Parks Victoria has announced the reopening of the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, just in time for the Spring school holidays.
From Saturday 17 September 2022, the park will be open seven days a week between 8am and 5pm for day visitors.
It was closed in June 2019, while Melbourne Water undertook major safety upgrades to the dam. On 24 June 2022, DELWP appointed Parks Victoria as the Committee of Management (COM) for Upper Yarra Reservoir Park (parkland and campground assets). Yarra Ranges Council became COM for the playspace at this time, with DELWP maintaining the remainder of the surrounding land.
Between the three, Melbourne Water also completed a refurbishment of the main toilet block, replacement and upgrade of the septic sewerage system and new picnic tables, Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria funded new fire pits which should arrive shortly and Yarra Ranges Council constructed a new nature-based playspace and multipurpose court on site.
Parks Victoria’s works since June 2022 have also included the removal of a number of hazardous trees, the sanding and painting of the old picnic tables, grass cutting, walking track maintenance and path and walkway cleaning.
A couple of facilities are still unfit for use at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. The Mess Hall, constructed in the 1950s, has degraded and is unsafe for public use, with either major works, removal or replacement needed, while the day-use toilet block near the playground has also been badly vandalised and is unsafe.
Parks Victoria is reviewing the future of both facilities to consider what can replace them and to source funding. The Mess Hall has had its windows and doors boarded up to restrict public access to the internal building but a smaller outdoor undercover area and access to the barbecues remain available.
Camping sites can now be booked for Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. To book, visit www.bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/book
