The Upper Yarra Reservoir - Pictorial Heritage - 1946 to 2013

The Reservoir Park

THE RESERVOIR PARK Overview The range of features within the landscape are significant for their ability to demonstrate the construction of a major reservoir and the way in which workers and staff were accommodated on site.  Township Site For additional information, see the Chapter Heritage and other Features This contains an extensive range of sites and features surviving from the construction period between 1947 and 1957. The township layout clearly demonstrates the distinctive lifestyle of the small isolated multicultural community that was brought together temporarily on the site over a 10 year period. The township facilities, provided by the MMBW (including a dam for water supply and a sewerage treatment plant) reflect the ways in which the Board attempted to attract a stable workforce during the dam's construction, particularly in response to the isolation and difficult terrain of the site, and the lessons learned from earlier dam projects in the 1920s. The significance of the former township site is enhanced by the variety and integrity of the remnant elements, including the former messhall, first-aid post, general store and oil store buildings, the fire bell and school site, three of the original 13 staff houses and the original workers' cottage sites. The significance is also enhanced by the original MMBW Upper Yarra Dam township services plan (1952), held by Melbourne Water. The Upper Yarra Reservoir Park is valued by the wider Victorian community as a popular place for picnics and sightseeing, with spectacular views of the surrounding forested catchment, an extensive stretch of water in the Reservoir, and landscaped park visible from the visitors' viewing platform. The Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, including township sites, represents the continuing sense of community and pride by former residents associated with the Upper Yarra Dam scheme in the 1940s and 1950s, many of whom still return to the site for annual reunions.

Visitor Attractions For additional inormation, see the Chapter Walking Tracks Follow the beautiful Fern Gully self-guided trail as it loops through tall eucalypt forest with a dense sheltered ferny understorey. Keep a look out for the abundant wildlife in the area, including rosellas, king parrots and maybe a lyrebird. See McVeigh's Water Wheel which once drove the generator to supply power to the old McVeigh's Hotel (the site of which now lies beneath the water of the reservoir). It has been restored and is operating in the picnic area. Enjoy breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding catchment from the park's two lookout areas. Take a stroll along the Brimbonga Walking Track to the viewing platform and watch water flow through the reservoir's outlet basin as it begins its journey to Melbourne. · Have a picnic or barbecue in the attractive and peaceful gardens of Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. Wood barbecues and hot water facilities are provided throughout the park. · The wet weather hall provides sheltered seating, electric barbecues and hot water. This hall once served as a mess room for the dam construction team. · Upper Yarra provides access for groups with special needs. Most paths are ramped and wheelchair access is provided to toilets. The park ranger will be happy to provide further assistance if required. · Baby change facilities. · Be self-sufficient with drinking water.

2012 - Plaque Tribute Trees Tribute Trees is a Melbourne-based program where trees are planted by bereaved family members to create a memorial forest for their loved ones. The program is managed by Greening Australia in partnership with Tobin Brothers, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water. Greening Australia prepares the site for revegetation and provides the plants and other materials. Indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses are planted to maximise the biodiversity benefits of the program. The Tribute Trees site is part of the Yarra Ranges National Park and the tree planting program makes an important contribution to restoration works and rehabilitation of the greater Upper Yarra Catchment. Tribute Tree planting days have been extremely well attended and the program is set to continue for many years. The site is at the edge of the Water Wheel picnic area. A plaque and Notice are along the pathway, which is behind the Water Wheel reservation. 18 Tribute Trees planting days have been held at the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. 12 000 people have attended the planting days and in a combined effort, have established 35 000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses. The total revegetated area of 2.57 hectares is making an important contribution to the rehabilitation of the greater Upper Yarra Catchment.