Popular with day-trippers and campers, Upper Yarra Reservoir Park offers natural wonders, historical sites and built facilities to enjoy getting into nature.
Take in the bushland through the gentle shaded walks beneath tall eucalypts and green fern gullies. See the remnants of the parks earlier use, when it was a small town constructed for the workers who built the dam between 1947 and 1957. The hall that once served as the mess room for the construction team is currently closed, however the shelter adjoining the hall is still open and is a sheltered spot for day visitors and campers, with tables, seating and electric barbecues. Wander to McVeigh’s Picnic area for a pleasant picnic and see the historic 4.3m water wheel that powered the generator for the Contention gold mine and then later to McVeigh’s Hotel. Gas barbecues are available, picnic tables and a wheelchair-accessible rotunda.
The Fern Gully Track is a magical 500m circuit walk that takes 20 minutes return. Cross the Yarra at the pedestrian bridge near the campground and walk the circuit along a combination of walking track, boardwalk and stairs through a magnificent old growth eucalypt forest. Marvel at the size of the eucalypt trees and their supporting undergrowth. Keep an eye out for birds in the trees and animals scurrying on the ground and feel at one with this very special section of bush. Dogs are not permitted on this track.
If you’re looking for a shorter stroll, the Brimbonga Walking Track might be just right. This 300m, 15-minute return stroll leaves from the car park and heads just to the east of the aqueduct to the viewing platform. Watch the water from the dam flow out of the reservoir’s outlet basin into the aqueduct as it continues its journey to Melbourne.
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park is 24km north‐east of Warburton. From Melbourne take the Maroondah Highway through Lilydale, then the Warburton Highway through Warburton. The park is open every day of the year. Gates open at 8am and close at 5pm, or 6pm during daylight savings. For access to your pre-booked campsite, the gate pin code is obtained through your camp booking.