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Maroondah Reservoir- Water Supply Catchment, Reservoir and Park

Other Name

Maroondah Dam, Maroondah Reservoir Park

Location

Healesville VIC 3777

File Number

439

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

The Maroondah Reservoir, with its distinctive Classically-inspired outlet tower and dam wall, represents the first of three major water supply reservoirs constructed by the MMBW during its second major phase of development during the 1920s and 1930s. It is of regional significance.

The dam wall is a distinctive example of early engineering techniques, with its gravity arch design and Cyclopean rubble concrete construction.

The construction of the dam wall represented an important advance in the technology of dam-building, utilising bi-cable aerial ropeway and travelling aerial cableway, the same system later used in the construction of the Silvan dam in 1927-31.

The reservoir, and the associated reservoir park, together comprise one of the most popular and enduring tourist destinations for day trips from Melbourne, providing generations of visitors with views of the natural forest catchment surrounding the reservoir and the landscaped gardens within the park. (McCann 1993: 71)

The park represents the MMBW's success in maintaining a closed catchment policy whilst developing a place for popular recreation, in keeping with the established recreational traditions of the Healesville-Black Spur area. (McCann 1993: 75)

The Maroondah Catchment is the only closed catchment in the Melbourne Water system to allow public access via the Maroondah Highway and walking tracks. (McCann 1993: 71)

Group

Utilities - Water