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Upper Yarra Reservoir

Other Name

Upper Yarra Dam

Location

Upper Yarra VIC 3799

File Number

827

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

The Upper Yarra dam wall, constructed of earth and rock fill, was the highest dam of its type in the southern hemisphere when completed in 1957, and one of the first of Melbourne Water's dams to be constructed without a concrete corewall.

The reservoir and its associated works, was also the most expensive water supply project the MMBW had undertaken, and took ten years to complete.

The completion of the dam in 1957 coincided with the centenary of Melbourne's water supply system, beginning with the building of the Yan Yean Reservoir in 1857.

The Mt Little Joe tunnel (6,200 ft) and the Upper Yarra diversion tunnel (2600 ft) together represented a major piece of engineering.

The extensive borrow pit graphically illustrates the enormous amounts of earthfill excavated locally and used for the construction of the dam wall.

The flying fox structure and gauging weir on the Yarra River below the diversion tunnel are features of interest relating to the impact of the reservoir on the natural water course of the Yarra River.

The reservoir and associated park are valued by the community as a popular place for picnics and sightseeing, with spectacular views of the surrounding forested catchment, extensive stretch of water and landscaped park visible from the visitor's viewing platform. (McCann 1993: 171)

Group

Utilities - Water