Cardinia Reservoir Park — Attraction in Melbourne

Open from sunrise to sunset, Cardinia Resevoir Park is an awesome place to while away your spare time or venture to as a destination for a spot of exercise.

We love heading here to walk the dam wall and take in views spanning south east Melbourne or across the dam to the ranges. Can be a bit smokey up here on low wind, burn off days as Yarra Ranges residents clear properties in readiness for winter and summer fire bans (something those with allergies/asthma should consider).

The dam is Melbourne’s 2nd largest (1 of 11), and whilst only at 58% capacity in these pics it can hold 286,911 megalitres of water. It provides water the most areas of Melbourne, and receives water from rainfall, the silvan reservoir, and the desalination plant (when it’s operational).

For visitors, the park offers a great opportunity to view large mobs of kangaroos (Eastern Grey’s) – they’ve been here almost every time we’ve visited – and loads of bird life including several types of parrot.

The facilities are awesome, bbqs, picnic tables, well maintained toilets (near picnic area/playground), a pretty big playground for kids, and great expanses of open green lawn/land for sport or relaxing in. There’s also many quieter spots for those who love to tuck themselves under a tree to read a book in the fresh air.

Word of warning though no fresh water is available in the park, so bring you own. Especially on a hot day if you plan to walk the dam wall as there’s no cover from the sun.

There’s also other things such as hiking/walking trails and orienteering courses in the park which you can find out about on...

The journey to Cardinia Reservoir Park is a prelude to enchantment. Even before reaching the water's edge, the winding mountain road unveils a panorama of breathtaking vistas – sprawling grasslands, meticulously cultivated farms, and undulating meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. This visual feast sets the stage for the tranquility that awaits.

Upon arrival, the sheer expanse of the pristine freshwater reservoir instills an immediate sense of calm. The air is crisp, the atmosphere serene, and a palpable 'cool vibe' washes over you, a welcome respite from the urban clamor. A leisurely stroll along the reservoir bank is less a physical exertion and more a meditative experience, each step accompanied by the gentle lapping of water and the rustling of leaves.

Beyond the tranquil waters, the park offers delightful surprises. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might be rewarded with the sight of kangaroos grazing peacefully near the picnic areas, a truly Australian wildlife encounter. Cardinia Reservoir Park is more than just a park; it's a sanctuary, a place to disconnect from the frenetic pace of modern life and reconnect with the simple beauty of nature. It's an invitation to breathe, to unwind, and...

An absolutely beautiful sight with many things to see. A extremely peaceful place to take your loved ones, irrespective of the weather (maybe excepting torrential floods and thunderstorms), but our visit was on a bit of a gloomy day with some gentle showers, and we were unperturbed and took a short, but intense walk from the top of the dam, all the way to the bottom of the park, and back. Our legs were sore and the cold weather no longer bothered us. We saw a kangaroo with her joey in her pouch. Just the one, but we didn't expect to see any. She was stunning. She stopped and looked at us curiously for as long as we stared back. After a few minutes she hopped away into the tree line. This is a very family friendly place, a great place to spend a lazy Sunday with a BBQ and a short walk to burn off those calories, or not. Go and see for yourself if you're...