Mt Donna Buang Natural Spring, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

## Overview Mt Donna Buang Natural Spring is a public drinking spring located near the summit of Mount Donna Buang, one of the most accessible mountain peaks in Victoria's Yarra Ranges, east of Melbourne. Standing at approximately 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level, Mount Donna Buang is a well-known destination for day-trippers from Melbourne, and the natural spring at the top has long been a refreshing stop for visitors making the scenic drive up. The water from this spring is non-carbonated — a still, clear natural spring rather than a mineral or sparkling water source. It flows from a fountain-style outlet near the summit car park, making it one of the more conveniently accessible mountain springs in the region. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and many report the water tastes clean and refreshing after the winding drive up the mountain. Mount Donna Buang itself is part of the Yarra Ranges National Park and is famous for its towering mountain ash forests, tree-fern gullies, and — during winter — occasional snowfall, making it the closest snow-viewing spot to Melbourne. The Rainforest Gallery, an elevated walkway through the canopy of cool temperate rainforest, is located nearby and is well worth a visit alongside the spring. ## Directions The spring is located at the summit car park of Mount Donna Buang, accessible by a sealed road from the township of Warburton (approximately 80 km east of Melbourne's CBD). 1. From Melbourne, head east along the Warburton Highway (or via the Maroondah Highway through Healesville) until you reach the township of **Warburton**. 2. Continue through Warburton and turn **left** onto the **Mt Donna Buang Road** (also known as the Mt Donna Buang Turnoff). 3. Follow the winding sealed road uphill — the drive from Warburton to the summit takes roughly 15–20 minutes. 4. At the top, you will arrive at a **large parking area** at the summit. 5. From the car park, look to your **right** — you'll see the spring water flowing from a **fountain-style outlet**. The road is sealed the entire way and is suitable for regular vehicles, though it is narrow and winding with some tight bends. Take care in wet or icy conditions, especially during winter months. **GPS Coordinates:** -37.706684, 145.681335 ## What to Expect The spring is located right at the summit car park, so there is no hiking required to reach it — you can access the water just steps from where you park. The water flows from a fountain-style spout on the right side of the parking area, making it easy to fill bottles or simply take a drink. The spring is accessible **24 hours a day, 7 days a week**, and there is no entry fee for the summit area. The car park is spacious and well-maintained. Beyond the spring, the summit area offers several attractions worth exploring: - **The Lookout Tower** — a tall observation tower providing panoramic views across the Yarra Valley and surrounding ranges on clear days. - **The Rainforest Gallery** — an elevated boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech and mountain ash forest, located a short drive back down the mountain. - **Snow viewing** — Mount Donna Buang occasionally receives light snowfall during winter (June–August), drawing crowds from Melbourne. Be aware that the road can become very busy and conditions slippery during snow events. The summit can be significantly cooler than the valley below, so bring a warm layer even on mild days. The area is surrounded by lush mountain ash and temperate rainforest, making it a beautiful and atmospheric spot year-round.