What To Do In Warburton and Accommodation In Warburton

A Weekend in Warburton. The tiny town often flies under the radar, but is easily one of the top holiday destinations Victoria offers. 

With so much to see and do in Melbourne proper, it’s easy to see why many visitors never step foot outside the city. But just a few kilometres outside Melbourne, in the foothills of the Yarra Ranges, sits wonderful Warburton.

From the town’s iconic Waterwheel to the local wineries to the plethora of bush routes and cycling paths, Warburton makes for one of the best places to visit in Victoria. Here we’ll go through some of the best spots for accommodation in Warburton, as well a highlight list of what to do in Warburton during your stay.

Where Is Warburton & How To Get To Warburton

Getting from Melbourne to Warburton is easy. The town is an hour by car (75 kilometres) from Melbourne’s central business district (CBD). Visitors can also take the train from Melbourne Central to Lilydale, then transfer onto the 683 bus to Warburton (approximately two hours).

What To Do In Warburton

From hiking to cycling to wineries to historic landmarks to artist workshops and studios, if you want to explore Victoria and all it has to offer, Warburton holds a little bit of everything.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail trail, a gravel path which follows 38 km of old railway line through the Yarra Valley, passing by historic rail towns like Wandin, Launching Place, and Westburn en route to Warburton, is perfect for cycling (approximately four hours one way). The individual stages can also be walked from town to town, and average only four km each.

Just outside of town, check out the Backstairs Track to Scotchman’s Creek, a goldfield dating to 1859. Along the way, you’ll pass historic Dolly Grey Park. Intrepid hikers can continue on to summit Mt. Little Joe (469 m), a return trip of nine km. There is also an excellent track along the Warburton River.

The Warburton River Walk begins on the Warburton Bridge over the Yarra River in the centre of town and is a mellow five km loop. Other noteworthy Warburton walks include Morleys Track in nearby Yarra Ranges National Park and the Big Pats to Starling’s Gap walk.

The Warburton Rainforest Gallery is a must see. Its 40 meter long observation platform sits over 15 metres above the ground, giving viewers a perfect vista over fields of old growth forests, from several hundred year old Myrtle Beeches to Mountain Ash trees.

The Redwood Forest is located in the Yarra Ranges is a must for anyone visiting the area. It has been a well kept secret to locals until recent years. The National Trust heritage listed site is becoming an increasingly popular to tourists, at a rate that is bursting capacity, there is a big push for visitors to take care of this natural beauty.

It’s a small town, so the best places to eat in Warburton are all right next to each other. From the cheap, delicious pizza at CJ’s Pizza Cafe to the tasty beer and vegan options at Symphony36, the restaurants in Warburton have everything you could ask for. The Warburton Hotel located in nearby Wesburn, which dates to the 1860s; it is an ideal spot for a classy drink. The Warburton waterfall La La Falls is a beautiful winding cascade just outside of town. Warburton shops line the main street, and whether window shopping or shelling out cash, they offer a nice diversion for a weekend afternoon. Be sure to check out the classic Waterwheel on Main Street!

Warburton isn’t the only place worth stopping through. There are lots of things to do in Yarra Valley; for wine lovers, the very popular vineyards are close by. There are plenty of things to do in Healesville, such as the Hedgend Maze and the Healesville Animal Sanctuary.

To get from Warburton to Healesville is a 30 minute drive by car. Alternatively, travellers can take the 683 bus to Lilydale and then the 685 to the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway in Healesville. There are also many things to do in Lilydale, like the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum and plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants.

Accommodation in Warburton, Victoria

From hotels to cottages and Airbnb’s, caravan parks to camping spots, the types of accommodation Warburton offers are endless. Check out the reviews below for highlights of some of the best spots to stay in this little town, which is quite possibly the best place to visit in Victoria for tourists.

Hotel Accommodation in Warburton

The Warburton Motel is ideal for romantic couples getaways, with its picturesque gardens and mountain views. Five minutes from the Yarra River, the Warburton Motel is a perfect base for exploring all the things to do in Warburton.

Spacious, clean rooms at the Warburton Lodge are great for couples and families alike. The barbecue and spa centre are particular highlights.

The spacious bohemian bungalows at Forget Me Not Cottages are perfect for those looking for a bit more privacy and a more natural feel. Nestled right up against the forest, some cottages at the Forget Me Not even come with a spa bath or hot tub.

The free breakfast basket at Charnwood Cottages is a highlight, perfect for fireside dining or a meal on the balcony. Each property is self contained and large, perfect for families, and the river views from each property’s private deck can’t be beaten. A night at Charnwood is pricier, but well worth it for a luxury, relaxing stay that can accommodate the whole family.

When looking for Warburton accommodation, cottages like Charnwood and Forget Me Not Cottages are top of the list.

Airbnb and Holiday Houses in Warburton

The Warby Weekender is the perfect home base for families looking to sample everything Warburton has to offer. With three beds and a fully equipped kitchen, this property is primed for longer stays.

A few quiet summer nights curled up in the hammock on the Warby Retreat’s cosy deck might be just the medicine you need. The two bedroom Retreat offers an affordable weekend stay for a pair of couples or a group of friends. The bikes and golf clubs provided are an added bonus.

If you’re looking for the pet friendly accommodation Warburton has to offer, check out this cottage in East Warburton. June is already booked and July and August are filling up, so act fast! Feeding birds from your hands in the surrounding gardens is a perk, as is the newly painted and finished encircling deck. Bring your pooch!

Warburton Holiday Park

For those who prefer the call of the wild, cabins and Warburton camping spots are available as well. The cabins at Warburton Holiday Park offer a little bit of everything. Air conditioning, but a natural feel with gardens and a kids playground, as well as on site tennis courts, make this a great stop for families for a long weekend away. Camping sites are also available.

Budget conscious travellers should check out the free camping Warburton has to offer. Some free camping spots include La Trobe River, Starling’s Gap, Federal Mill, Ada No 2 Mill in the Yarra State Forest. Scotts Reserve, Kirkwood Reserve, and Shakes Reserve in Woods Point are other options.

Pet Friendly Accommodation in Warburton

A stay at the three bedroom Warburton Holiday House is perfect for large groups of friends or family (it’s 360m²). That pets are allowed with no extra charge is just a bonus.

Bring your dogs (limit 2) to Big Patsa’s Place, where they can roam in the gated yard. Four bedrooms and eight beds accommodate up to 11 guests here, making it ideal for an extended stay with a larger family or group.