Dandenong Ranges National Park protects tall Mountain Ash forest, fern-filled gullies, waterfalls and steep volcanic hills on Melbourne’s eastern edge. Its walking tracks, picnic grounds and wildlife make it one...
Dandenong Ranges Lakes
The Dandenong Ranges are home to a mix of scenic lakes, reservoirs and water reserves surrounded by forests, parkland and walking tracks. The current Dandenong Ranges Point inventory includes Emerald Lake, Cardinia Reservoir Park, Tim Neville Arboretum, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Lake Park, Aura Vale Lake Park and Koolamara Water Reserve.
These places are best suited to picnics, walking, wildlife watching and relaxed days outdoors rather than traditional lake swimming or boating. Rules vary by location: for example, Cardinia Reservoir does not allow fishing or boating, while nearby Aura Vale Lake allows bank fishing and non-powered craft when conditions permit.
Explore Dandenong Ranges Lakes
- Emerald Lake – One of the region’s best family recreation areas, with lakeside walks, picnic grounds, playgrounds and Puffing Billy access.
- Cardinia Reservoir Park – Enjoy reservoir views, open lawns, picnic facilities, short walks and frequent wildlife sightings.
- Aura Vale Lake – A quieter recreation lake where visitors can picnic, fish from the bank and use small non-powered craft when permitted.
- Belgrave Lake Park and Birdsland Reserve – Explore smaller lakes and wetlands surrounded by bushland, walking trails and bird habitat.
- Local park lakes and water reserves – Tim Neville Arboretum and Koolamara Water Reserve add smaller landscaped and natural water settings closer to the foothills.
Browse the listings below to discover Dandenong Ranges lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and peaceful waterside places to visit.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Belgrave, VIC
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Olinda, VICDandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is one of the region’s signature attractions and Victoria’s premier cool-climate botanic garden, combining spectacular seasonal colour, sweeping views and an extensive...
Lysterfield Park
Lysterfield, VICLysterfield Park is one of Melbourne’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations, combining a freshwater lake, swimming beaches, walking trails, picnic areas, wildlife and one of Victoria’s best-known...
Cardinia Reservoir
Narre Warren, VICCardinia Reservoir is one of Melbourne’s largest water storages and one of the most underrated outdoor destinations near the Dandenong Ranges. While many visitors associate the surrounding region with gardens...
Emerald Lake
Emerald, VICEmerald Lake Park is one of the most versatile visitor destinations in the eastern Dandenong Ranges, combining lakes, walking tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, heritage attractions and a station on the iconic Puffing...
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Sherbrooke, VICThe 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...
Cardinia Reservoir Park
Narre Warren, VICCurrent closure: Parks Victoria currently lists Cardinia Reservoir Park as temporarily closed due to protected industrial action. Visitors should check current conditions before travelling, as the closure status may...
Tim Neville Arboretum
Ferntree Gully, VICLocated 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...
Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve
Ferntree Gully, VICFerntree Gully Quarry Reserve is a distinctive local park built around a former quarry and its deep lake. Located below the surrounding streets, the reserve combines dramatic rock walls and water views with walking...
Kurth Kiln Regional Park
Gembrook, VICKurth 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...
Silvan Reservoir Park
Silvan, VICSet 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...
Birdsland Reserve
Belgrave Heights, VICBirdsland 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...
Belgrave Lake Park
Belgrave, VICBelgrave 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...
Aura Vale Lake Park
Selby, VICAura Vale Lake Park is a quiet lakeside recreation area near Cardinia Reservoir, offering fishing, paddling, picnicking and a peaceful natural setting on the southern edge of the Dandenong Ranges. While nearby Cardinia...
Koolamara Water Reserve
Ferntree Gully, VICKoolamara 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...
Liverpool Road Retarding Basin
Boronia, VICLiverpool Road Retarding Basin is a large flood-management reserve and public open space in Boronia, near the western foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. The 22.45-hectare reserve contains artificial lakes, open...
What are the best lakes to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?
Popular options include Emerald Lake, Cardinia Reservoir, Aura Vale Lake, Belgrave Lake Park and Birdsland Reserve, with each offering a different mix of walking, picnicking, wildlife and waterside scenery.
Can you swim in Dandenong Ranges lakes?
Swimming rules vary, and many reservoirs and lakes are not suitable or permitted for swimming. Aura Vale Lake, for example, prohibits swimming, so visitors should always follow current signage at each location.
Can you fish in the Dandenong Ranges lakes?
Fishing is allowed at selected locations. Aura Vale Lake permits bank fishing, although a Victorian recreational fishing licence may be required, while fishing is not permitted at Cardinia Reservoir.
Which Dandenong Ranges lake is best for families?
Emerald Lake is one of the strongest family options because the surrounding park combines lakeside scenery with playgrounds, picnic areas, walking tracks and a Puffing Billy station.