Race rego = maximum amount of time skating starting at $385 for base entry, priority skating on Sunday. The full event package and experience and the best value & support towards the event. Compete to win prizes. Leather suit for racing required.
Freeride rego = flexible entry per day starting at $375 for base entry, good for those time restricted or simply wanting to ride. No leather suit required to freeride.
Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival returns for its 4th edition in 2024!
Featuring optional 4-6 seated skateboard, downhill inline & luge racing on an all grip track on one of Victoria’s Mountain road gems.Surrounded by lush and incredible scenery of the Yarra Ranges and the town of Warburton.
Racing and freeriding takes place at the top of the epic mountain. Returning at the start of March we expect great weather & 3 days of downhill skate & luge riding in a safe environment. If you don’t want to race, no worries you can turn up at ride with your fellow riders at your own pace.
Expect to reach speeds of 90km/h on a track where strategy is going to be crucial to success if you are racing otherwise expect loads of fun runs with tons of your friends. Then hit up the Alpine Retreat Pub for a dinner & brew.
In 2024 YRDHF will have official rider accommodation, and a food truck service on the hill. As well as more runs than ever before with an improved shuttle system and trained & experienced staff. Not to mention full track straw bale safety systems as before.
This event is perfect for intermediate riders looking to upgrade their skills & confidence and meet fellow riders from all over Australia & the world. With am accessible race track where strategy & drafting techniques are most important, in a safe, supportive & traffic free environment.
see who’s attending YRDHF2024
Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival 2024 is only possible thanks to the following sponsors, stakeholders & supporters. Who help make the event happen
We would like to particularly thank VSA, UYCE and YARRA RANGES Council for donating significant funding to help make the event a possibility.
The track takes place on Mt Donna Buang Summit Road. The track will run from the summit of the mountain from below the tower to the 10 mile carpark.
The road features a large drop at the top with fast straights and two sets of fast and exciting corners that will provide great speeds and racing with great smooth pavement. Just watch out for slight ripples on the big first left though.
This road can be skated with ease if you airbrake and want to take it easy but can also become much more challenging if you are racing at full speed.
The wide road provides plenty of room for large packs and drafting strategies where riders will need to utilise drafting, air-braking to their maximum in order to win.
As a wet race track Donna provides a whole other experience with fast grip wet racing where the stakes become even higher and even visibility becomes almost minimal.
With no slides this also makes it a great track for those who are eager to build their confidence in the rain.
Overall expect to be riding your skateboarding at very fast speeds at a enjoybale and accessbile track with good pavement and incredible rainforest alpine scenery with heaps of your friends at the same time.
This makes for the most accessible racing track in the Australian circuit and the best for newcomers to get a taste of racing & going fast on your inline skates, luge or skateboard.
Skill Level - Intermediate
Top Speed - 90km/h
Length - 2.8 km
Max Gradient - 10.8%
YRDHF will offer reserved affordable official camping for riders & friends. This will be the most affordable & best option overall in town as there are is no other public camping sites available in town and no camping at Mt Donna Buang due to national park status.
The venue will be booked out entirely for the event for the event only.
We highly recommend this option to save money whilst enjoying the social atmosphere of the event.
Camping accommodation will be available for 4 nights from Thursday (14th of March) until Monday morning (17th of March). There will be amenities such as kitchens & toilets, showers available.
There will be camping & cabin style accommodation available for you to choose from.
NEW PUMP TRACK
For the first time YRDHF24 will feature a brand new massive pump track particularly suitable for skateboard for your enjoyment after each event day. Right next to the riders & staff accommodation.
For bookings please do so via the registration form as VICDH has booked the entire venue for riders on their behalf
27min (23km)
For the first time ever YRDHF24 will feature the brand new pump track built by the Yarra Ranges Shire Council right next to the accommodation. Bring your skateboard and hangout with your mates in the evenings after each event day.
Scheduling is approximate and due to the nature of events some times may change or be altered.
Track Set up
Setting up of event track involving unloading & loading straw bales off flatbed trucks.
Tech Inspection & Sign Ups
Riders meeting at the Alpine Retreat Hotel with the following:
Tech inspection of gear
Waiver signage
Event Debrief
Volunteer sign in & debrief
Event Bump In
Setting up of event track & staff.
Freeride & Practice
Lunch Break
Lunch break, course marshal rotation.
Freeride & Practice
Event Bump Out
Pack up of event equipment & staff. Roads open, event day 1 finished.
Event Bump In
Setting up of event track & staff.
Freeride & Practice
Lunch Break
Lunch break, course marshal rotation.
Freeride & Racing
Event Bump Out
Pack up of event equipment & staff. Roads open, event day 1 finished.
Event Bump In
Setting up of event track & staff.
Freeride & Racing
Lunch Break
Lunch break, course marshal rotation.
Freeride & Racing
Event Bump Out
Pack up of event equipment & staff & straw bales. Roads open, event day 3 finished. Event finished.
Spectators are welcome to attend YRDHF absolutely free of charge! Car parking will be available at the 10 Mile Carpark, which features the Natural Spring Water fountain.
The fountain will still be accessible to spectators & general public although at a more limited capacity than usual. You can also enjoy beverages & hot food from the “Mountain Tucker” food truck which will be available all day, each event day.
As a spectator you can freely watch from the sidelines, however you will need to adhere to following event safety rules:
1:Remaining behind event safety barriers & straw bales at all times.
2: Ensuring to listen to all course marshals and their directions at all times.
3: Ensuring to not be physically present on the road when riders are present on track.
4: By entering the event space you accept the risk posed by being physically present at an event of such nature. While YRDHF provides safety barriers & staff to ensure the safest event possible, it is up to the individual to be aware of their surroundings and accept the risk being a spectator brings. YRDHF does not hold responsibility for injuries or damages that may result from attending as a spectator.
For motorists & general traffic the accessibility of Mt Donna Buang and the summit will be limited during the event days of Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 9:30 – 18:30pm. The top of the road and observation deck will be limited as this will be the starting area.
The 10 mile carpark will be limited due to the majority of parking spaces being used up by event spectators, staff & riders attending the event. Please make sure to visit after event hours if you wish to reduce disruptions to your trip.
The road designated as the event track (2.8km) from the 10 mile carpark until the summit will be unaccessible by traffic and subject to speed restrictions, you will need to adhere to the road closures and wait until the road is opened by the traffic control personnel.
The road will allow traffic upflow when all riders are present and accounted for at the bottom of the track and the track is cleared of all riders.
Please not that if you are present at the top of the road or at any other point you will need to wait until the track is cleared once again if its closed whilst you are located on the event track.
You must not park your vehicle at any point along the designated road as this poses a huge safety risk to the event & its patrons.
Motorists & general traffic will be more than welcome to grab a drink and bite from the event food truck as well who will be at the event each day.
The water fountain will also be accessible if you are looking to fill up your water tanks.
Public toilets are available at the starting area and finish area (observation deck & 10 mile carpark)
Spectators are welcome to attend YRDHF absolutely free of charge! Car parking will be available at the 10 Mile Carpark, which features the Natural Spring Water fountain.
The fountain will still be accessible to spectators & general public although at a more limited capacity than usual. You can also enjoy beverages & hot food from the “Mountain Tucker” food truck which will be available all day, each event day.
As a spectator you can freely watch from the sidelines, however you will need to adhere to following event safety rules:
1:Remaining behind event safety barriers & straw bales at all times.
2: Ensuring to listen to all course marshals and their directions at all times.
3: Ensuring to not be physically present on the road when riders are present on track.
4: By entering the event space you accept the risk posed by being physically present at an event of such nature. While YRDHF provides safety barriers & staff to ensure the safest event possible, it is up to the individual to be aware of their surroundings and accept the risk being a spectator brings. YRDHF does not hold responsibility for injuries or damages that may result from attending as a spectator.
For motorists & general traffic the accessibility of Mt Donna Buang and the summit will be limited during the event days of Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 9:30 – 18:30pm. The top of the road and observation deck will be limited as this will be the starting area.
The 10 mile carpark will be limited due to the majority of parking spaces being used up by event spectators, staff & riders attending the event. Please make sure to visit after event hours if you wish to reduce disruptions to your trip.
The road designated as the event track (2.8km) from the 10 mile carpark until the summit will be unaccessible by traffic and subject to speed restrictions, you will need to adhere to the road closures and wait until the road is opened by the traffic control personnel.
The road will allow traffic upflow when all riders are present and accounted for at the bottom of the track and the track is cleared of all riders.
Please not that if you are present at the top of the road or at any other point you will need to wait until the track is cleared once again if its closed whilst you are located on the event track.
You must not park your vehicle at any point along the designated road as this poses a huge safety risk to the event & its patrons.
Motorists & general traffic will be more than welcome to grab a drink and bite from the event food truck as well who will be at the event each day.
The water fountain will also be accessible if you are looking to fill up your water tanks.
Public toilets are available at the starting area and finish area (observation deck & 10 mile carpark)
There are a wide range of options available in Warburton for food and drink.
Below are our recommended options curated by other skaters and supporters of YRDHF.
The “Warby bakery” Where would we be without you? A local bakery serving up all the pastry & Australian culinary delights such as sausage roles & gourmet meat pies in various flavours.
Reasonably priced, great coffee & other sweets available. This bakery is a great option before heading up the mountain and destroying your legs( at least you wont be skipping leg day)
Warburton Bakery has supported us many times in the past over the years, from feeding our volunteers in YRDHF 2020, to all the sessions in between events over the last few years.
Keep an eye out for their motivational signs as they like to remind us that “Coffee makes you skate faster” (its true )
19min (15.1km)
The “Warby bakery” Where would we be without you? A local bakery serving up all the pastry & Australian culinary delights such as sausage roles & gourmet meat pies in various flavours.
Reasonably priced, great coffee & other sweets available. This bakery is a great option before heading up the mountain and destroying your legs( at least you wont be skipping leg day)
Warburton Bakery has supported us many times in the past over the years, from feeding our volunteers in YRDHF 2020, to all the sessions in between events over the last few years.
Keep an eye out for their motivational signs as they like to remind us that “Coffee makes you skate faster” (its true )
19min (15.1km)
Three sugars cafe is a great local option with toasties, great coffee, indoor & outdoor decorated seating, smoothies & fantastic gourmet pies. Three Sugars has been a great supporter of YRDHF with promotion of the event and is run by the former chief of Alpine Retreat who helped supply dinner for YRDHF22.
19min (15.3km)
Three sugars cafe is a great local option with toasties, great coffee, indoor & outdoor decorated seating, smoothies & fantastic gourmet pies. Three Sugars has been a great supporter of YRDHF with promotion of the event and is run by the former chief of Alpine Retreat who helped supply dinner for YRDHF22.
19min (15.3km)
During the day “Mountain Tucker” will be operating on site at the bottom of the hill, in the parking area. Serving hot coffee & food, such as burgers, hot dogs, chips, hot jam donuts & vegetarian options. Meaning you can recharge at your convenience without leaving the event area.
During the day “Mountain Tucker” will be operating on site at the bottom of the hill, in the parking area. Serving hot coffee & food, such as burgers, hot dogs, chips, hot jam donuts & vegetarian options. Meaning you can recharge at your convenience without leaving the event area.
The Alpine Retreat Hotel is the classic tried & true venue at YRDHF. A favourite spot for riders to socialise, catch up and grab a drink & feed at reasonable prices with a atmosphere hard to beat with its interiors and beer garden . Keep an eye out on possible rider meal deals. Alpine Retreat has been the backbone for supporting YRDHF with a social space & great food every night at every event. Keep an eye out for rider meal deals.
19min (15.3km)
The Alpine Retreat Hotel is the classic tried & true venue at YRDHF. A favourite spot for riders to socialise, catch up and grab a drink & feed at reasonable prices with a atmosphere hard to beat with its interiors and beer garden . Keep an eye out on possible rider meal deals. Alpine Retreat has been the backbone for supporting YRDHF with a social space & great food every night at every event. Keep an eye out for rider meal deals.
19min (15.3km)
Below are amenities and facilities available at the event track and event location
A natural spring water fountain is available free of charge providing clearn and safe water to drink at the bottom of the track.
Food truck on site in event car parking area. Serving hot food & beverages during event hours each day to both event attendees & the public.
Ambulance service on site all 3 days for first aid, injuries & emergencies.
wheel change stations with a skate tool available at the top & bottom of the event track.
Clean and stocked public toilets are available at the bottom and top of the track.
Food truck on site in event car parking area. Serving hot food & beverages during event hours each day to both event attendees & the public.
wheel change stations with a skate tool available at the top & bottom of the event track.
A natural spring water fountain is available free of charge providing clean and safe water to drink at the bottom of the track.
Free limited car parking available at the bottom of the track.
Ambulance service on site all 3 days for first aid, injuries & emergencies.
Look out tower for panoramic view of the Yarra Ranges Mountain Range.
Gas powered cooking facilities available under shelter.
Looking to volunteer and help out at the event? You can sign up for shifts for this specific event down below. Help out and make help YRDHF happen, whilst making connections and developing skills. Comes with free accommodation for each day you sign up.
Looking for local tips for getting to the event and getting around Melbourne?
Be sure to check out our travel guide for getting to YRDHF24 below.
Check out some of your fellow skateboarders and lugers who are local to the state. Be sure to hit them up over the socials if you are planning to attend the event or looking for a crew to hangout with in before, in between or after each event.
You will only need to ride in a leather suit if you are racing. “Freeriders” are not required to wear leather protection. However you will need at minimum
Full face helmet
Padding for the knees
We also recommend some kneepads and elbow pads if you are a relatively new to the event or haven’t skated at speeds between 70-90 km/h before.
We will use an app called “WhatsApp” as a dedicated forum & chat room for events including Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival for ama(ask me anythings) sessions, updates and posts. Before, during & after the event for riders & staff
You can download “WhatsApp” and use it as an app which will be a great way to stay in touch in one focused and convenient place before and at the event. You simply only need a phone number to sign up.
You can also get in touch by emailing the event team using the address below.
Email: [email protected]
A Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival ticket includes access to the following:
A Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival ticket does NOT include the following:
‘Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival’ and ‘Victoria Downhill’ do not offer a guarantee of refund if you are unable to attend or decide to cancel your attendance. Events are by nature, costly to run and carry significant risk for organisers where a number essential logistical items must be paid up front.
Therefore refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances determined by a case by case basis.
Please ensure you are able to attend the festival if you purchase a ticket.
You can however delegate another rider a transfer of a ticket and this will need to be done via contacting the event host at