By Callum Ludwig
Parks Victoria announced the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park would reopen on Saturday 17 September 2022 and visitors are making the most of it for the long weekend.
Picnickers, walkers and campers were out enjoying the park, which is now open seven days a week between 8am and 5pm for day visitors, with gates closing at 6pm.
Chirnside Park resident Liam Irvine and his partner Lisa Tunney visited the park for a picnic and said when they heard of the reopening, they decided to head up for a day trip.
“It’s the first time we’ve been here, after seeing that it has been closed for a few years, so we decided the four-day weekend would be the perfect opportunity to come out and enjoy it,” he said.
“We went for a nice walk this morning and drove up to look out over the reservoir as well. There’s lots of families ut and about for the nice day, a lot of kids riding bikes.”
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.
Mr Irvine said the new facilities are great.
“The new toilet facilities are really nice, and really clean which is great. We will definitely come back out and camp here sometime,” he said.
“It’s a great spot for a walk and a bit of exercise, and great for connecting people, particularly kids with nature, which is a very positive thing. It provides whatever you want it to, whatever you make it.”
Mr Irvine said it is essential for local people to have a space like the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.
“There’s so much different flora and fauna, it’s great that it’s open again. Money well spent,” he said.
“I’d definitely encourage people to come out, they won’t regret the drive. It would be nice to see some events held, perhaps in the lead up to Christmas. It would be good to bring local people together here for events.”
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
