Silvan Reservoir Park

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Silvan Reservoir Park

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

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

 
Rufous fantail bird displays

Birdwatching at Silvan Reservoir

The park is a great spot for birdwatching. Kookaburras are permanent residents of the park. Numerous woodland species can be seen along the trails such as Red Wattle Birds, Blue Wrens, Rufous Fantails and Scarlet Honeyeaters in spring and summer.
An aerial image of Silvan Reservoir

Walking in Silvan Reservoir Park

The park offers a range of walks for all skill levels. Hike through open dry forest or lush fern gullies along the old Mount Evelyn Aqueduct, or the Olinda Creek Valley. Download the All Trails app to view walks in the Silvan area.
Two park benches in an open clearing, some large autumn colour trees surround them.

Picnicking and Barbecuing

Landscaped picnic areas and open lawns with tables and can be found throughout the park surrounded by peaceful eucalypt forest and exotic trees.

Wildlife

Echidnas
Wombats
Wedge-tailed eagles
Wallabies
Crimson Rosella

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.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

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 to go

Summer is a great time to pack a picnic when the air is warm, and the days are long.

Need to know

Silvan Reservoir Park

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