discernable Melbourne day-trippers.
However, a recent opening has changed all that. Cabin & Co, located on High st., wouldn’t look out of place in Malvern or Brighton, and stocks a wonderful range of modern, minimal homewares and regional products, including ceramics, candles, textiles and more.
It’s boujee, especially for little old Warby, but we’re totally here for it.
THE DETAILS
Where | Cabin & Co.
Opening Hours | Fri - Sun
POP OVER TO PRETTY HEALESVILLE
Okay, Warby locals will hate us for saying this, but a short drive away is Healesville, and it really is worth a visit as part of a day trip to the Yarra Valley, or a longer stay in the region.
Pretty Healesville is home to hipster cafes and restaurants, artisanal producers, art galleries and a range of up-market stores, giving it an air of grace which lacks from other parts of the valley. There’s also the wineries, which are world class and home to some of Australia’s best restaurants.
The pretty architecture on the main street, coupled with a range of great attractions close by like the Black Spur and Maroondah Dam, makes this one town not to miss.
Make sure you stop by Habituel for coffee, Midnight for indoor plants and flowers (our dream!), and Maroondah dam for some epic views.
All in all, Healesville and Warburton compliment each other, and are both worth your time.
RELATED | We’ve written a detailed guide to Healesville which includes a day trip itinerary if you’d love to visit. Read more here
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN WARBURTON
While Warby’s food and drink scene might not match the state’s more famed regional gastro-hotspots, there are still a few gems in town we’ve grown the love over the past few years.
Below is our selection of places to eat and drink in town:
GET YOUR COFFEE FIX AT SILVA COFFEE ROASTERS
For years, Warby lacked really good coffee. Thankfully, this is no longer the case.
Silva Coffee Roasters, located right in the heart of town (next to the infamous Warburton waterwheel), is the perfect place to start your stay in Warby and offers a selection of single-origin and unique blend options for coffee lovers. Or simply put, they serve bloody good coffee.
They’ve also collaborated with local producers to offer delicious artisan quality French pastries, cookies, nougat and a selection of tasty cakes (try the vegan pistachio cake and thank us later - see menu here).
There’s also a ‘market trader’ coffee bean station featuring a selection of speciality coffee beans to purchase with a service to freshly grind.
LITTLE JOE
Serving gourmet wood-fired pizzas and a selection of Asian favourites, Little Joe is a long-time favourite in Warburton.
The pizzas are wonderful - think fresh ingredients, thin, light and crispy bases, served with local wine and beer.
It’s also a great option for breakfast/brunch in Warby, for those who want a Melbourne-style brekky with good coffee.
OSCARS ON THE YARRA
Warburton isn’t blessed with many fine dining options, however, Oscars on the Yarra is the restaurant for those looking for quality locally sourced meals with a fine dining twist.
Signature dishes include the rainbow trout fillet and the duck breast salad, but our personal favourites are the leek and gorgonzola risotto and french lentil and field mushroom ragout. There’s also a great selection of local wines and beers to wash down your meal, or for a pre-drink on the expansive decking overlooking the Yarra River.
Expect Melbourne prices (mains start around $25), mayyyyybe not quite Melbourne quality - but for Warburton, it’s wonderful.
SYMPHONY 36
The first restaurant as you drive into town, Symphony 36 has been open for just over a year and has built a reputation in Warby for producing good quality pub-style food utilising local produce.
There’s a good mix of meals, including the signature burger, however, our fave is the eggplant moussaka.
With an open fireplace and a range of local wine and beers, it’s the perfect place to spend an autumn and winter evening.
A MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WARBURTON
We’ve created a detailed map of the best places to visit in Warburton, as well as where to eat, which you can download for your visit.
To save our map, click the star the right of the map title while will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
Easy!
WARBURTON TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS WARBURTON?
Warburton is located in the famous Yarra Valley, 1.5 hours east of Melbourne. The upper Yarra river flows through the town, which is encompassed by the dense forests of the Yarra Ranges National Park.
WHERE TO STAY IN WARBURTON
To really make the most of your time in Warburton, we’d recommend turning your visit into a weekend stay.
Before we get into this guide, we’re listing our pick of the many accommodation options in Warburton that make for the perfect weekend break, no matter whether you’re on a romantic weekend away, a group trip, or a hiking/biking adventure!
We recommend:
UNIQUE STAYS | AIRBNBS
Gingers on the Hill | Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane in the hills above Warburton and fringed by lush towering tree ferns, Gingers on the Hill is a true sanctuary. With views over the tree-covered mountains, plenty of style, thoughtful touches everywhere, and that fireplace, we think you’ll fall in love with it as quickly as we did (in one step over the threshold!). It’s particularly family-friendly, with lots of activities to do and treats to enjoy for the little humans in your life too — a huge win in our eyes.
Book here
HOTELS
Warburton Motel | The recently refurbished Warburton Motel has comfy beds, is walking distance from town, and staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the surrounding area - plus their blue Kombi wins us over every time!
Book here
Oscar’s on the Yarra | Set in a 1920’s boutique country homestead on the banks of the Yarra river, Oscar’s on the Yarra is a tranquil country retreat for those looking to slow down, enjoy nature, and authentic family-feel hospitality.
Book here
ECO-FRIENDLY
The Canvas Barn B&B | A unique eco-friendly property, The Canvas Barn B&B is a hand-built wooden barn built from recycled timber, and full of sustainable, zero-waste initiatives.
Book here
HOW TO GET TO WARBURTON
BY CAR
For those driving, follow the Monash/Eastern/Eastlink freeway towards Ringwood, before following the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale.
Once past Lilydale, turn right at the Warburton Highway turnoff. Stay on the Warburton Highway as you pass through Wandin, before following the signs directly into town.
BOOK | Rentalcars.com
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If catching public transport, jump on the direct train from the city to Lilydale, where the line ends. From there, it’s possible to catch a Martyrs bus which services the Warburton valley area (buses run every hour).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT WARBURTON?
Warburton is pretty amazing in every season.
In the summer, the surrounding mountains and Yarra river provide a welcome respite to the blistering heat of Melbourne.
In the winter, the snow-dusted trees and toboggan runs around Donna Buang make for the perfect snowy escape from the city.
In Spring and Autumn, Warburton comes alive with colour, and far less crowds.
For us, nothing’s better than summer in Warby.
The local hikes, swims in the Yarra, the Friday night farmers market, and the relaxed nature of the town make it just about the perfect local summer escape.
TRAVEL VICTORIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS
THE BEST OF THE YARRA VALLEY | Our complete guide to the Yarra Valley, a guide to wonderful Healesville, and the East Warburton Redwood Forest, and the best Airbnbs in the Yarra Valley
THE BEST OF THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD | Everything to do on the Great Ocean Road, our guide to Hopetoun Falls, and the mystical Otway Californian Redwoods, The ultimate guide to visiting Loch Ard Gorge, and 10+ amazing Airbnbs on the Great Ocean Road
LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland’s cutest little town, Loch
VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide
DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide, plus the best Daylesford Airbnbs to stay in while you’re there
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA WITH THESE GUIDES
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