First constructed in the 1860s, the Waterworks reservoirs capture the flow of creeks and rivers rising on the higher slopes of Mt Wellington. Flowing via a network of stone and timber troughs and channels, the gathered waters arrived at the Receiving House, where today, an informative display explains the curious history of this important and historic site.
The tree-shaded lawns and children's play areas of the Waterworks are popular for picnics and barbecues. For the energetic, a maze of walking tracks wander around the reservoirs and up into the bushland of Ridgeway towards the water's mountain source.
The Reserve is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, with the gates opening at 8.30am and closing at 4.15pm during winter and 9.00pm during daylight savings. Outside these hours, pedestrian access is available through the turnstile adjacent to the main gate.
For information on fees and charges please refer to our Fees and Charges page.
Sites 1, 2 and 9 contain gas operated barbecues. All other sites contain wood barbecues. All wood is provided, however you will require fire lighting material such as paper, kindling and matches.
Please note that wood barbecues are not permitted to be lit on declared total fire ban days, however portable gas barbecues are permissible.
There is no power available at any site.
A marquee or tent can be used on the designated marquee site with prior permission. Shelters must be free standing as no tent pegs are to be used in the Reserve unless authorised by the Council.
The Reserve is declared out of bounds for dogs. Also of note, mobile coverage does not extend across all of the Reserve, with best coverage obtained near the main entrance.
