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Dandenong Ranges Lakes

Get out and about in the Dandenong Ranges and head out to some of the beautiful lakes here for a day in the outdoors.

Some lakes allow swimming and fishing, so pack a picnic and come down to these beautiful spots for a day of rest and relaxation.

Dandenong Ranges Lakes, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Picnic & BBQs




Emerald is a beautiful scenic location in the Dandenong Ranges; known for its gorgeous lake and a number of scenic attractions. Located between the towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is easily accessible from any point of the Dandenong Ranges. Set within the hillside and native bushlands, the lake offers a number of scenic picnic grounds and walking trails, where you can picnic and take part in various outdoor activities.

The Cardinia Reservoir is also a great spot to picnic at as it is a huge water supply dam that provides water for many suburbs in Melbourne. Access to the reservoir for boating or fishing is not permitted; instead, many people come to the reservoir for long walks, BBQ’s and to watch the many kangaroos that live here.

Located on Dorset Road in the Dandenong Ranges, the Tim Neville Arboretum is a popular playground for visitors to this area. One of the best features of the Tim Neville Arboretum is the presence of two lengthy zip lines that have the kids whizzing through the park. There are also slides and swings for kids who love to play and there are specially designed swings for toddlers as well as a large lake where kids can stop and feed the ducks.

The Silvan Reservoir Park is also a great spot as well as Belgrave Lake Park. Click the links below to explore the full range of lakes you can enjoy in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.



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Dandenong Ranges National Park

Belgrave, VIC

The prime scenic attraction of the area has to be the stunning Dandenong Ranges National Park. Nestled in the picturesque suburbs of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne, this National Park is 39km east of the Melbourne...

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National Rhododendron Gardens

National Rhododendron Gardens

Olinda, VIC

The National Rhododendron Gardens (formally known as The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden) is a popular destination located in the Dandenong Ranges. This serene setting houses a variety of colourful blooms; including...

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Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield, VIC

Lysterfield Park is located on Horswood Road in Lysterfield and is a worthy tourist attraction thanks to its beautiful natural features. With an array of recreational activities, it is little wonder that Lysterfield...

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Cardinia Reservoir

Cardinia Reservoir

Narre Warren, VIC

Cardinia Reservoir, a water supply dam that is located East of Melbourne, was built in 1970 and provides water for many suburbs in Melbourne. The dam was constructed to supplement the dwindling supply of water in the...

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Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Emerald, VIC

Emerald is a beautiful scenic location in the Dandenong Ranges; known for its gorgeous lake and a number of scenic attractions. Located between the towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is easily accessible from any...

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Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Sherbrooke, VIC

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a great venue for all nature lovers. Located in Sherbrooke, these gardens are home to magnificent shrubs, flowering plants, and majestic Mountain Ash trees. Whether you’re...

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Cardinia Reservoir Park

Cardinia Reservoir Park

Narre Warren, VIC

An ideal getaway for the whole family, the Cardinia Reservoir Park is a fantastic location for families to come and picnic, as there is a natural abundance of flora and fauna. Visitors who manage to get a glimpse of the...

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Tim Neville Arboretum

Tim Neville Arboretum

Ferntree Gully, VIC

Located on Dorset Road in the Dandenong Ranges, the Tim Neville Arboretum is a popular playground for visitors to this area. The arboretum is essentially a fun-filled playground that is designed with children in mind...

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Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve

Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve

Ferntree Gully, VIC

The Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve is a stunning park within a restored quarry. Over the past few years, it’s undergone many renovations and today has more recreational facilities for families to enjoy. It’s...

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Silvan Reservoir Park

Silvan Reservoir Park

Silvan, VIC

Set at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is the perfect location for a day out of town and is just a short drive from Melbourne. The Park has a number of walking trails that visitors can use to...

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Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Gembrook, VIC

Kurth Kiln Regional Park is a popular park located in the Dandenong Ranges, and whose unique attractions make it a must-visit for those coming to the region. The park is best known for its kiln whose history can be...

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Birdsland Reserve

Birdsland Reserve

Belgrave Heights, VIC

Birdsland Reserve is an amazing getaway tucked away between Lysterfield Lake Park and Belgrave. This bushland reserve is best known for its rich birdlife and diverse species of native animals. The reserve’s rich...

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Belgrave Lake Park

Belgrave Lake Park

Belgrave, VIC

Belgrave Lake Park is a sizable reserve, located just south of Belgrave, that plays a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity of flora and fauna in the region. Belgrave Lake Park is the critical link between...

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Aura Vale Lake Park

Aura Vale Lake Park

Selby, VIC

The Aura Vale Lake Park plays a significant role in the supply of water in Melbourne City. The lake constitutes an integral part of the drainage system within Melbourne and plays a vital role in preventing the...

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Koolamara Water Reserve

Koolamara Water Reserve

Ferntree Gully, VIC

Koolamara Water Reserve is a natural sanctuary and home to diverse flora and fauna that makes it a top attraction in the Dandenong Ranges region. The water reserve is best known for its walking track in Ferntree Gully...

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Liverpool Road Retarding Basin

Liverpool Road Retarding Basin

Boronia, VIC

The Liverpool Road Retarding Basin is a tranquil recreational spot nestled at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, and a popular destination for outdoor lovers. A retarding basin is a low lying area of land that has been...

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What are the most popular lakes to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?
Where are the most popular lakes in the Dandenong Ranges located?
The most popular lakes to visit in the Dandenong Ranges are:Check out the whole list of lakes in the Dandenong Ranges.

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