Summary

The Retarding Basin for Dandenong Creek lies below Mt Dandenong. It has a lake and billabong to enjoy from broad gravel tracks.

Description

Built in 1972 to control the waters heading down Dandenong Creek during high flow events, this is quite a nice bush come grassy parkland.

The retarding basin is part of Melbourne Water infrastructure. It protects downstream property while providing something of a wildlife refuge. There are a couple of loops around the two water bodies joined by a section of track along the creek itself.

Licensed fishing and boating is permitted. There are places for picnics, although there are no picnic tables and the grass can be allowed to grow quite long.

The site is very popular with dog walkers. It is worth commenting many are off leash despite it not being an off leash dog park. If you are nervous around dogs this might not be the site for you.

There are no bins on site. Litter around the car park was a evident.

Other walks in this area
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Wombalano Bushland walk, Ringwood East
Quarry Reserve Loop, Upper Ferntree Gully
Bungalook Conservation walk, Kilsyth
Dorset Recreation Trail, Croydon

Amenities
Car parking
Seating
Parkland
Waterway
Walking tracks
Information signs
Flora and fauna habitat

Cautions
Open water
Limbs may fall
Embankments
Uneven ground
No potable water
Slippery surfaces
Subject to flooding
Surfaces vary
Snakes may be active
Be mindful to keep within the Reserve

Restrictions
Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times
No firearms
No hunting
No camping
No illegal fishing
Take rubbish with you
No firewood collection
Native flora and fauna are protected
Closed on days of total fire ban
No 4WD or motor bike access

2671 Views

Points of Interest

1. Car parking

The car park can get quite full at times, but turnover of spaces is pretty steady.

2. The tracks.

Tracks are smooth gravel. They are generally wide and smooth enough for easy passing and prams. Some places get muddy when wet.

3. The Billabong.

A calming place to walk around or watch for wildlife.

4. Dandenong Creek

The creek flows through the park and into the lake. There is one bridge crossing.

5. View of Mt Dandenong.

Mt Dandenong is always in the background.

6. Signage.

There are informative signs at the two main entry points, but only this entry had one to say dogs must be on a leash.

7. Dogs off leash.

Many dogs are not on a leash. It pays to be mindful.

8. View of the lake to the west.

The view from the track above the lake makes for attractive vistas to the bushy hills of the western flank.

9. View of the lake looking east.

This view looks across the overflow regulator and depth measures to the Dandenongs.

10. Seating.

There are not a lot of seats along the way, but enough for those needing a rest from time to time.

11. Launch ramp.

Convenient for a spot of canoeing or kayaking.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Pram friendly

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden