Next trip:
Saturday 13 September 2025 (BOOKED OUT)
and
Saturday 27 September 2025 (BOOKED OUT)
Entry fees to attractions (if any) are not included.
Yan Yean Reservoir, located 30 kilometres north of Melbourne in the locality that shares its name, stands as the city’s oldest water supply. Completed in 1857, it was once the largest man-made reservoir in the world. Constructed on the Plenty River—a tributary of the Yarra—it is held in place by a 9.5-metre-high embankment and stores up to 30,000 megalitres of water. Today, it remains a vital part of Melbourne’s water infrastructure, managed by Melbourne Water.
The name Yan Yean honours an Aboriginal leader known as "Yan Yan" (“young male”), who was among those who signed Batman’s Treaty in 1835.
Construction began on 20 December 1853, marked by Governor Charles La Trobe turning the first sod. Built during the height of Victoria’s gold rush, the project employed around 1,000 workers—many fresh from the goldfields—who lived in a sprawling tent city. After four years of intense labour, the reservoir was completed, becoming a landmark of engineering and a cornerstone of Melbourne’s development.
Toorourrong Reservoir nestles on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, just north of Melbourne. This modest yet vital reservoir is part of the city’s broader water supply network and is managed by Melbourne Water. It was created by the construction of the Toorourrong Dam across the Plenty River, supported by an interbasin transfer system.
Water from Toorourrong flows via aqueduct to the nearby Yan Yean Reservoir, continuing a legacy of interconnected infrastructure. The dam itself is an earthen embankment built across the eastern branch of the Plenty River, just below its confluence with Jacks Creek. The entire system was developed between 1883 and 1885 as an extension of the original Yan Yean water scheme, marking a significant chapter in Melbourne’s engineering and urban growth.
MASONS WATERFALL. Step gently and move quietly through the park to increase your chances of spotting its wild residents—an array of birds, reptiles, and insects that call this forest home. Pause often: lift your gaze to the towering canopy above, then lower it to admire the delicate lichens, lush ferns, and curious fungi carpeting the forest floor. Let the calming rhythm of nature envelop you in the restorative practice of forest bathing.
Follow the Masons Falls Walk, a 700-metre trail leading to a scenic lookout where water tumbles gracefully over rocky ledges into the gully below. After rainfall, the waterfall transforms into a dramatic cascade—a breathtaking reward for your journey.
As you wander along the shaded path, you’ll weave past some of the park’s oldest trees. Listen closely for the mimicking calls of the Superb Lyrebird, and keep watch for wallabies quietly grazing in the undergrowth.
Lady Stonehaven’s Lookout, perched within the serene Frank Thomson Reserve northwest of Kinglake township, offers a sweeping vantage point from 630 metres above sea level. From this elevated hilltop visitors are treated to panoramic views—Melbourne’s skyline shimmering on the southern plains and the gentle undulations of the Yarra Valley stretching eastward.
The reserve is not only a place of natural beauty but also quiet reflection. A memorial stands here in honour of bushfire victims, offering a poignant reminder of resilience and remembrance amid the tranquil landscape.
KINGLAKE is a diverse and picturesque region northeast of Melbourne, encompassing forested landscapes, fertile farmland, a vibrant township, and the expansive Kinglake National Park. Nestled within the Kinglake Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range, the area sits at elevations ranging from 525 to 610 metres above sea level.
From many vantage points across Kinglake, visitors can enjoy sweeping views—Melbourne’s skyline rising in the southwest, the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley to the south, and on clear days, even glimpses of Port Phillip Bay beyond the city.
The climate here is notably cooler than metropolitan Melbourne, typically around 3°C lower. Summers are refreshingly mild, while winters bring crisp frosts, misty mornings, and the occasional dusting of snow—adding a touch of alpine charm to the region.
Places to have lunch at: Kinglake Fish 'N' Chippery, Kinglake Pub, Pie Face (at the servo), CappaRossi's (Italian), Songbird Cafe.
Smith's Gully & Queenstown Cemetery historic gold mining area. Short walk to the creek.
Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park, nestled in the heart of the Shire of Nillumbik, stands as a place of reflection and natural beauty. Located atop Garden Hill in Kangaroo Ground, the park spans two acres and offers sweeping panoramic views across the surrounding landscape—on clear days, the vistas stretch all the way to Melbourne’s skyline and beyond.
At its centre rises the War Memorial Lookout Tower, a striking landmark that also houses a fire spotting cabin, serving both commemorative and practical purposes. The grounds are shaded by mature Monterey cypress trees and enriched by a variety of planted species, adding to the park’s tranquil atmosphere. A charming sandstone caretaker’s cottage completes the scene, echoing the site’s historical character and quiet dignity.
Opened on 17 April 2008, the Moor-rul Viewing Platform offers both shelter and a stunning vantage point beside the iconic Lookout Tower. Its name, Moor-rul, is drawn from the local Indigenous language, meaning “fertile soil”—a tribute to the rich earth of the surrounding landscape.
The platform features eight double-sided interpretive panels that weave together stories of Aboriginal and European heritage, geological formations, and the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Adjacent to the structure, a thoughtfully maintained garden showcases native plant species, reflecting the area’s ecological roots and cultural respect.
CONVENIENT PICKUP LOCATIONS
9:00am 1st Pickup -FOOTSCRAY STATION South entrance Cnr Hyde & Bunbury Streets.
9:15am 2nd Pickup - Front of 361 QUEEN Street CBD Victoria Market End.
9:30am 3rd Pickup - FEDERATION SQUARE - Cnr Flinders & Russell Streets Bus pickup zone.
Bus leaves back to Melbourne at 4:00pm (approx)
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