By Derek Schlennstedt
At the end of the line, Warburton is cocooned by magnificent mountains and nurtured by the iconic Yarra River that flows through it.
Renowned for its historic buildings, picturesque walking tracks, cafes, boutique shops and cultural events, you’ll almost certainly find that one day is just enough to whet your appetite for a return visit!
9AM
Wander along the main street and settle in for a relaxing start to the day at one of the town’s popular cafes.
If you love the sound of rushing water, seek out one of the several that have turned their main street facades into walk-throughs to a deck or garden to take in views of the Yarra River.
The cafes offer a great choice of breakfast options that make the most of the fresh produce available. Whether it’s home-made bircher muesli, pancakes and strawberries or the big Aussie breakfast with all the trimmings, you’re off to a great start!
10AM
Time to explore, but first a bit of local knowledge from the good folk at the Visitor Information Centre. Check out the stunning mosaic stairs and ask about any special events, markets or festivals.
Hire a bike, or just take a stroll along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. If you’re cycling, an hour’s ride will take you to Millgrove, even Wesburn and back. Alternatively, on foot head east and take in the River Walk, a circuit of the town that follows the river, crossing the town’s iconic bridges and meandering through a towering stand of Californian redwood.
NOON
After a brisk walk or ride, it’s time to head back to town and a quick browse through some of the charming, bespoke shops before replenishing spent energy and treating the tastebuds with a delicious lunch.
If it’s something more substantial you’re looking for, why not head along to the Alpine Retreat for a counter lunch. Alternatively, fish and chips on a grassy spot down by the river is a sublime experience on a warm day, or revisit one of the cafes for something lighter.
2PM
Head out of town to experience the natural environment that first drew visitors to Warburton in horse-drawn carriages, and later on the train.
These days, it’s horsepower of a different sort that takes visitors further afield.
First stop, the Rainforest Gallery on the Donna Buang Road where a 40 metre long observation platform transports you into the rainforest canopy 15 metres above the ground.
Below, a 350 metre long elevated walkway takes you through the rainforest where old growth mountain ash trees share an ancient ecosystem with myrtle beech trees – some 300 to 400 years old – ferns, mosses and other plants that make up the deliciously damp and diverse rainforest environment.
3PM
You can either continue on to the summit of Mount Donna Buang with amazing photo opportunities for capturing this alpine environment in its naked beauty, and climb the tower for some great panoramic shots across the Yarra Valley, or head back down the mountain to see the La La waterfalls.Connect up with the Warburton Highway and follow the signs from Park Road (opposite the Sanitarium factory) along Old Warburton Road, to the start of the track on Irruka Road.
La La Falls was named after past landowner Leila Ward, whose guesthouse La La (meaning Welcome Welcome), was located in the area.
This very enjoyable walk allows a close-up look at the falls, one of the more beautiful sights in the Yarra State Forest.
Take a camera, but also take time to just soak up the enchantment of it all.
6PM
One last chance to enjoy three of Warburton’s special treats before heading home.
Pop into The Rainbow Ice Cream Shop for the flavour of your choice to enjoy as you marvel at Boinga Bob’s world-renowned art-house, sitting on the mountain side above the town.
Then, wander a little further for a potted history of the town and its people, depicted in a series of colourful murals along the old railway station platform … before heading home.
