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Cardinia Reservoir Parks
Cardinia Reservoir itself is a stunning expanse of water. Don't miss the views from the lookouts, which offer spectacular vistas over the water and the surrounding district.
Take one of the several walks through the park for an opportunity to spot some of the wildlife that call Cardinia Reservoir home. Try the Tea-tree Trail, which goes through bushland from Duffy's Lookout to the Observation carpark – signs along this trail introduce you to a variety of plants and animals.
The Kangaroo Viewing Trail, starting at the Spillway carpark, is home to several mobs of Eastern grey kangaroos, who are often spotted early in the morning or late afternoon. Please remember that feeding and approaching kangaroos is strictly prohibited.
Keep your eyes peeled for many different birds - sightings include Wedge-tailed Eagles, Common Bronzewings, Eastern Rosellas and Little Corellas.
Within the park you will find a wide variety of trees including Tea-tree, Wattles, Sheoak, Stringybark and Narrow-leaf Peppermint. There are also many shrub varieties including Prickly Moses, Broom Spurge, Silver Banksia and Showy Bossiaea.
Aura Vale Lake is a great spot for fishing. There are barbecues at Crystal Brook picnic ground.
Did you know? Water inflows that form the catchment areas originate from the Thompson Dam via the Upper Yarra Dam and finally the Silvan Dam. Hydroelectricity is generated at the Cardinia Reservoir inflow point. The other water inflow is from the Desalination plant situated in Wonthaggi.
Dogs on a lead are permitted at Cardinia Reservoir Park. Please be mindful of the wildlife and don't take your dog along the reservoir walk or on the Kangaroo Viewing Trail.
The park areas are open to the public during daylight hours.
Things To Do
Dog friendly parks
Your A-Z guide to Victoria's dog-friendly walking trails
Picnicking
Orienteering
Walking
Cardinia Reservoir Park
Within the park you will find a wide variety of trees, Tea-tree, Wattles, Sheoak, Stringybark and Narrow-leaf Peppermint. There are also many shrub varieties including Prickly Moses, Broom Spurge, Silver Banksia and Showy Bossiaea.
Large families of Eastern grey kangaroos can be seen from the trails and around the park. Feeding and approaching kangaroos is strictly prohibited. Be sure to stay at a safe distance. Keep your eyes peeled for many different birds, sightings include Wedge-tailed Eagles, Common Bronzewing, Eastern Rosellas and Little Corella. This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Cardinia Reservoir Parks
When you're there
Download the Cardinia Reservoir Park visitor guide for more information about the park and a map.
Dogs on a lead are permitted at Cardinia Reservoir Park. Dogs are not allowed along the Kangaroo Viewing Trail.
Please take all your rubbish home with you for recycling and disposal, including used coals.
Groups of fifty or more people need to notify the park office of their intended visit. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
Need to know
Cardinia Reservoir Parks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Ramped paths give good access to all picnic areas. Crystal Brook and Henley picnic areas also have accessible toilets. Crystal Brook Picnic Ground has an all-abilities accessible barbecue. Please contact park staff on 13 1963 if you require further assistance.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Cardinia Reservoir Park and Aura Vale Lake Park are in the Central fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions.
Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. Check the latest conditions. For emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000). If there is a green emergency marker sign near you, read the information on the marker to the operator.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Cardinia Reservoir Park CLOSED - Monday 2nd – Friday 6th of March between 19:30 – 04:00
Melbourne Water will be conducting deer culling operations in the Cardinia Reservoir from Monday 2nd – Friday 6th of March (4 nights) between the hours of 19:30 – 04:00 subject to appropriate conditions.No entry to the catchment is permitted unless it is an emergency. See map of operational area attached.Operations will be carried out by Melbourne Water contractors and will involve the use of firearms and the support of a drone. Melbourne Water staff will be inspecting the perimeter gates, fences, and roads prior to the commencement of operations. The catchment boundary will be patrolled by security teams. Contractors will be on site to recover deer and transport them off site each day.Attachments: Operational Area (85KB)
Closure of Cardinia Reservoir Park
Cardinia Reservoir Park will be closed from April the 7th 2026 until approximately June the 16th 2026 to enable Melbourne Water to safely undertake extensive works within the Cardinia Reservoir Park area. Works involve the felling and removal of a number of large pine trees which have been infested with Pine Scale. The Park must be closed in order for these works to be undertaken safely. We apologise for any inconvenience. -
Crystal Brook Picnic Area Walk (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)
Closure of walking trail bridge - western end of Crystal Brook picnic area carpark - un-named trail
A small walking track bridge has been damaged by a fallen tree at the Western end of the Crystal Brook carpark. The bridge has been closed. Ranger staff are currently clearing the tree and assessing the damage to the bridge. Visitors are advised not the cross the bridge until repair works are completed.