SNOW!

Sunday 8th July

Mount Donna Buang

Warburton, VIC

About Mount Donna Buang

Distance from Melbourne - 1hr 40 min east

Facilities - unsure about toilets, as I didn't look. There is toboggan hire, hot food/drinks/jam doughnuts.

Accessibility - drove up in a Ford Ranger but easily accessible in any car.

Unfortunately on the way up, google maps said there was a quicker route which would save us 20 mins, so of course, change route! NOPE... got to the mountain and 'road closed for season'. Well, shit. So we turned around and made our way around the mountain (which was a lovely scenic drive anyway, so, no real loss... Not like we had anything better to be doing on a Sunday). Once we got to the other side we started our way back up the mountain, this time on the correct route (thanks Google maps). We started to see snow on the sides of the roads which was a really unusual sight. The fog was amazing as well! There were a few lookouts which the signs stated what you could see, however thats obviously for a clear day as visibility was pretty low... I'd love to go back over summer and see how different it all is.

We made our way to the top (until the road block) and scored a park in the closest carpark. Walking up the hill was entertaining, there was slush all over the road and my boots were definitely not the correct choice in footwear...

There is an observation tower at the top, we climbed it but again, not much visibility so not much to be seen from there!

The toboggan runs were closed, there wasn't a whole lot of snow, a fair amount of slush, but I'd say as the season continues it would be better. There was also a room with a fire in the middle and some information about the area on the walls. Lovely set up to get out of the cold wind and rain and defrost for a little while (even though a kid did literally push me out of the way to stand between me and the fire, when there was space next to me..?😂)

I probably should have taken my new hiking boots and wet weather pants that I got from Aldi the day previous... but silly me didn't really think it through!

Packing tips

Take snow gear if you have it available, if not, a spare change of clothes!

Things I wish I had taken

A second pair of pants... gloves, different shoes

Things I could have left at home

Not sure on this one, we didn't pack much

Costs including entry, site costs and food (if camping)

Free entry, food van on site, toboggan hire available if you wish, the runs were closed when we went so unsure of cost

Items/equipment needed

Snow gear or a change of clothes, closed in shoes, many people were in runners, boots (redbacks or work boots), hiking boots etc.

Sights in nearby towns, attractions and things to do

The Warburton Redwood Forest is nearby, gorgeous plantation with huge nests, a river at the bottom, nice photo opportunities and an easy walk.

Things I may do differently next time

Most definitely take a change of pants, or wear my snow pants. I didn't really think it through...

Until my next adventure,

Alex