Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Beautiful reservoir park. Usually not very crowded. Dog friendly as long as they are leashed.

Yan Yean is stunning, but access around the reservoir is quite restricted. I took my bike hoping I could cycle around it, but after the main picnic area, you had to take the roads and some of the walking tracks are blocked off.The park is really nice, but please take your litter home. There was too much left in the visitor area.The views are stunning, highly recommended on a good day that's for sure. You can get there from Mernda Station if you don't drive. I took my bike and it was a 30 minute ride from there.

Beautiful circular drive around part of the reservoir. Plenty of car park stop off areas, with toilets, BBQ areas and places for picnics. There's also children's playground areas and a few walks near the reservoir. Dogs are allowed on leash and there's a caretakers cottage at the end of the drive to see outside.

A great place to relax sit with family or friends, lots of beautiful views great places to make barbecueeee!

Timing… to get a pavilion for your family or group either say early before 1100 or after 4pm. Once you’ve bagged your spot, you can unpack, set up, pour yourself a cuppa your favorite beverage and soak up the fabulous views of the reservoir. Today was one of those days. The party of two before us cooked yum smelling sausages and other meets on the free bbq’s. Just a couple enjoying the facility.We had four children and 7/8 adults. Two car parks are there at the top and bottom and several along the side of the reservoir. There’s a little lake and trees roughly in the middle. There’s children’s playground area there in the middle. Tables and bench seats are at each car park at the top and bottom and spread between the two car parks. Two public toilets at the top and near the bottom area exit, along with pavilions. These pavilions have four large table and bench seat sets.This is a place for walks in the morning and evening before the park closes at 7pm at the lower exit. It’s obvious as a picnic and bbq location, there were lots of groups today, Saturday long weekend. Lots of kids and adults enjoying the location.We were lucky to visit the Caretaker Cottage run by volunteers this time. It’s at the top section behind the car park. Sue our volunteer, was a great host to us and our granddaughter as she described the history behind the Reservoir design and construction in the latter 1880’s up to today. They run a show there that you can attend via the State Parks, check their website. It’s a very well kept, preserved and presented treasure.Entry is free. Entry to the park is also free. See my photos for some sense of the fun to be enjoyed here. I have done another review of this reservoir for more information and photos.

When You are Searching For Real Peace…This Is the Best Place to Hang-Out…Some Details about Yan Yean Reservoir: is the oldest water supply for the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[1] At the time of its completion in 1857 it was the largest artificial reservoir in the world.[2][3] It is 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of the city within the eponymous locality of Yan Yean, and is built on the Plenty River, a tributary of the Yarra River. An embankment 9.5 metres (31 ft) high holds back 30,000 ML (1.1 billion cu ft) of water.Yan Yean Reservoir Park remains as popular a spot for recreation as it was when it first opened in 1857. Walking trails, shaded picnic areas, electric barbecues, rotundas, picnic tables and abundant parking make the park an ideal destination for a family outing.Toilet facilities are located at both ends of the park and both have parenting amenities. The northern facilities are also wheelchair accessible.Take the kids to the playground near the Valve House for a few hours’ play amid the historic surrounds. Or pack your binoculars and head into the extensive wetlands to see the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in the area.Stroll the easy walking trails along the water for views over the reservoir and towards the surrounding mountains, and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil, historic setting.

Always serene and peaceful to visit this place. There is a uphill park, one can barbecue or just sit and enjoy the lake and the surrounding nature!!

Beautiful place. Free BBQs, wooden tables and bench seat, with a chain attached for your dog, while you eat. Dogs allowed on lead.Very relaxing.

This is a very spacious park and reservoir with lot of options for picnic. The top of the lookout at the end of the park is a very good spot for picnic with a view of the reservoir.There are few toilets and barbecue stations, but you have to carry all rubbish yourselfThe water is used for Melbourne water supply, so can’t enter.