Top Things to do in Yarra Valley
5 Bodies of Water in Yarra Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Yarra Valley, Australia including Lilydale Lake, Belgrave Lake Park, Emerald Lake, Hull Road Wetlands, Kimberly Reserve.
Restaurants in Yarra Valley
1. Lilydale Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Lillydale Lake is open at all times and has a range of facilities and activities to suit everyone, including an all-abilities playground, outdoor fitness station, walking tracks, wetlands, fishing jetties, BBQ's, picnic shelters, sandy beach areas and public toilets. Come along and have a picnic or barbecue, take a walk around the 28 hectare lake, or watch your children enjoy the sandy beaches and expansive lawns. Entry is free.
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
As you may have noticed, the township of Lilydale and Lillydale Lake have different spelling. I grew up here and went to the local high school and there was always some conjecture of the different spelling we'd see around. The Lake wasn't build then, but it's interesting that they've retained the original spelling of the former Lillydale Shire. The lake is artificial and has a number of wetland areas around it including to the south at Bellbird Park as well as the Olinda Creek Wetlands (Hull Road Wetlands). The park itself is over 100 hectares and within the boundary has multiple facilities available. The vastness of the open grassy area is immediately attractive and you'll find picnic groups on the weekend here kicking a football, soccer ball or invested in a game of cricket. Many people come here to walk the 10kms + as there are a number of paths around the 28 hectare lake. Make your way to the 400+ metre long dam wall. Interesting. Also there are the ruins of the Cashin's four mill still standing at the northern end of the dam, dating back to the 1850's. The facilities include a community room, a massive all-abilities, playground that should keep any curious child happy, fitness stations, toilet facilities, barbecues and plenty of picnic tables, chairs and rubbish bins. Plenty and I mean plenty of parking available. Just obey the signs. For those people into non-powered boating, there is a boat launching ramp as well. Note that there is a maximum of 4.5m length with a keel depth of up to 1m permitted on the Lake. Fishing jetty is a nice addition. Plus there are a couple of quite generous sized sandy beaches that are a lovely spot by the water for resting, relaxing or playing. On the weekend I was visiting, there was one food vendor vendor selling baked potatoes. Dog owners are welcome with two areas you can have your dog off leash. Just please pick up the poop. Lillydale Lake is open 24/7 and it's a great chance to enjoy this beautiful facility that is surrounded by many native Australian plants and shrubs.
2. Belgrave Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Belgrave Lake Park is a great place for a family BBQ. There's lots to do, you can go for a walk along the trails. There are picnic tables for a gathering. Fortunately, trhere are toilets. There's also a basketball hoop. For dog owners, the park is an off-leash area for dogs. One interesting thing to noted is that this area hosts a substantial platypus population. When we drive to the vintage railway Puffing Billy, we always drop in at Belgrave Lake Park for lunch.
3. Emerald Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Katie-M-T-3 - Melbourne, Australia
First time staying here at Emerald for the weekend with my partner. Such a pretty little town. We enjoyed a peaceful leisure walk around the lake, A prefect place for the family or couples enjoying a romantic weekend. The birds, plants, flowers, trees, paddle boats, picnic areas, play areas and Puffing Billy all there makes a perfect spot. Highly recommend the Emerald Lake.
4. Hull Road Wetlands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
What a beautiful oasis in the middle of suburbia. 50 years ago this was almost my backyard - basically paddocks for cows. Now it’s been transformed with great thought and care. Pathways lead through the Olinda Creek and wetlands area with a good sized lake that is nicely surrounded by native bush and reeds. You can hear the traffic on Swansea Road but it doesn’t detract from the natural beauty. Saw quite a few joggers, walkers and a two families with young kids and prams. The paths are nicely made so it’s wheelchair accessible. Nice spot to come for a picnic, games with the family or just to walk amongst nature. There are bins, seats and some signage. Parking is easy and there is a bus stop nearby in Hull Road and some on the side streets.
5. Kimberly Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
