Local Vic

Part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People, the Cardinia Reservoir Park combines natural beauty, open parklands, native bushland, and one of the most reliable spots near Melbourne to see wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos in their natural habitat.

Construction began in 1970 and was completed in 1973, then incredibly took another four years for the reservoir to fill. Cardinia is the second largest reservoir in Melbourne and receives much of its water from Silvan and the desalination plant. The sheer scale of this engineering feat becomes apparent when you stand on the dam wall looking across the azure expanse of water toward the surrounding hills.

Being so close to where we stay, Cardinia Reservoir Park is close enough for a spontaneous afternoon or evening visit; yet each time is different and fascinating. I still get excited to watch the kangaroos lazing or hop around the bushes. We often carry tea, take a walk and watch a sunset. It’s the kind of place where kids can run free under towering gum trees, where seniors can enjoy a gentle stroll with spectacular views, where photographers can capture wild kangaroos in golden afternoon light, and where families can gather for generations-spanning picnics without spending a fortune. In its own quiet way, that makes Cardinia Reservoir Park one of Melbourne’s most democratic and beloved nature reserves.

Best times for Kangaroo spotting in Cardinia Reservoir

Come at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see roos in droves, where they can be spotted grazing up close (3 meters/10 feet away). The best time to catch the kangaroos is at dusk, which is when they come out to graze. During winter around 4pm or just before sunset at 5-5:30pm. For summers, late evenings after 6.30 pm.

Three Distinct Picnic Areas, Cardinia Reservoir

The park contains three picnic areas, each with its own wonderful views of the surrounding bushlands and open lawns:

Crystal Brook Picnic Area

The most popular spot with twin gas barbecue facilities and a nice wooden adventure playground in a big grassy bowl. The picnic facilities and playground are below the car park and require descent via wide, well-surfaced ramps. This is the hub of family activity, with equipment suitable for all ages and asphalt paths good for little ones to explore. The open grassy areas invite kids to run free, kick balls, and explore while parents set up picnics under the trees.

Crystal Brook and Henley Picnic Areas also have accessible toilets.

Duffy’s Lookout Picnic Area

Positioned higher up with spectacular views, Duffy’s offers a more secluded experience. It’s only open during summer and provides a peaceful alternative to the busier Crystal Brook area. The walk between Duffy’s and Crystal Brook via the Messmate Trail is popular with hikers seeking a bit more challenge.

Kangaroo Flat Picnic Area

This area sits at the bottom of a wooded hill and is a good trekking area with a bird hide and wetland area inside. It’s quieter than Crystal Brook and perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking a more contemplative experience.

If you visit here, you can practically guarantee to see kangaroos, even outside of their preferred hours at dawn and dusk. They’re often spotted at the base of the rock wall or in the wide open areas near the playground. Kangaroos are plentiful throughout the reservoir.

All picnic areas have access and toilets for visitors with limited mobility, making the park genuinely welcoming for all abilities.

Walking trails to explore

Beyond the famous dam wall walk, Cardinia Reservoir Park offers several trails that reveal different aspects of the landscape:

The Dam Wall Walk (3.2km return, 45 minutes)

The path is sealed, wide, smooth, and level, making it an easy traverse with entry at both ends a meter wide. There’s car parking at both ends, so you can choose which point to start and finish at. As you walk, you’re treated to views across the water on one side and out to surrounding hilltops on the other.

Messmate Trail (2.3 km loop, approximately 1 hour)

This circuit walk passes through bushland from Crystal Brook Picnic Area to Duffy’s Lookout. There are some challenging hills, with one steep climb up to the spillway from Crystal Brook. Tables along the route provide rest spots, and the bushland changes with the seasons.

Kangaroo Viewing Trail

Adjacent to the reservoir wall, starting at the Spillway Car park and heading downhill to Crystal Brook, this trail is specifically designed for wildlife viewing.

There is also a permanent orienteering course set up within Cardinia Reservoir Park for those interested in navigation challenges.

Tea Tree Trail (5km)

A less visited option that’s a mixture of gravel paths and boardwalks, ideal for exploring the flora of the park. This trail takes you through diverse vegetation and offers a more immersive bushland experience away from the main picnic areas.

Important note:

• Feeding and approaching kangaroos are strictly prohibited. Kindly stay at a safe distance as these are wild animals, and respecting their space ensures both your safety and their wellbeing.
• Note that dogs are prohibited along the Kangaroo Viewing Trail to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.
• Groups of fifty or more people need to notify the park office of their intended visit by contacting Parks Victoria on 13 1963
• Take all your rubbish home with you for recycling and disposal, including used coals (there are no bins in the park)
• What You Can’t Do – Unfortunately, access to the reservoir for boating or fishing is not permitted as this is an active water supply for Melbourne. The water quality and purity must be protected, so all water activities are prohibited.

Explore more near Cardinai Reservoir

If you’re keen for more beautiful walks, explore the nearby Dandenong Ranges National Park, Belgrave Lake Park, Olinda Playspace, Pirianda Gardens at Olinda, and Alfred Nicholas Gardens in Sherbrooke. The famous Puffing Billy Railway is a short drive away, making it easy to combine a morning at Cardinia with an afternoon steam train ride through the Dandenongs.

• Aura Vale Lake Park: Adjacent to Cardinia Reservoir on Wellington Road
• Puffing Billy Railway (Emerald Station): 8 km (12 minutes)
• Dandenong Ranges National Park: 15 km (20 minutes)
• Belgrave Lake Park: 20 km (25 minutes)
• Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens (Sherbrooke): 13 km north (18 minutes)
• Wilson Botanic Park (Berwick): 12 km (18 minutes)

Location & distance guide to Cardinia Reservoir

Cardinia Reservoir can be accessed from Wellington Road or Red Hill Road, with a one-way road looping around the main areas of the park. The park is situated on Duffy’s Road, off Wellington Road at Narre Warren East.

A drive on the Wellington road itself is quite beautiful.

From Melbourne: 45 to 50 km

From Eastern Suburbs:

• Dandenong: 20 km (25 minutes)
• Berwick: 15 km (20 minutes)
• Narre Warren: 10 km (15 minutes)
• Narre Warren East: 5 km (8 minutes) – The closest suburb to the park
• Belgrave: 35 km from Melbourne CBD, approximately 20km from Cardinia (25 minutes)
• Emerald: 8 km (12 minutes) – Just north of the reservoir

From South-Eastern Suburbs:

• Cranbourne: 25 km (30 minutes)
• Officer: 18 km (22 minutes)
• Pakenham: 22 km (28 minutes)
• Beaconsfield: 12 km (18 minutes)

From Bayside Suburbs:

• Frankston: 35 km (40 minutes)
• Mount Eliza: 45 km (50 minutes)
• Mornington: The reservoir services suburbs from Dandenong to Dromana, approximately 55km (1 hour)

From Inner Eastern Suburbs:

• Glen Waverley: 28 km (35 minutes)
• Box Hill: 35 km (40 minutes)
• Ringwood: 30 km (35 minutes)

Opening Hours During daylight saving time, the park is open via the main gate from 9am-8pm, and the Red Hill Road gate from 9am-5pm. Outside daylight saving, the park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Entry: Entry to Cardinia Reservoir Park is free.

Dogs Welcome (with restrictions) Dogs are permitted on a lead at Cardinia Reservoir Park, but dogs are not allowed along the Kangaroo Viewing Trail. Dogs are allowed at Crystal Brook and Duffy’s but must be kept on a leash at all times.

• Bring your own food and drinks (limited purchasing options nearby)
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails Pack layers as it can be cooler and windier than Melbourne, especially on the dam wall
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching and distant kangaroo viewing
• And most important don’t forget your camera