Yan Yean Reservoir Park Recreation Road, Yan Yean, Victoria 3755
About the Business
Welcome to Yan Yean Reservoir Park, the oldest water supply in Victoria, Australia. Built in 1857, this artificial reservoir was once the largest of its kind in the world. Its name, Yan Yean, pays homage to a Wurundjeri leader who signed the 1835 Batman's Treaty.
Designed by James Blackburn, an English civil engineer and ex-convict, the reservoir took four years to construct and cost over 750,000 pounds. With a capacity of 30,000 megalitres of water, it sits amidst 10,000 hectares of dedicated land for water catchment, a reservation that has been in place for over 150 years.
Today, Yan Yean Reservoir Park continues to be a popular recreational spot for visitors of all ages. The park offers a range of amenities, including walking trails, shaded picnic areas, electric barbecues, rotundas, picnic tables, and ample parking, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.
Toilet facilities with parenting amenities are conveniently located at both ends of the park, and the northern facilities are wheelchair accessible. For the little ones, there is a playground near the Valve House where they can enjoy a few hours of play surrounded by history. Alternatively, nature enthusiasts can explore the extensive wetlands, home to a diverse range of birdlife.
Take a leisurely stroll along the easy walking trails that offer scenic views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil and historic setting.
For those seeking a guided nature experience, we recommend connecting with one of the 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria. These operators are experts in showcasing Victoria's spectacular parks and waterways, offering a variety of nature-based activities such as hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, and diving. They will ensure your safety and help you make the most of your nature-based adventure.
At Yan Yean Reservoir Park, we acknowledge the significance of Aboriginal cultural landscapes. Parks Victoria recognizes the ongoing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and their important role in caring for Country, which we all learn, explore, and live on.
Come and experience the beauty and history of Yan Yean Reservoir Park. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an outdoor adventure, this park has something for everyone.
Photos
Hours open
Monday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reviews
"I would love to tell you about my visit to the Breathless Park. It was one of the most amazing and beautiful parks I have ever seen. The park was filled with lush greenery, stunning flowers, and the sound of a breathtaking waterfall. The air was so fresh and crisp, it felt like I was breathing in pure oxygen. The park was also filled with different kinds of birds and butterflies, making it a wonderful place to take pictures. I spent hours walking around the park, enjoying the sights and sounds. It was truly a magical experience, and I can't wait to go back!"
"When You are Searching For Real Peace… This Is the Best Place to Hang-Out… Some Details about Yan Yean Reservoir: is the oldest water supply for the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[1] At the time of its completion in 1857 it was the largest artificial reservoir in the world.[2][3] It is 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of the city within the eponymous locality of Yan Yean, and is built on the Plenty River, a tributary of the Yarra River. An embankment 9.5 metres (31 ft) high holds back 30,000 ML (1.1 billion cu ft) of water. Yan Yean Reservoir Park remains as popular a spot for recreation as it was when it first opened in 1857. Walking trails, shaded picnic areas, electric barbecues, rotundas, picnic tables and abundant parking make the park an ideal destination for a family outing. Toilet facilities are located at both ends of the park and both have parenting amenities. The northern facilities are also wheelchair accessible. Take the kids to the playground near the Valve House for a few hours’ play amid the historic surrounds. Or pack your binoculars and head into the extensive wetlands to see the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in the area. Stroll the easy walking trails along the water for views over the reservoir and towards the surrounding mountains, and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil, historic setting."
"Yan Yean is stunning, but access around the reservoir is quite restricted. I took my bike hoping I could cycle around it, but after the main picnic area, you had to take the roads and some of the walking tracks are blocked off. The park is really nice, but please take your litter home. There was too much left in the visitor area. The views are stunning, highly recommended on a good day that's for sure. You can get there from Mernda Station if you don't drive. I took my bike and it was a 30 minute ride from there."
"Always serene and peaceful to visit this place. There is a uphill park, one can barbecue or just sit and enjoy the lake and the surrounding nature!!"
"This is a very spacious park and reservoir with lot of options for picnic. The top of the lookout at the end of the park is a very good spot for picnic with a view of the reservoir. There are few toilets and barbecue stations, but you have to carry all rubbish yourself The water is used for Melbourne water supply, so can’t enter."
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