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Bushfire Smart
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Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, located in the spectacular Christmas Hills, offers visitors a unique opportunity for bush walking, picnicking, bird watching, sightseeing, sailing and shoreline fishing.
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Things to Do
- Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam Picnic Areas overlooking the reservoir.
- Try shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin, roach or European carp.
- See the eastern grey kangaroos or black-tailed wallabies which live throughout the park.
- Take a walk along one of the tracks in and around the park including the lronbark, Chris Phillips and Sugarloaf Walking Tracks.
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Facilities
- Sugarloaf Reservoir Park has picnic tables, toilets and hot water facilities.
- Ironbark Ridge picnic area has two double hotplate gas BBQ's in the new shelter. Wood BBQ's are still provided (with wood supplied) and Saddle Dam picnic area has no barbecue facilities. Park visitors are encouraged to bring along their own portable gas barbecue as an alternative to the facilities provided (except on days of total fire ban).
- Disabled toilets are located at Saddle Dam Picnic area.
- Fish cleaning areas and facilities are also provided.
- The information centre lookout is situated near the dam wall. Sailing at Sugarloaf is an enjoyable and exhilarating recreational pursuit. Visitors are permitted to launch appropriate water craft from the Sugarloaf Sailing and Boating Club only. Launching facilities are available to visitors on Sundays and public holidays by calling the club on (03) 9730 1885. A launching fee may be charged.
- If you are keen to walk the entire 18km main Sugarloaf Walking Track you must contact the ranger to register on (03) 9844 2659. Please keep to the tracks and comply with park closing times.
- Baby changing facilities.
- Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Heritage
Sugarloaf Reservoir was developed during the late 1970's to help supplement Melbourne's domestic water supply. Unlike many other Reservoirs, which draw their water directly from protected forested catchments, Sugarloaf is fed by the Maroondah Aqueduct and the Yarra River. Upon leaving the Reservoir, water is thoroughly treated at the Winneke Water Treatment Plant to World Health Organisation Guidelines, before reaching Melbourne's domestic water supply. 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
Eastern grey kangaroos, black-tailed wallabies, echidnas, wedgetailed eagles, crimson rosellas and kookaburras.
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Vegetation
Currently much of the park is grassland. Remnant pockets of dry open-forest communities can be seen along the walking tracks. Regeneration programs initiated by park staff have encouraged the regrowth of indigenous vegetation. Prior to the development of the reservoir, large areas of the catchment were cleared for agricultural activities.
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Looking After the Park
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.
- All native plants and animals are protected.
- Leave the park as you find it.
- Sailboards, keel boats and/or craft with cabins, cooking or toilet facilities are not permitted.
- Shore fishing is only allowed in specially designated areas during park hours. Please make sure you have a Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence.
- Do not use burley or clean fish in the Reservoir. Dispose of all rubbish, entrails and unwanted fish in the bins provided.
- Swimming is not permitted.
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How to Get There
The park is open every day of the year. Gates open at 8.30 AM and will close at 7.00 PM for the duration of the fire season. The park closes at 5.00 PM all other times outside of daylight savings.
Access is from Simpson Road via Eltham - Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills (Melway ref: 273 A2).
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Special Needs Access
Picnic Areas
Of the two main picnic areas at Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Saddle Dam picnic area is the more accessible. The ground is flatter and designated accessible parking, picnic settings and toilets are provided. The paths around the picnic areas are generally good. The longer walking track around the reservoir and down to the water's edge is steep and unsealed. The unstaffed Visitor Centre between the two picnic areas is accessed via a large staircase.
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Nearby Parks
- Kinglake National Park
- Maroondah Reservoir Park
- Warrandyte State Park
- Yarra Ranges National Park
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Guided Activities
1. Bushwalking (A2)
2. Canoeing / Kayaking (B3)
3. Coach/Bus Tours (J1)
4. Four Wheel Drive Tours (J2)
5. Spotlight Tours / Nightwalks (A3)
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Publications
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Management Plans & Strategies 1.
Sugarloaf Reservoir Park (PDF 652KB)
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