Daylighting refers to the removal of underground stormwater drains and transforming them into natural waterways and open spaces. Replacing the existing piped waterway with an open and flowing channel, will restore this section of Tarralla Creek to a more natural state.
We’re transforming another section of Tarralla Creek to create a more natural and enjoyable community space.
Melbourne Water is leading the delivery of this exciting project in partnership with Maroondah City Council, Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action (DEECA), Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the local community.
Why this project is important
Our rivers and creeks are essential to our way of life in Melbourne. That’s why we’re continuing the transformation of Tarralla Creek, which is currently an underground drain and grassed channel, turning it back into the natural waterway it once was. This will create a more desirable open space where native wildlife can thrive and communities can come together in a cooler, greener place.
Project overview
The Reimagining Tarralla Creek project site extends for almost two kilometres from Dorset Road to Eastfield Road in Croydon. The project started in 2017, when all stages were co-designed with extensive feedback from our partners and our community.
We completed Stage 1 of the project in 2022. This included a section of the creek and Croydon Wetlands between Vinter Road and Norton Road, Croydon.
Based on the successful delivery of the first stage, we are preparing for the construction of Stage 2. This will continue to improve the liveability, health, well-being and amenity for the local community in Maroondah.
Stage 2
For the second stage, we are reimagining Tarralla Creek from Vinter Avenue to Eastfield Road in Croydon. This will involve transforming a further 886m of the creek.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and Melbourne Water. The project is part of Melbourne Water’s award-winning Reimagining Your Creek Program.
More information can be found at Urban Rivers and Catchments Program - DCCEEW
What's involved in the project?
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'Daylighting' 886 meters of underground stormwater pipes
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Upgrading the shared path
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Creating informal creek crossings
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Establishing a traditional eel trap and a women's space alongside the shared path (subject to approvals)
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Landscaping and native vegetation plantings.
What is ‘daylighting’?
Project timeline
2017 – 2019
We developed concept plans for all stages of the project based on the community’s vision and feedback. Extensive community consultation was undertaken to help develop the key design elements for the reimagined creek, wetlands and shared pathways, which resulted in the integration of local and Traditional Owner knowledge and values into the final design.
2020 - 2022 Stage 1: Construction
The first section of the Reimagining Tarralla Creek project was completed in 2022. This section saw 500 metres of concrete pipes converted into a natural waterway, as well as an upgrade to the Croydon Drain Wetland between Vinter Road and Norton Road. The project included:
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a new waterway channel
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more than 80,000 new plants
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a revitalised wetland
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a bird hide
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informal creek crossings
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gathering spaces
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a new bridge and shared paths
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the Wurundjeri Sensory Garden.
Stage 1 was a joint initiative led by Melbourne Water in partnership with Maroondah City Council, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Yarra Valley Water, Friends of Eastfield Park and the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) (which is now DEECA).
The project has won both the Victorian and National awards for Excellence in Infrastructure at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) Awards in 2023, as well as the 2024 World Green Infrastructure Network 'Green Neighbourhood Scale and On-grade Projects Award'.
June 2025
Site investigations and flood modelling review
Early 2026
Concept design confirmation
Mid 2026
Functional design completed
Late 2026
Detailed design completed
Early 2027
Construction starts
Early - mid 2028
Construction completion
Get involved
In 2018, we engaged extensively with the community to upgrade the almost two kilometres of Tarralla Creek from Dorset Road to Eastfield Road in Croydon.
Through Let’s Talk, we’ll share the concept plan for Stage 2 in early 2026.
About the Reimagining Your Creek Program
Melbourne Water's Reimagining Your Creek Program works collaboratively with councils, communities, Traditional Owners and local residents to transform stormwater drains and concrete channels into natural waterways and desirable open spaces.
The program has seen the transformation of sections of Arnolds Creek in Melton West, Moonee Ponds Creek in Oak Park and Strathmore, and sections of Blind Creek in Boronia, Knoxfield and Wantirna South.
Comprehensive flood modelling is always undertaken to ensure that there will be no increased flooding risk to the local community or downstream users as a result of these projects.
Other new projects include Reimagining Eumemmerring Creek and a second stage of Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Pascoe Vale.
Key Documents
Contact us
If you have questions or feedback on the project, please get in touch with the project team:
