Spillway Day Visitor Area (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)

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Spillway Day Visitor Area (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)

Spillway Day Visitor Area provides great views across Cardinia Reservoir and the spillway area. Take the opportunity to walk across the dam wall with 360 degree views of surrounding area. Visitors can follow the Kangaroo Walk along the base of the dam wall, finishing at Crystal brook Picnic Area.

Spy the local wildlife residing in the area, often found relaxing along the base of the dam wall.

Feeding and approaching kangaroos is strictly prohibited. Be sure to stay at a safe distance.

Park gates are open between dawn and dusk all year round for vehicle access.

How to get there

Spillway Day Visitor Area (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)

Need to know

Spillway Day Visitor Area (Cardinia Reservoir Parks)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash

Restrictions

No drones without a permit
No camping
No motorised vehicles, including electric bikes or scooters allowed on management vehicle only paths, tracks or roads
No firearms allowed
No fires permitted
Restricted opening hours
No fishing

Warnings

None applicable

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

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.

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.