Mount Juliet is among the highest peaks in the Yarra Ranges region, with a very steep and unmaintained walking track leading to the 1120m summit. The highest summit in the park is nearby Mount Donna Buang at 1223m.
The hike commences at Road Three, a parks management track off the Maroondah Highway (7 km east of Healesville), and follows this track east for approximately 2km to a junction of an incomplete 4WD track. The relentless foot trail starts at the junction of this road and Road Five. From there, it 4.5km in an almost direct line to the summit, where a stone cairn is located. The trail is steep, unforgiving and depending on the time of year, can often be overgrown in places. Expect this to be a challenging hike, especially after rain when the steep slopes will often have you crawling on all fours.
Mount Juliet is one of several trigonometric cairns remaining from the original Geodetic Survey of Victoria. The summit walk is among the most difficult in the Ranges, with a rise in altitude from 211m to 1120m, with the final section over rocks.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- The ascent to the summit from the junction of Road four is steep and arduous and requires a high level of fitness and stamina
- With a change in altitude of around 800m, do not expect this to be an easy hike as the trail is not well maintained and can often be overgrown
- There is a stone cairn at the top, built in the late 1800s to mark a geodetic survey point
- Don't expect any views due to extensive regrowth from the 1939 fires.
Total distance: 8771 m
Max elevation: 1116 m
Min elevation: 204 m
Total climbing: 913 m
Total descent: -913 m
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Follow the Maroondah Highway through Healesville, to small car park signed Mount Juliet Track, about 2 km past the Graceburn Weir. Park near the gate
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
The Yarra Ranges spans an extensive, mountainous area of cool temperate forest around the three towns of Marysville, Healesville and Warburton. This national park is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. Dark gullies are home to clear streams which feed the Yarra River and major reservoirs from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.
The Yarra Ranges boasts some stunning lookouts, one of the best being Mount Donna Buang. From here you can see awesome views of Westernport Bay and Port Phillip - or walk the Rainforest Gallery and see the Mountain Ash from a different perspective. In the winter, Mount Donna Buang is Melbourne's closest winter playground. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first sight of snow here through the years.
Healesville is the start of the Black Spur Drive, a short but beautiful scenic car journey. The road winds through majestic Mountain Ash forest to Narbethong, passing a number of pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, such as Donnelly's Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Looking for things to do in Yarra Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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1 Review on “Mount Juliet Hike (8.7km)”
Challenging but excellent hike. There is very little respite from the steep incline, very fun! The recent storm damage/fallen trees have just today been completely cleared so all clear to reach the summit.
Would recommend for experienced and fit hikers but would advise one to bring walking poles for the descent.
Did this on 15/05/2021.
Was cold, wet, muddy, overgrown with lots of fallen trees across the track and even got snow at the top… Absolutely loved it!
😀
Will be back in a few months to have another go.
It’s a good training hike. Get ready to roll down?
Good challenge. No real respite the whole way up, and only gets harder the close you get to the top. Took about 3.5hrs return to the car.
Tough track and a great challenge! Strangely I noticed a small area, mid way up the track with leech activity. Found myself flicking many off my boots and pants. No signs down low near the road or near the top.
Great training hike for fast elevation gain. The post fire regrowth is starting to encroach on parts of the trail, as are the leeches – I wore shorts and regretted it. Trekking poles were handy on steep upper sections.