We’re always looking for awesome parks and gardens to spend some time in, and one place that’s particularly lovely at this time of year is Maroondah Reservoir Park. Located near Healesville, about 90 minutes away from Melbourne, this park features a 41-metre-tall dam wall, as well as elegant formal gardens and forested slopes. In autumn, this park lights up with bright colours from the deciduous trees, while in winter, the area is peaceful and moody. It’s free to visit, and the park is open daily from 8am.
Maroondah Reservoir Park
This impressive park just outside of Healesville has plenty for you to see and do, with walking trails, picnic areas and stunning views of the lake. The towering dam wall was built between 1920 and 1927, and the area is still a vital source of Melbourne’s water today.
Take in the view
To see the reservoir, climb up the 82 steps of the Rose Stairway. This stone-paved set of stairs is lined with rose bushes and Golden Pencil Pines, which are at its best in autumn. Once you’ve reached the top, stroll along the dam wall, and marvel at sweeping views of the lake and the gardens below. You will need a moderate level of fitness to climb the steps, and be careful, as they’re quite smooth and slippery when wet.
To avoid the stairs, take the Scenic Views Track, which lead you to the top of the dam wall through grassed areas, filled with exotic trees. Otherwise, call ahead to ask for permission to park near the Big Bell Rotunda at the top of the dam wall. The parking space at the top is for those with disabled parking permits.
Continue strolling along the dam wall to reach the Falls Lookout, where you can watch the spillway. Once or twice a year, the dam will overflow across the spillway, creating a magnificent waterfall. A smaller cascade can also be seen over the lower rockface when Melbourne Water intermittently releases water from the dam.
Explore the gardens
When you’re not looking at the water, have a lovely time exploring the gardens, which feature native eucalypts, as well as deciduous trees like ash, birch, oak, poplar, maple and elm. In mid-to-late autumn, you’ll also see azaleas thriving.
Stretch out your visit by trying out one of the walking trails, and look out for birds like kookaburras, rosellas, cockatoos, corellas and king parrots. You might also see kangaroos lazing around.
There’s plenty of picnic facilities, so you can linger in the park, with six rotundas, one shelter, six barbecues and heaps of picnic tables.
Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a lead. Just note that they’re not allowed north of the Watts River, including along the dam wall.
For more information, click here.
What else can you do?
Make a weekend of it and stay in Healesville. Explore nearby wineries in the Yarra Valley, look at the wildlife in Healesville Sanctuary, or wind your way along the scenic Black Spur Drive. Check out the Edible Forest, or go a little further north to Toolangi for the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk. Or, head east to Warburton to see the majestic redwood forest.