Explore
Silvan Reservoir Park
Opening hours
- Daily
- 9am - 4pm
Perfect for a great day out, Silvan Reservoir Park has landscaped picnic areas, large open sprawling lawns and beautiful views of the reservoir from the lookout, all surrounded by a eucalypt forest.
Put on your walking shoes and enjoy one of the many tracks surrounding the park. Discover the natural bushland of the area along with some more exotic trees. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for numerous bird species who frequent the area. If you're lucky, you might spot water birds such as Herons and Pied Cormorants and forest birds such as Robins, Cockatoos, Rosellas and Treecreepers.
The vegetation within the picnic areas is a true representation of the cultural history of the area from the 1930s. Stone terraces and vine-covered pergolas are the framework for gardens of azaleas and rhododendrons, providing contrast with the manicured lawns and surrounding bush.
As you admire the views of the reservoir, take a moment to consider its history. The reservoir itself was the answer to the ongoing drought in 1914. The area was proposed as a suitable location for a storage reservoir as there was already a small catchment. By 1932 the completed reservoir had increased Melbourne's water storage capacity by 75 per cent. Today, Silvan Reservoir receives its water supply from the Thomson, Upper Yarra, and O’Shannassy Reservoirs, transferring water all over Melbourne.
Cardinia and Greenvale reservoirs are supplied by the Silvan system. The Thomson Reservoir is the largest reservoir with a capacity of 1068 billion litres yet Silvan Reservoir with a capacity of 40 billion litres supplies most of Melbourne's water.
With plenty of picnic tables, shelters, and toilets Silvan Reservoir makes for a great family day out. Kids will love the playground, which is surrounded by open grassed areas, perfect for throwing a frisbee or kicking a ball. The park is a great base to explore other attractions within the Dandenong Ranges.
Things To Do
Birdwatching at Silvan Reservoir
Walking in Silvan Reservoir Park
Picnicking and Barbecuing
Wildlife
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
Silvan Reservoir Park
There are two entrances to Silvan Reservoir Park which are both located off Stonyford Road, Silvan (off Monbulk Road). There are two entrance gates to the park:
1. The upper entrance provides parking for roughly 45 cars and features interpretive signage and an observation area overlooking Silvan Reservoir. The upper carpark also provides access to a Picnic Ground where there are, picnic tables and shelters.
2. If you take the second entrance gate this will lead you to the lower carpark where there is roughly 50 car spaces available. From here you can access picnic tables and shelters, a playground and a toilet block.
When you're there
Help care for the park:
- Access to the reservoir is strictly prohibited.
- Bins are not provided - please take your rubbish home for recycling and disposal.
- Barbecues must be lit in open areas away from trees and long grass. Ash and charcoal must be deposited in the designated disposal units.
- No fires, including barbeques, may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.
- Dogs are permitted in this park and must be on a lead at all times.
- All native plants and animals, archaeological and historical features are protected by law.
- It is an offence to offer food to native wildlife. This includes parrots and other birds. Penalties apply.
- No camping or horse riding are permitted.
- Recreational use of drones by the general public is not permitted on Parks Victoria managed land. Visitors who fly drones may be fined.
- Commercial filming with drones on Parks Victoria managed land requires a permit. For information about RPAS and permits, visit the Commercial RPAS and Drones Filming and Photography Permit application guidelines page.
Need to know
Silvan Reservoir Park
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. Silvan Reservoir Park was assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information and photos about the accessibility of the picnic facilities, toilets and car parking.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as the national park next to Silvan Reservoir.
Safety
To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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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Silvan Reservoir Park
Silvan Reservoir Park set to re-open soon
The Victorian Government has upgraded Silvan Reservoir Park as part of the $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing program.Works commenced in October 2023, to upgrade the failing septic system and construct new toilet facilities and demolish the old toilet facilities.Further improvements to park amenities include the installation of two picnic benches, refurbishing the existing BBQ hotplates and resurfacing of more than 400 square metres of asphalt paths. To complement this, Parks Victoria are undertaking ‘open, safe & clean landscaping works to address the overgrown vegetation and high-risk trees.The park is expected to be reopen to visitors in May 2024, once the new septic system has been commissioned.
How we keep it special
Silvan Reservoir supplies drinking water to Melbourne and therefore unauthorised access and recreational activities are prohibited within the fenced catchment area to protect drinking water quality. This means no people, no dogs, no fishing, no swimming, and no shooting. Please observe these restrictions and report breaches, damage, and emergencies to Melbourne Water 13 24 46 as offenders will be prosecuted pursuant to the Water Act 1989.