Donna Buang

Walk overview

Length: 15.2km
Time: 5 hours, minimal breaks (we took just over 7 hours)
Grade: Hard
Ascent: 1090m
Maximum height: 1250m
Region: Port Phillip
Map: Vicmap Gladesville and Donna Buang 1:25,000

"Climbing 1250m Mt Donna Buang from Warburton is not easy. It involves climbing 1090m through heavily timbered country. The foot track is quite steep and can be slippery even in mid-summer. However, if you want a training trip prior to heading off to a trek in the Himalayas or whatever, this is ideal. Lyrebirds and fine sturdy fine plus views of the Yarra Valley are attractions."

Source: 120 Walks in Victoria

My comments

This was a very, very steep walk, and my first in 6 weeks since finishing the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal in mid November. I was pleased to discover I hadn't lost any fitness, and while the walk up was a challenge, it was very doable.

The scenery was lovely - treefern canopies eventually opening up to lovely tall and slender gums, and higher up, the sounds of the wind could easily be mistaken as a running stream nearby. It was all very green and lush, and the track in good condition, with only a few sloppy muddy areas. Not a walk to be attempted in wet conditions or mid-winter when the track undoubtedly turns to complete slush.

The downhill return from the summit was a killer. I made it down halfway before my knees started acting up, and my left knee got so bad I had to walk the last third backwards (this is not fun anywhere, let alone on a very steep track) to take the pressure off. No prizes for guessing who is off to the osteopath tomorrow!

Photos from this walk

For more, see: Donna Buang photo slideshow