Maroondah Reservoir Park

Gazing across the tranquil waters of Maroondah Reservoir, can you imagine the uproar that once echoed through these valleys? Maroondah Reservoir Park, a picturesque haven today, was once at the heart of a heated debate. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) embarked on a daring experiment in the 1920s. They decided to build the reservoir, the first under their controversial closed catchment policy. This meant barring public access to the water catchment area, a move met with understandable resistance. The MMBW, however, had a plan. They would compensate for this loss by creating a stunning park alongside the reservoir. Maroondah Reservoir Park was thus designed not just as a recreational space, but as a testament to the MMBW’s commitment to public amenity. The impressive 41-meter high dam wall, completed in 1927, offers breathtaking views. Formal gardens, forested slopes, and the vast reservoir lake stretch out before you. Can you picture the scale of this project? The dam itself is 291 meters long and holds a staggering 22,179 megalitres of water. The catchment area spans 10,400 hectares, ensuring a steady supply to Melbourne’s northern, western, and inner suburbs. The park’s beauty isn’t accidental. After a devastating bushfire in 1926, the landscape was ravaged. The MMBW enlisted Hugh Linaker, a renowned landscape designer, to restore the area. Linaker envisioned a grand forest landscape, a vision he brought to life through meticulous planting. He used a diverse palette of tree species, both native and exotic, creating a visually rich tapestry. Towering eucalypts mingle with deciduous trees, their autumn colors adding a touch of magic to the scene. Unusual specimens like the Smooth-barked Apple, the Strawberry Tree, and the Fried Egg Tree add a touch of the extraordinary. Amidst this arboreal wonderland, the park offers a variety of recreational activities. Picnic amongst the old eucalypts or the exotic trees. Fire up one of the six barbecues, or simply relax and soak in the scenery. For those seeking a quieter experience, the area near the Watts River Rotunda in Hendersons Picnic Area offers a peaceful retreat. And for the adventurous, a network of walking and cycling trails beckons, leading through the forest, across the dam wall, and even up to Mount St Leonard. But perhaps the most dramatic spectacle at Maroondah Reservoir Park is the spillway waterfall. When the dam overflows, which happens once or twice a year, the water cascades down the rockface, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s power. The Falls Lookout provides the perfect vantage point to witness this awe-inspiring event. As you leave Maroondah Reservoir Park, remember the story of its creation. From controversy to compromise, devastation to restoration, it stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and our enduring connection with nature. The park wasn’t just built alongside the reservoir; it was envisioned as an integral part of the project, a gift to the public, a place where they could connect with the very water that sustains their city.