Trail Fast Facts

Mount Ritchie is a 16km, grade 3 return hike in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 6 hours to complete.

Length: 16km

Duration: 6 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Acheron-way C507

End: Acheron-way C507

Location: Yarra Ranges National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Warburton

From state capital: 70km

Latitude: -37.6594351

Longitude: 145.74423730373385

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

The Mount Ritchie hike is a steady moderate walk uphill along a 4 wheel drive path, ascending 650 meters over 8Km, then descending all the way back to the starting point. The route begins from Acheron Way. Crossing the Acheron River and winding through beautiful tall mountain ash forest. This area is brimming with interesting fungi in the wetter months but the flora is impressive all year round. This walk is most spectacular when the top of Mount Ritchie is covered by snow. This is more likely to occur between mid July to mid September.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Map and GPX file

Mount Ritchie Hike (16km)

Total distance: 14721 m
Max elevation: 1251 m
Min elevation: 702 m
Total climbing: 867 m
Total descent: -867 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Mount Ritchie Hike (16km)

Drive to Warburton; from Warburton continue on to Donna Buang Rd/C507; Continue and follow C507 (do not turn to Donna Buang), the destination will be on the right 18.3 km from Warburton (25 minutes from Warburton on a winding road). There is limited parking space at the trailhead. Enough room for 3 to 5 cars. Search "Start Mount Ritchie walk" in Google.

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Access conditions

2WD Access

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About the region

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Yarra Ranges National Park? Try these hikes or bushwalks.

Explore Safe

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.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

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.

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Mount Ritchie Hike (16km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Track Grade

Map and GPX file

Mount Ritchie Hike (16km)