Donnellys Weir
A serene picnic spot and trailhead in Healesville, Victoria, offering challenging hikes and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Easier creek crossing
Donnellys Weir
Best Time
Easier creek crossing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene picnic spot and trailhead in Healesville, Victoria, offering challenging hikes and natural beauty.
"Beautiful spot for a picnic with a challenging hike reward!"
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A creek crossing is required for picnic area access. SUVs and higher clearance vehicles are recommended.
💧 Bring Your Own Drinks
Water at the weir is untreated. Pack all your drinking water and beverages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Donnellys Weir Picnic Area
Healesville, Victoria
A serene picnic spot by the water, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's tranquility.
Challenging Hill Trail
Near Donnellys Weir
Tackle a steep, rewarding hike with significant elevation for breathtaking views.
Maroondah Reservoir Park Trail
Connecting trail
Explore walking tracks leading to the nearby Maroondah Reservoir Park for extended nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Creek Crossing Caution
Pack Your Own Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A creek crossing is required for picnic area access. SUVs and higher clearance vehicles are recommended.
💧 Bring Your Own Drinks
Water at the weir is untreated. Pack all your drinking water and beverages.
🥾 Conquer the Hill Hike
The challenging incline offers a great sense of accomplishment and stunning views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Trails
Connect to trails leading to Maroondah Reservoir Park for more hiking adventures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A creek crossing is required for picnic area access. SUVs and higher clearance vehicles are recommended.
💧 Bring Your Own Drinks
Water at the weir is untreated. Pack all your drinking water and beverages.
🥾 Conquer the Hill Hike
The challenging incline offers a great sense of accomplishment and stunning views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Trails
Connect to trails leading to Maroondah Reservoir Park for more hiking adventures.
🎨 Artistic Inspiration
A beautiful spot for plein air painting and creative pursuits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Donnellys Weir is a beautiful and peaceful picnic spot, praised for its natural scenery and challenging hiking trails. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and the rewarding views from the hill climbs. However, the creek crossing to access the picnic area can be a significant hurdle for some vehicles, and it's essential to bring your own drinking water as the weir's water is untreated.
"Requires a creek crossing no formed parth to get to picnic area otherwise short walk to view weir note there is a creek crossing to get to car park ok in SUV just use common sense on approach"
david lucas
"When my friend and I visited Donnellys Weir Picnic Area with Mylee, their sausage dog, it turned into quite the adventure. We drove there in an SUV, which made crossing the shallow creek easy. The area itself was peaceful, with clean picnic spots and well-maintained toilets. Since the water isn’t treated, we had brought our own drinks, which I highly recommend.
The highlight of the trip was tackling the trail up the massive hill. At 900 feet above sea level with a challenging 45-degree incline, it tested us, but the sense of accomplishment at the top was worth every step. Mylee handled the climb like a champ, her excitement keeping us motivated.
After the hike, we relaxed a bit at the weir before heading to Beechworth Bakery for a hearty meal. It was the perfect way to end the day—enjoying good food and reflecting on a fun and fulfilling outing in nature."
Luke Warburton
"My favourite place in Victoria, this is a stunning picnic spot. You do have to do a water crossing to get to the picnic area, so make sure you're driving the right car."
Caitlin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Donnellys Weir is located near Healesville, Victoria. Access to the picnic area involves a creek crossing, so an SUV or vehicle with good clearance is recommended. The road can be narrow and unsealed.
The road is narrow and unsealed, and there's a creek crossing. While many cars have managed, it's not recommended for 2-wheel drive vehicles or those with low clearance, especially after rain.
Yes, you can drive to the picnic area, but be prepared for a creek crossing. Common sense is advised, and it's best to assess the water depth before proceeding.
Yes, Donnellys Weir is a starting point for several walking tracks, including one that leads to Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Public transport options to Donnellys Weir are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle, especially considering the creek crossing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee mentioned for Donnellys Weir Picnic Area. It's a natural spot for public enjoyment.
Donnellys Weir is a natural area and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
Picnic spots are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or public holidays.
Yes, there are well-maintained toilets available at the Donnellys Weir Picnic Area.
While you can dip your toes in the water, swimming is not explicitly recommended as the water is not treated.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnics, short walks, photography, and challenging hikes up nearby hills. It's a great spot for nature lovers.
Absolutely! There are various walking tracks, including a challenging hill hike with significant elevation and trails connecting to Maroondah Reservoir Park.
The picnic area is relatively flat, but the surrounding trails can be steep and challenging, with some inclines and unsealed paths.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Donnellys Weir, as seen with Mylee the sausage dog enjoying the picnic and hike.
The area boasts a variety of flora, making it an interesting spot for nature observation and photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Donnellys Weir has picnic areas, but no on-site food vendors. It's recommended to pack your own food and drinks.
While not explicitly mentioned, picnic areas often accommodate BBQs. It's best to check local regulations or bring a portable grill if permitted.
Nearby Healesville offers various dining options, including cafes and bakeries. Beechworth Bakery is a popular choice mentioned by visitors.
Pack your food, drinks (especially water as the weir water is untreated), picnic blanket, and any utensils you'll need.
Yes, the town of Healesville, just a short drive away, has several restaurants and cafes catering to visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene weir, the surrounding lush greenery, and the challenging hill views. The creek crossing itself can also make for interesting shots.
The natural beauty, including the water, trees, and elevated viewpoints, offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife or distant views from the hilltops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🎨 Artists and Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Creek Crossing
This natural obstacle adds an element of adventure to the visit, but also means that accessibility can be a concern for some. Visitors with mobility issues or those not comfortable with the creek crossing might find it challenging to reach the main picnic area. However, the effort is often rewarded with a more secluded and peaceful experience once you're there.
Hiking Adventures from Donnellys Weir
Beyond the immediate hill climb, Donnellys Weir also serves as a point on longer trails, including routes that connect to the Maroondah Reservoir Park. These trails offer varied terrain and flora, appealing to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Some epic hikes, like a 37km journey to Mt St Leonard's and back, start or pass through this area, showcasing the Yarra Valley's natural beauty.
When planning a hike, remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry plenty of water, and be aware of the trail conditions, especially after rain. The National Trail also passes through this region, making it a significant point for long-distance trekkers.
A Tranquil Picnic Experience
It's important to note that the water at the weir is not treated, so visitors are strongly advised to bring all their own drinking water and beverages. This is a key piece of advice echoed by those who have visited. Despite this, the serene setting, surrounded by lush greenery, makes it a favorite for many, including those who bring their furry companions along for the day.
For those looking for a creative outlet, the picturesque setting has also inspired artists, with some visitors enjoying plein air painting sessions by the water. The combination of natural beauty and tranquility makes Donnellys Weir a delightful escape.


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