Waterworks Reserve

Waterworks Reserve

First constructed in the 1860s, the Waterworks reservoirs capture the flow of creeks and rivers rising on the higher slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

The tree-shaded lawns and children's play areas of the Waterworks are popular for picnics and barbecues. For the energetic, walking tracks wander around the reservoirs and up into the bushland of Ridgeway towards the water's mountain source.

Interactive map

Opening hours

Waterworks Reserve is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day.

Pedestrian access is available at all hours through the turnstile next to the main gate.

Vehicle access

Access for vehicles is restricted to certain hours depending on the time of year:

Outside daylight savings (winter): 8 am - 4 pm
During daylight savings (summer): 8 am - 9 pm 

BBQ sites

Waterworks Reserve is a popular place for family BBQs and picnics.

There are twelve BBQ areas for everyone to enjoy, including two undercover sites which can be booked.

The locations of all BBQ sites can be viewed on the map below, or on our interactive map.

BBQ site details

Site A

Waterworks Site A

Inside the entrance, on the right-hand side.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site B

Waterworks Site B

Inside the entrance, on the right-hand side.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site C

Waterworks Site C

Inside the entrance, on the left-hand side.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site 1

Waterworks Site 1

A covered site suitable for 15 adults. Additionally there is space in the uncovered area of the site for a further 15 people.

The site has wide bench seating, but there is no table provided.

The site is on multi-levels so it may not be suitable for young children or elderly people. Toilet facilities are located some distance away.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: Yes
Tables: No
Seating: 15
Capacity: 15-30
Wheelchair accessible: No


Site 3

Waterworks Site 3

An uncovered site suitable for 6-8 adults. The site is slightly sloping so is not suitable for ball games, but it does provide plenty of space and is suitable for small children.

The site is approximately 500 metres from the reserve entrance, with close access to the car park and toilet facilities. It is located on the same side of the Reserve as the children's playground.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 6-8
Wheelchair accessible: No


Site 4

Waterworks Site 4

An uncovered site suitable for 8-13 adults. The site is sloping, but provides plenty of shade cover.

It is located approximately 600 metres from the front entrance, close to the road and toilet facilities.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: No
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 8-12
Wheelchair accessible: No


Site 5

Waterworks Site 5

A gently sloping, uncovered site suitable for 8-12 adults.

The site is located approximately 700 metres from the front entrance.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 8-12
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site 6

Waterworks Site 6

An uncovered site suitable for 4-6 adults. The site is open with a slight slope.

The site is located approximately 750 metres from the front entrance and 100 metres from the playground.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: No
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 4-6
Wheelchair accessible: No


Site 7

Waterworks Site 7

An uncovered site with a table and bench seating suitable for 4-6 adults. The site can cater for larger numbers if own chairs and tables are provided.

The site is located approximately 750 metres from the front entrance and 100 metres from the playground. A swing is also located nearby.

There is easy access from the car park and the site is relatively flat with shade available.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: No
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 4-6
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site 8

Waterworks Site 8

An uncovered site with a table and bench seating suitable for 6-8 adults. The site is located approximately 800 metres from the front entrance and is suitable for children.

The site is slightly sloping. If the marquee site adjacent is not in use, the site is also suitable for ball games.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: No
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 6-8
Wheelchair accessible: No


Site 9

Waterworks Site 9

A large covered area with a deck. It contains three tables undercover and another table in the deck area. There is also a large counter bench against the back wall.

Situated approximately 900 metres from the front entrance, the site is close to toilets, and is suitable for up to 80 people and has level access into the hut.

Gas BBQ: Yes - 2
Water tap: Yes
Shelter: Yes
Tables: 4
Seating: 40
Capacity: 80
Wheelchair accessible: Yes


Site 10

Waterworks Site 10

An uncovered site suitable for 4-6 adults.

Situated approximately 1 kilometre from the front entrance, the site is flat, shady and close to toilets.

Gas BBQ: Yes
Water tap: No
Shelter: No
Tables: 1
Seating: 6
Capacity: 4-6
Wheelchair accessible: No

There are two undercover BBQ sites - Site 1 and Site 9 - that can be booked. Bookings for these sites can be made up to 12 months in advance.

The cost to book BBQ sites 1 or 9 is $26.70 an hour.

For details on the cost of booking BBQ sites, please refer to our fees and charges booklet.

To make a booking enquiry please use our online form:

Booking enquiry

All of the BBQ sites without shelter are allocated on a first come basis.

Terms and conditions

You must agree to and follow the terms and conditions when hiring a BBQ facility.

BBQ Bookings - Terms and Conditions of Hire(PDF, 149KB)

Location

Waterworks Road, Ridgeway 7054  View Map

Google Map