Toorourrong Reservoir Park sits at the foot of the Kinglake Range on Wurundjeri Country. It might not be well known, but it’s a great place to visit and has an important place in Victoria’s history. 

The park is near Whittlesea, about an hour north of Melbourne. It was established around a water supply system that helped Melbourne grow and thrive.

The reservoir and water supply system was built 140 years ago to provide clean reliable water to Melbourne and nearby communities. It is still in use today. 

Water comes from protected water catchments in Kinglake National Park in the Great Dividing Range. It then settles in Toorourrong Reservoir before flowing to nearby Yan Yean Reservoir and on to Melbourne. 

The park has changed over time, especially after it was completely burned in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The community, volunteers and Parks Victoria worked together to make the park a place people could once again love and enjoy.

A moving memorial for people who died in the fires is set on the edge of a peaceful lily pond.

The park has large open grassed areas, several picnic areas and shelters, a lookout and short walks. It is a great place for families and large groups. Many features are accessible, including toilets, paths, barbecues and parking. Find out more about Toorourrong Reservoir Park accessibility.

The Friends of Toorourrong are a dedicated group. They promote and care for the historical and environmental values of the park and the water supply. They have also held many community and environmental events over the years.

To mark the 140th anniversary, the Friends Group will hold a day of free celebrations on Saturday 14 November from 9am onwards. It will include a 2.3 km family fun run, activities for all ages, history displays, guided heritage walks and talks, old-fashioned games, food vans and more.

For more information or to register for the free fun run contact fotoorourrong@gmail.com

Find out more about Toorourrong Reservoir Park