Waterwatch Program

BBQ Locations

Here's a selection of BBQ locations near waterways and reservoirs for you and your friends and family to enjoy the 84Hundred and beyond.

Before you go, make sure you download the nearest Know Your River brochure for the history, geography and wildlife of the waterways.

Check out these delicious recipe ideas for your next picnic or barbecue:

• Wattleseed damper (PDF, 180kb)
• Bonnet top picnic (PDF, 92kb)
• Quick BBQ Skewers (PDF, 162kb)

Please remember to put all your rubbish in the bin after your picnic or barbecue, or take it home with you to dispose of it.

Have a look through these locations to help you choose where to go for your next barbecue or picnic. Download our handy BBQ locations reference sheet (PDF, 506kb) to print and keep.

• Christmas Hills - near Yarra Glen
• Dandenong Ranges
• East lvanhoe
• Greenvale
• Healesville
• Keilor East
• Kew and Fairfield
• Narre Warren East
• Patterson Lakes
• Port Melbourne
• South Morang
• Templestowe
• Warburton
• Wheelers Hill

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Christmas Hills - near Yarra Glen

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park is located in the spectacular Christmas Hills. Currently much of the park is grassland. Remnant pockets of dry open-forest can be seen along the walking tracks.

Activities: Bush walking, picnicking, BBQs, bird watching, sightseeing, sailing and shoreline fishing. Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam Picnic Areas overlooking the reservoir.

Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets and hot water facilities. Ironbark Ridge picnic area has two double hotplate gas BBQ's in the new shelter, and wood BBQ's - with wood supplied. Saddle Dam picnic area has no BBQ facilities. Park visitors are encouraged to bring along their own portable gas BBQ as an alternative to the facilities provided (except on days of total fire ban).

Directions: Simpson Road via Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills. Melway ref: 273 A2.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Sugarloaf Reservoir Park.

Silvan Reservoir Park, Dandenong Ranges

The beautifully landscaped picnic areas and open lawns of Silvan Reservoir Park help to make it an ideal location for a day away from it all. There is also a eucalypt forest and gullies of tall tree ferns to enjoy.

Activities: Forest walking, self-guided nature trail, picnicking and BBQs.

Facilities: Wood and electric BBQs, toilets, picnic tables and shelters.

Directions: Canterbury Road, turn right at York Road in Mount Evelyn and follow the signs to the park. Melway ref: 120 H11.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Silvan Reservoir Park.

Yarra Flats Park, East lvanhoe

Yarra Flats Park, nestled beside the Yarra River, features 85 ha of pastoral and heritage landscapes, natural bushland, shimmering wetlands, abundant birdlife and informal picnic areas.

Activities: Walk, cycle or jog the Main Yarra Trail, picnicking and BBQs.

Facilities: Wood fired BBQs - wood supplied, picnic shelter, toilets.

Directions: Enter from The Boulevard, East lvanhoe. Melway ref: 32 C6.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Yarra Flats Park.

Greenvale Reservoir Park, Greenvale

Located just 25 minutes from the centre of Melbourne and only a 15 minute drive from Melbourne Airport, Greenvale Reservoir Park is a great place to visit and enjoy the relaxing environment of beautiful parkland overlooking the reservoir.

Activities: Tracks for walking, jogging or cycling or visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the 'Ironbark Trail' or have a picnic or BBQ.

Facilities: Picnic shelters, free gas BBQs, playgrounds, baby change facilities and toilets are provided. The picnic areas and toilets are accessible by wheelchair.

Directions: Somerton Road, Greenvale. Melway ref: 179 C8.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Greenvale Reservoir Park.

Maroondah Reservoir Park, Healesville

Maroondah Reservoir Park offers a wonderful variety of experiences, from colourful gardens to long and short walks, exotic and native trees, spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The scenic attraction of the reservoir and European-style gardens have made it one of the most popular parks in Victoria.

Activities: Bushwalking, picnicking, BBQs, photographing historic Rose Stairway, bird and wildlife spotting.

Facilities: Picnic tables, wood barbecues (wood supplied), rotundas, car parks, toilets, walking trails and a lookout is provided in the park. Access to the dam wall walk, for people with limited mobility, is by arrangement.

Directions: The park is located around 3 km from Healesville in the Upper Yarra valley and approximately 70 km east of Melbourne along the Maroondah Highway. Melway ref: 270 K10.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Brimbank Park, Keilor East

Brimbank Park was opened in 1976 as part of the Maribyrnong Valley Park. The Maribyrnong River has hollowed out a valley some 55 metres below the Western Plains, with a steep bank on the northern side and gentle terraces on the southern side forming a huge amphitheatre.

Activities: Scenic walks, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, kite flying, picnicking, BBQs.

Facilities: Parking, toilets, picnic tables, shelters, gas BBQs, walking paths, self-guided walks, cycle paths, playgrounds, information centre and café.

Directions: Cars enter from Keilor Park Drive which is off the Western Ring Road. Melways ref: 15 A10
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information on Brimbank Park.

Yarra Bend Park, Kew and Fairfield

At Yarra Bend Park, the largest area of natural vegetation near the city of Melbourne, the landscape varies from steep, wild river escarpments to open woodlands, formal parkland, playing fields and golf courses. It has over 16 km of river frontage, and superb views of the city and the Dandenongs from the higher areas.

Activities: Boating, canoeing, golf, fishing, orienteering, picnicking, dining out, bird watching, walking, cycling.

Facilities: Studley Park Boathouse, golf courses, picnic areas. Studley Park Picnic Area has picnic shelters, electric BBQs and toilet facilities. Bellbird Picnic Area has shelter, electric BBQ, toilet facilities and canoe-launching ramp

Directions: Studley Park Road and Yarra Boulevard, Kew, or Yarra Bend Road, off Heidelberg Road, Fairfield. Melway ref: 2D K6.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information on Yarra Bend Park.

Cardinia Reservoir Park, Narre Warren East

Visitors who view the huge expanse of Cardinia's water by the morning light will understand why this is one of Melbourne's most popular outdoor destinations.

Activities: Playground at Crystal Brook picnic area, watch the Eastern Grey Kangaroos feeding at dawn or dusk, or basking in the sun along the kangaroo viewing trail, picnicking, BBQs.

Facilities: Crystal Brook picnic area has parking, BBQs, shelter and toilets. Duffy's picnic area has BBQs, shelter and toilets. Kangaroo Flat picnic area has BBQs, shelter and toilets. All picnic areas (except Kangaroo Flat) have access and toilets for visitors with limited mobility. Baby changing facilities.

Directions: Duffy's Road, off Wellington Road at Narre Warren East. Melway ref: 126 C11.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Cardinia Reservoir Park.

Melbourne Water is currently doing some works in Cardinia Reservoir Park - visit the Melbourne Water website for more information.

Patterson River, Patterson Lakes

The Patterson River is a unique man made waterway. As one of the few designated safe harbours on the city side of the bay, it is the most popular boating gateway to Port Phillip Bay. It is situated approximately 28 km south-east of Melbourne. The river begins at the joining of the Eumemerring and Dandenong Creeks at the National Watersports Centre before its short journey to the sea.

Activities: Recreational boating is a major drawcard to the area. The river banks allow for picnics, strolling and watching the boats slip by. Fishing along the river is permitted for Victorian Fishing Licence holders and bike riding is also popular with trails to Mordialloc, Dandenong, Frankston and the city.

Facilities: Undercover picnic areas, public toilets and electric barbecues.

Directions: Access is from Patterson River boat ramps, via Launching Way, off McLeod Road, Carrum. Melway ref: 97 E7.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Patterson River.

Westgate Park, Port Melbourne

Westgate Park offers a range of attractions and activities within close proximity to the city. It is located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River under the Westgate Bridge and offers spectacular views to the mouth of the Yarra and the city skyline.

Activities: Picnicking, BBQs, cycle along the Yarra River or the Port Melbourne foreshore, bird watching, take the bicycle punt across the river to Williamstown (weekends only), see the Earth Series Sculptures.

Facilities: Picnic facilities are provided and group bookings of the lawn area can be made by contacting Parks Victoria. The BBQ facility cannot be booked.

Directions: Access to Westgate Park is via Todd Road or near the end of Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne. Melway ref: 56 F1.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Westgate Park.

Plenty Gorge Park, South Morang

Plenty Gorge Park offers a wide diversity of natural and cultural experiences only 20 km from the Melbourne CBD. The spectacular gorge sets a back drop for stunning landscape views and the abundant native wildlife are always on show.

Activities: Le Page homestead, barn and stables, spectacular views, walking around the picturesque lakes or peninsula. Enjoy bird and wildlife watching, bushwalking, picnicking and barbecuing in natural surrounds.

Facilities: Yarrambat, Hawkstowe and Yellow Gum picnic areas all have toilets, electric BBQs and picnic shelters. Middle Gorge Picnic Area has car parking, viewing platforms and walking tracks, toilets and other picnic facilities are located on adjacent council parkland along the Plenty River. Red Gum Picnic Area has a children's playground, and toilet facilities with parenting amenities.

Directions: Turn off Plenty Road into Gordons Road, the park entrance is 100 metres on the left. Melway ref: 183 H8.
See map here

to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Plenty Gorge Park.

Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

Westerfolds Park defies its suburban setting. Its gracious, rural character is derived from the manor house overlooking the ancient River Red Gums and the broad sweep of the Yarra and all landmarks around Templestowe.

Activities: From the observation deck, watch the Yarra River bubble over rapids. Bring your own canoes and go for a race down the river. Picnicking and BBQs.

Facilities: Picnic tables, wood and electric BBQs, shelters, toilets, playgrounds, canoe ramp, viewing platform, Park Information Centre and Park Office.

Directions: Either via Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe, Melway ref: 33 G2, or in Porter Street, Templestowe, Melway ref: 33 E3.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Westerfolds Park.

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, Warburton

Up in the peaceful high country, this park is the upper most point of the Yarra River accessible to the public. The carefully maintained gardens and picnic grounds encompassed by eucalypt bushland and spectacular scenery, makes visiting Upper Yarra Reservoir Park a memorable experience.

Activities: Fern Gully self-guided trail, Brimbonga Walking Track, breathtaking views, birdwatching, see the restored McVeigh's Water Wheel operating in the picnic area. Picnicking and BBQs.

Facilities: Wood BBQs, hot water facilities, walking tracks, lookout areas. The wet weather hall provides sheltered seating, electric BBQs and hot water.

Directions: Off Woods Point Road about 24 kilometres east of Warburton. Melway ref: 612 U2.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.

Jells Park, Wheelers Hill

Jells Park is at the hub of a network of parklands linked by the Dandenong Creek. Nestled in the heart of suburbia in Wheelers Hill, the park is abundant with native plants and wildlife and is a diverse recreation destination for the whole family - you can experience it all in Melbourne's backyard.

Activities: Fishing (valid Recreational Fishing Licence required), bird watching, cycling, walking, running, rollerblading, picnicking and BBQs.

Facilities: Eight picnic areas, four with solid fuel BBQ's (wood provided) at Jells North; two with free electric BBQs at Jells North; two with free electric BBQs at Jells South; six with picnic shelters; each picnic area has water and toilets nearby; three adventure playgrounds; a Liberty Swing at Jells South; Jells Park Visitor Centre; a bird hide.

Directions: Jells South - Ferntree Gully Road, off Eastlink, Wheelers Hill. Melway ref: 72 A10. Visitor Centre and all other picnic areas - Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill. Melway ref: 71 J5. Pedestrian and cycle access is available along the Dandenong Creek Trail from Nortons Lane and Corhanwarrabul wetlands, as well as from the Eastlink Trail and Scotchmans Creek trail. Alternatively take Waverley Bus 754 and 1753 from Glen Waverley.
See map here

Go to the Parks Victoria website for more information about Jells Park.

More Information

Check out What’s On at Parks Victoria to find out what’s happening at these parks.