Yan Yean Reservoir Park (Yan Yean)

Yan Yean Reservoir Park provides visitors with peaceful picnic areas, a variety of walking tracks and breathtaking views of Melbourne's oldest water storage site.

Things to Do

Walk along Melbourne's oldest dam wall for views of the park and reservoir.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Lookout Picnic Area with views of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.
Visit the extensive wetlands and watch the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in this area.

Facilities

Wood-fired barbecues (with wood supplied), two large rotundas and picnic tables are provided.
The picnic area and playground near the valve house provide an opportunity for children to play safely.
Toilets are located at both ends of the park with disabled facilities at the upper picnic area.
There is ample parking close to all facilities and picnic areas.
Portable barbecues are permitted in mown picnic areas. Signs mark areas where they are not permitted for fire safety reasons.

Heritage

The reservoir was Melbourne's first and has supplied the city with water since 1857. It was the plan of James Blackburn, a civil engineer who unfortunately died before ever seeing his dream developed. The historic bluestone valve house and stone water channel are reminders of the reservoir's history.

Fauna

A variety of birds live on the wetlands including the purple swamp hen. Brush-tail possums and eastern grey kangroos also make their home in the park.

Vegetation

River redgums, she-oaks and kangaroo grass surround the lanscaped picnic area and wetlands.

Looking After the Park

Take your rubbish with you.
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times to minimise disturbance to wildlife and other park visitors.
All native plants and animals are protected.
Leave the park as you find it.

How to Get There

Yan Yean Reservoir Park is located about 32 km north of Melbourne, on Recreation Road just off Arthurs Creek Road, Yan Yean.

Opening Hours:

Open 7 days a week, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Closes 7pm during daylight savings.

Review:

There is a strip of land with the Reservoir on one side and housing on the other. The possibilities for nice walks is very limited - mainly possible next to the Reservoir. There is an outlet point near the south end and a valve house to explore plus a smallish wetlands area. The park has one good playground.

Photos: