Cardinia reservoir is Melbourne’s second largest water reservoir and can transfer water to most part of Melbourne. It receives water from Silvan Reservoir as well as the desalination plant. The Dam at Cardinia reservoir is a rolled earthfill and rockfill embankment and was completed in 1973.
Cardinia Park is a great place for a day out and is home to a large variety of animals and birds. The Park contains various picnic and BBQ areas and a network of paths and trails. There are two specific viewing areas offering spectacular vistas over the water and the surrounding district. The park compliments the significant function of the reservoir by protecting the dam wall, while providing a valuable recreational facility. The water from here supplies Melbourne’s South and South Eastern Suburbs and Mornington Peninsula. It is also the location of the inlet from the desalination plant.
The walking trails (Information from Park Notice Board)
Tea Tree Trail – Distance 2.5km / One-way time 45 minutes
Varied surface including gravel paths and timber board walks. Discover the park’s flora and fauna as you walk through the bushland
Messmate Trail – Distance 2.3Km / Loop Time: 40 Minutes
Gravel Path with hills, this trail takes you from Crystal Brook to Duffy’s outlook and back. In Spring this is a great walk to find native orchids.
Kangaroo Viewing Trail – Distance 700m / One-way time: 15 minutes
The formed path with incline starting from Crystal Brook. Head uphill below the dam wall to the spillway carpark. Walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon to spot mobs of Wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos. Dogs are not permitted.
Dam Wall walk – Distance 1.6 km / One way walk : 30minutes
A wheelchair friendly walk along the top of the dam wall from either the northern or southern outlook.
Facilities
There are plenty of seatings, picnic spots and BBQ facility in the park. Crystal Brook has built in BBQ, Playground and toilet facilities. You are also welcome to bring your own charcoal, gas or wood BBQ.
On days of total fire ban all types of BBQ’s are banned in the park.
Details
Address: Duffy’s Road, Narre Warren, VIC
Opening Time: Park is open from Sunrise to sunset. During daylight savings time, the park is open via the main gate from 9am – 8pm, and the Red Hill Road gate from 9am – 5pm.
Click the link for Woodlands Historic Park Discussion Forum. Please share your experiences. https://tomelbourne.com.au/forums/topic/cardinia-reservoir-and-park/
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