Sugarloaf Reservoir Loop - Grade 3 (Medium)

Boroondara Bushwalkers invite you to join them on the Sugarloaf Reservoir Loop.  This walk is part of the Try Bushwalking Month, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Bushwalking Victoria, the peak body representing 60+ bushwalking clubs across Victoria. 

This is a circuit walk clockwise around the reservoir.  There are opportunities to see kangaroos, wallabies and a great view towards Melbourne CBD from the high point where we will have lunch. Pack a delicious picnic lunch,  but remember you are carrying it as well as water to drink  (see recommended amount below). Although we have water views all day, this water is not for drinking! Bring a thermos of hot water and a mug for shared tea, coffee and cake at the picnic area after the walk. 

DISTANCE:  16km circuit walk that will take 4 to 5 hours

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR?  This walk is ideal for moderately fit people who want to experience walking with a group in a bush environment only 52 kms from the Melbourne CBD. 

CHILDREN AND PETS:  This walk is for adults 18 years and over, and due to the nature of the walk, we ask you to leave dogs and other pets at home.  Please contact the club directly to inquire about service animals, and any family or pet friendly walks.  

AWT GRADE 3 (Medium): Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface, and many steps. AWT Grade information. 

PACE: We will take an easy pace, particularly up the hills. Plenty of time to look at the views, photograph the abundant kangaroos and watch the daredevil mountain bike riders on the cycle tracks that are adjacent to but carefully separate from the walking tracks.   

TOTAL ASCENT: Approximately 330 metre gain with an ascent and descent (steep – recommend to bring walking poles)

WALK DESCRIPTION: 

From the picnic ground we follow a track clockwise around the reservoir and cross over the dam wall. Sugarloaf Reservoir is a holding area for water to supply the northern, eastern and central suburbs of Melbourne. The water comes from the Yarra River and Maroondah Reservoir. The track then continues around the reservoir, with views of the storage lake for most of the walk. 

There is a gradual climb to the highest point of the walk from where there are views of the city in the distance in one direction and of the Yarra Valley in the opposite direction. Lunch will probably be here for us to enjoy the views. A bush toilet is available at the lunch spot. There is a reasonable steep descent down to the water edge from where the track follows the waterline back to the Saddle Dam Picnic area. Will see kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife as well as a field of solar panels!! Come along on the walk to find out why these are here.

MEETING POINT: Meet at 9.00 am for a 9.15 start. Full details on how to recognize our group at the starting point will be sent to those who sign up. 

DIRECTIONS:  From Melbourne head out towards Eltham, continue on to Kangaroo Ground on the Eltham-Yarra Glen road till you reach Simpson’s Road on the right-hand side. Turn into Simpson’s Road (signposted with Sugarloaf Reservoir) and stay on the road passing over the dam wall till you reach Saddle Dam Picnic area.

PHONE SIGNAL:  Reasonable phone signal throughout the park.

TOILETS: Yes at the start/end of the walk.

WHAT TO BRING

Mandatory:

• Emergency contact form with medical info.  Download this form here, or get one from the leader on the day.
• 1.5L water
• Backpack
• Rain jacket
• Hiking shoes/boots
• Personal first aid kit (your health is your responsibility)
• Sun hat/sunscreen

Recommended:

• Lunch, snacks
• Hiking poles
• Bug spray

LEADER: Robyn Teed (you will be contacted by the leader prior to the walk)

EXTRA INFORMATION: The leader will make personal contact with all participants to ensure you understand what to expect and answer any queries you might have.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK:  When registering for this event, we ask that you view and agree to our Acknowledgement of Risk.

PRIVACY: 

ABOUT OUR CLUB: Boroondara Bushwalkers are a medium sized club (about 150 members) based in the inner east of Melbourne. We offer over 100 walks each year, mainly on Sundays, but also some Saturdays and mid-week walks. We have walks at levels from Easy to Very Hard, day walks, base camps in either tents or cabin accommodation, as well as multi-day pack carries. We walk in all parts of Victoria and interstate. We enjoy mixing walks with social events such as breakfasts or regional gallery visits, and special interests such as sketching or orchid hunting. Visit our website.