Top Things to do in Warburton
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10 Things to Do in Warburton That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Warburton, Australia including Warburton Rainforest Gallery, Blue Lotus Water Garden, Four Pillars Distillery, Redwood Forest, Healesville Sanctuary, Bulong Estate, Mount Donna Buang, La La Falls, O'Shannassy Trail, Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Restaurants in Warburton
1. Warburton Rainforest Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Fiona W - Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Well worth visiting the Rainforest Gallery - a gentle but at times steep loop walk with a good number of stairs and a short board walk. The notices say this is a 30 minute walk. Even ambling it took us little more than twenty minutes. There are helpful and thoughtful signs which make you think about the age and spirit of the place. To stand among and above the fern trees is humbling and affecting, and offers an opportunity for brief, quiet contemplation.
2. Blue Lotus Water Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By Nalpick - Melbourne, Australia
The positives: The Gardens are beautiful, they're easy to walk around and there's some great photo opportunities. Family friendly.
The negatives: Entry price is a bit steep to walk around a garden. The toilets appeared unclean on arrival (just after 9am) and they were filthy as we were leaving at around 1 pm. Water all over the sink, rubbish bin over flowing and poor signage on the toilets. We were cued for a toilet that was in fact empty !! Now the food, it is your normal take away fair or sit down menu. However there was not enough Seating for people for the sit down menu so they were asking people to move on, atrocious. We gave up waiting for service ( we had a toddler with us) so decided take way would be the way to go. 40 minutes in the line for iced coffees and a bucket of chips. More time was spent with the staff chatting and trying to organise each other rather than serving and getting on with the job in a systematic way. Absolute chaos. Further whilst you're standing there "observing" you notice the hair on the ladies not covered (swinging pony tails), gloves used but touching their face, mouth, pushing hair back and wiping them on the apron. All in all unacceptable.
If this is your choice for a day out bring a picnic and you may or may not be able to sit down to enjoy it.
We would not recommend a visit.
3. Four Pillars Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
This former timber yard has been transformed into a fully functioning gin distillery over 700 square metres, featuring our two German sister-stills Wilma and Jude, (and soon their miniature sister Eileen) and a new hospitality space showcasing the many facets of gin. At the Distillery Door you'll find all styles of Four Pillars Gins for tasting and sale, a long copper bar serving paddles of G&T three ways, design-your-own Negronis, Ginger Mules (gin and ginger beer), really good nuts and olives, gin-steamed marmalade on toast, great coffee and even beer and wine if you ask real nice. We have Seating both inside and out and also regularly host masterclasses run by our distiller and Healesville local, Cameron Mackenzie, the heart and soul of Four Pillars Gin. Details of our next masterclasses and events are always available on our Facebook page and on our website. Four Pillars Gin launched in December 2013 and has gone on to win a swag of awards at home and around the globe.
Reviewed By TaiTai5-JDY - Melbourne, Australia
Fabulous venue, amazing staff and of course outstanding gin. We have never thought to taste Gin straight before, but this will be my starting point for all future Gins. We were lead through the process of the Gin distillation process and sampling techniques by Elton....MoreThat makes us so happy to read! Thanks for sharing you great gin experience with us, and hope to see you again really soon!
4. Redwood Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By MickyC-AUS - Melbourne, Australia
Just a short ten minute drive north-east from the quaint Victorian township of Warburton, these awesome Californian Redwoods were planted around 1930 in the most amazingly perfect grid pattern. Stunning views of magestic redwood trunks, all reaching tall and proud towards the sky are created in every direction when standing inside this magnificent National Park. Words such as eerie, breathtaking, pleasing, magical, aesthetic and enchanted come to mind while wandering up, down and across the avenues of redwoods that number about 1500. A genuine must-see and a real photographer's delight. Allow about an hour. Enjoy!
5. Healesville Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. Explore the 70 acre bushland haven to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Visitors are also free to explore the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, a working vetinary hospital treating over 1500 orphaned, ill or injured wildlife every year. The expert team shares the journey of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release with the Sanctuary's visitors. Don't miss: Spirits of the Sky: A free flight presentation featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and colourful parrot species. Tales from Platypus Creek: Come face-to-face with Healesville Sanctuary's most iconic species in a world-first interactive Platypus show. Observe Platypus as they interact with keepers, play in the water and even enjoy having their tummies tickled! Wade with the Platypus: In this world-first, hands-on experience it will be your turn to be the Platypus keeper. You will have the opportunity to step into the shallow water of the 'Platypus play pool' where it's normally the keeper's job to play, frolic, tickle and feed our little furry friends.
Reviewed By MelissaPeery - Arlington, Virginia
We enjoyed every moment at Healesville Sanctuary. Nothing about it disappointed. The guides are especially wonderful and go out of their way to answer any and all questions and make sure visitors see as much as possible. Don't miss the bird show, even if you think you aren't that interested in birds. It is spectacular! Try to make a Wallaby feeding session too.
If you are running short of time, two to three hours is a great visit, but you could easily spend the entire day.
6. Bulong Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Yarra Valley Winery. We are open on selected dates for special events such as Live Music with food carts during summer or an occasional visiting chef doing a pop-up. Check our website or facebook page for details. Please call to an appointment for any other visits to inspect the venue or purchase wine. We are a Wedding and function venue. A beautiful venue for your special celebration or get together. With spectacular views over the vineyard and to the Yarra Ranges. We take bookings for - Functions - Weddings - Birthdays - Christmas Party - Celebrations - Private party - corporate bookings. Get in touch for our function package information. We are located in the Upper Yarra Valley, an area recognised as being one of the best in the Yarra Valley for the production of high quality cool climate grapes. Since 1995 we have been growing grapes here and the Estate has been dedicated to making high quality wine since 2002.
Reviewed By Ascott150 - Melbourne, Australia
The new management and chef are settling in well (but I must say need time to settle in to match the high level that the restaurant has had for years).
Location has only one issue and that is that it is on a dirt road. The restaurant building is excellent and the service that Peter provides is outstanding - courteous and professional.
The food and the quality of the ingredients needs a bit of improvement to match the prior experience, but are still good.
The interest in the food is still a step down on the prior excellence, but is still commendable.
The allergy handling is getting better but still needs more focus.
Overall it is a part of the excellent local and tourist growing culinary experience that is the upper Yarra Valley/Warburton Valley.
7. Mount Donna Buang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By NOEL M - Melbourne, Australia
Mount Donna Buang, via the interesting valley township of Warburton, is less than an easy 2 hours by road from Melbourne, making a visit an ideal day trip. This is a picturesque mountain, with giant ash Forests, fantastic views of the Upper Yarra Valley and snow for tobogganing in winter. There is an easy rain forest platform walk and at a large car park half way up the mountain, there is a mountain spring where the freshest water runs freely. Take containers and fill up with this clear, clean water from inside the mountain. Roads are sealed and cleared of snow during winter and park entry is free from charge. This is a great place to take international and interstate guests and a round trip back through Healesville is possible during summer months. It's a very easy day.
8. La La Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Traveller88Melbourne - Melbourne
Have to wonder how the Falls got its name! Trail is pretty enough with almost invisible mini Bridges over creeks to warrant the walk to the Falls but keep your expectations low- the falls ain't big. Considering that there was good rain day prior to my visit on Sun 2 July, the flow was moderate. Not big enough for a dip - cool your feet in hot weather when you have done 1.5 km trek up to the falls (3kms return). There is a small viewing platform over the falls which can get crowded for group of 6 - 8. The trail ends here.
Minus temp on the late morning of our visit - the track was very wet & slippery. Did I spot or hear the fauna? Senses were too occupied trying not to slip unfortunately.
Closer to the falls - the ascent is steep. Avoiding fallen stringy bark, exposed roots & slimy leaves was tricky esp on the way down. We did a fast paced slithery trek from car park to falls & return under 1 hr incl. lingering at the falls for about 20 mins. Moderate fitness needed. Drier condition would be ideal but the falls might be trickling. You can do it slow & steady - lots of young families on the day of my visit with babies & toddlers which I thought was irresponsible without proper carry harness or shoes for the slippery trail.
Be warned that Irruka Rd leading to the Falls car park will strictly admit one vehicle only. Might be wise to park along Old Warburton Rd & walk all the way up on busy days. The cark park is very small & quite a chore to reverse. About 2+ kms from Warburton main drag - easy to find!
9. O'Shannassy Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By UrbanDrifter - Melbourne
Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled O’Shannassy Aqueduct, meandering through pristine forest which has been protected for nearly 100 years for water harvesting.
The trail, stretching 30 kilometres in its entirety, passes mature fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below. The trail provides for short, medium and long distance walks and several access points are available. Before you put on your walking boots to explore this outstanding trail, plan ahead and know your entry and exit points.
The trail itself is a gentle grade however access from the valley floor is more challenging and classified as grade 3 (moderate fitness required). Organising car shuffles can be a useful way to maximise your walking experience. Camping is not permitted along the aqueduct.
Bring plenty of water and snacks. Beware of snakes in the warmer weather. Make sure you tell people of your intentions.
10. Maroondah Reservoir Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
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