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Bushfire Smart
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Maroondah Reservoir Park offers a wonderful variety of experiences, from colourful gardens to long and short walks, exotic and native trees, spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The scenic attraction of the reservoir and European-style gardens have made it one of the most popular parks in Victoria.
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Things to Do
- Enjoy a picnic or a barbecue while watching the colourful parrots feeding.
- Follow the 3 km track through magnificent native bushland from Maroondah to Donnellys Weir Park and watch out for echidnas and Swamp Wallabies.
- Photograph the historic Rose Stairway which is at its best in Autumn. Enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom in spring.
- During the wetter months experience the awesome force of the water tumbling over the spillway.
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Facilities
- Picnic tables, wood barbecues (wood supplied), rotundas, car parks, toilets, walking trails and a lookout is provided in the park.
- Access to the dam wall walk, for people with limited mobility, is by arrangement.
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Heritage
Maroondah Dam was completed in 1927 and the area below the wall landscaped in the early English tradition, creating a different character from that of most of Melbourne's reservoir parks which have concentrated on native trees and plants. Later development saw picnic areas developed with the native bush and the two forms are at once harmonious and interesting. The historic valve house and classical temple-like structure of the outlet tower reinforce the old world element. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
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Fauna
Animals and birds which may be seen include wombats, wallabies, echidnas, lyrebirds, Bronzewings, Cockatoos, Galahs, Sacred Ibis, King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas, and, in the evenings, Brushtail and Ringtail Possums, Sugar and Yellow-bellied Gliders and Tawny Frogmouths.
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Vegetation
Bush tracks lead through stands of eucalypts and dense undergrowth of native shrubs and grasses. Azaleas and rhododendrons, planted in gardens lining the main entrance road provide a colourful show in Spring.
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Looking After the Park
- Entry to catchment area prohibited.
- Dogs are not permitted on the walking tracks from Maroondah Reservoir Park to Donnellys Weir Park. In other areas, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- No camping or fishing.
- Please take your rubbish with you.
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How to Get There
Maroondah Reservoir Park is open 8:30 AM until 8:00 PM during daylight savings time and 8.30 AM until 4:30 PM non daylight savings time. The park is located around 3 km from Healesville in the Upper Yarra valley and approximately 70 km east of Melbourne along the Maroondah Highway (Melway ref: 270 K10). Gate opening/closing times apply.
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Special Needs Access
Henderson's Picnic Area
Maroondah Reservoir is a generally accessible park, with good toilet and picnic facilities. Good gravel paths (though steep in places), and a high standard of furniture. Designated accessible toilets are at Henderson's Picnic Area and near the Lily Pond Rotunda. There are a number of walking tracks, mostly fairly short. Vehicle access to the viewing area can be arranged in advance.
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Nearby Parks
- Donnelly's Weir
- Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
- Upper Yarra Reservoir Park
- Yarra Ranges National Park
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Guided Activities
1. Bushwalking (A2)
2. Coach/Bus Tours (J1)
3. Four Wheel Drive Tours (J2)
4. Spotlight Tours / Nightwalks (A3)
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Publications
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
Maroondah Reservoir Park
Books & DVDs 1.
Victoria's National Parks
2.
Melbourne's Great Outdoors
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