Cardinia Reservoir Park

    This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

    Explore

    Cardinia Reservoir Parks

    Cardinia Reservoir Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Bunurong Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

    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

     
    Two kangaroos stand in the grass at Woowookarung Regional Park.

    Picnicking

    Enjoy a picnic or barbecue whilst spotting wildlife relaxing in the sun nearby. There are several picnic locations including Kangaroo Flat with a picnic shelter and Crystal Brook Picnic Area that include a playground, picnic facilities and toilets.
    Aerial view of Cardinia Reservoir

    Orienteering

    Grab a compass and find your way around the park using the orienteering markers.
    The water tower at Cardinia Reservoir

    Walking

    Take a walk on one of the designated tracks to discover the local flora and fauna. Enjoy spotting some of the Eastern grey kangaroos who call the park home.

    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:

    Kangaroos
    Wallabies
    Wedge-tailed eagles
    Crimson Rosella
    Echidnas

    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 the all 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.

    Find a Licensed Tour Operator

    How to get there

    Cardinia Reservoir Parks

    Cardinia Reservoir can be accessed from Wellington Road or Red Hill Road. A one-way road loops around the main areas of the park.
    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.

    Related Sites

    When to go

    Enjoy the long opening hours of daylight savings and watch the wildlife graze whilst you picnic late into the afternoon.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Cardinia Reservoir Park will be closed for 8 weeks between Tuesday 26 April to Monday 11 July to enable Melbourne Water to undertake geotechnical investigations of the dam wall.

      Melbourne Water is planning to complete upgrade works to Cardinia Reservoir in the summer of 2023/24, as part of proactive management of our water supply reservoirs. Cardinia Reservoir was constructed between 1970 and 1973 to the best standards of the day. The upgrade works will ensure compliance with the latest industry standards. 
      This will mean an entire park closure from 26 April to 11 July . Alternative nearby parks include Aura Vale Lake Park and Lysterfield Park. 

      Cardinia Reservoir Park will be closed for 8 weeks between Tuesday 26 April to Monday 11 July to enable Melbourne Water to undertake geotechnical investigations of the dam wall.

      Melbourne Water is planning to complete upgrade works to Cardinia Reservoir in the summer of 2023/24, as part of proactive management of our water supply reservoirs. Cardinia Reservoir was constructed between 1970 and 1973 to the best standards of the day. The upgrade works will ensure compliance with the latest industry standards. 
      This will mean an entire park closure from 26 April to 11 July . Alternative nearby parks include Aura Vale Lake Park and Lysterfield Park. 

      Cardinia Reservoir Park will be closed until Monday 11th July to enable Melbourne Water to undertake geotechnical investigations of the dam wall

      Melbourne Water is planning to complete upgrade works to Cardinia Reservoir in the summer of 2023/24, as part of proactive management of our water supply reservoirs. Cardinia Reservoir was constructed between 1970 and 1973 to the best standards of the day. The upgrade works will ensure compliance with the latest industry standards. 
      This will mean an entire park closure from 26 April to 11 July. Alternative nearby parks include Aura Vale Lake Park and Lysterfield Park.

    • Aura Vale Lake (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)

      Aura Vale Lake Park toilet block temporarily closed due to ongoing plumbing issues

      Due to ongoing plumbing issues, the toilet block has been temporarily closed at Aura Vale Lake Park. 

    How we keep it special

    Cardinia is Melbourne's second-largest reservoir and can transfer water to most parts of Melbourne depending on how our supply system is managed. It receives water from Silvan Reservoir, as well as the Victorian Desalination Plant (when in operation).
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
    X
    By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
    Confirm