Beyond the tap: Step inside Preston and Yan Yean reservoir sites during Open House Melbourne
Ever wondered how Melbourne gets its world-class drinking water? For one weekend only, wander through two historic reservoir sites, in areas normally closed to the public – Preston Reservoir on Saturday 26 and Yan Yean Reservoir Sunday 27 July – as part of Open House Melbourne program.
Get a sneak peak of early water supply infrastructure and hear a rich tapestry of stories chronicling the development of our water system while strolling through stunning natural environments.
Yan Yean Reservoir, completed in 1857, spans a whopping 2,250 hectares and has a capacity of 30,266 megalitres, that’s over 12,000 Olympic swimming pools.
“As Victoria’s oldest reservoir, Yan Yean Reservoir established Melbourne as a modern metropolis by providing clean drinking water during a time when typhoid or ‘colonial fever’ was abundant and residents drank primarily from the multipurpose Yarra River,” said Sue Jackman, Melbourne Water Executive General Manager, Service Delivery.
“Today, Yan Yean supplies world-class drinking water to thousands of residents in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and the park offers peaceful picnic spots, walking trails and an array of native plants and wildlife.”
The name ‘Yan Yean’ means ‘Young Man in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, and ties into the cultural significance of the area, as the reservoir was built on a Wurundjeri Traditional Owner initiation site, adding another layer of history and meaning to the area.
The Yan Yean tour will be hosted by wildlife experts who will take you into a forested woodland usually closed to the public and boasting a diverse ecosystem of important flora and fauna.
There have been recent sightings of some of Australia’s largest raptors including the white bellied sea eagle – the second largest raptor in Australia – the endangered grey goshawk and the superb lyrebird. Closer to the ground, Yan Yean is also home to the elusive echidna and the entertaining, but endangered gang gang cockatoos
The heritage-listed Preston Reservoir complex came into action in 1864 and played a crucial role in the original Yan Yean water supply system to the city by regulating water pressure. It currently supplies water to millions of residents in the city and parts of Melbourne’s west.
It receives water directly from Winneke Treatment Plant (Sugarloaf Reservoir) and Silvan Reservoir and comprises two enclosed reservoirs, which each playing an important role in protecting the quality and availability of water. A third, the original open blue stone lined reservoir, on the site continues to play a contingent role in system pressure regulation.
Melbourne Water Heritage Services Manager, Paul Balassone, who brings 39 years of experience in the history of Melbourne’s water system will guide a tour of the site.
“The Preston Reservoir complex demonstrates how our dynamic and interconnected water system enables us to move water where and when it’s needed most,” Ms Jackman said.
Tickets for the one-hour tours of the Preston Reservoir on Saturday 26 July and Yan Yean Reservoir on Sunday 27 July are available exclusively through Open House Melbourne Weekend 2025 with spots limited to 25 people per session. Tickets must be pre-purchased, ticket sales on the day will not be available.
Media enquiries:
03 9679 7004
[email protected]