Silvan Dam Reservoir Park - Silvan Dam Picnic Area and Children's Payground

In our travels around the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne's outer East, we have been to many parks, playgrounds and picnic areas. Today I am going to talk about one that is a little off the beaten track, Silvan Dam.

Silvan Dam picnic area steps in Autumn

 Silvan Dam Picnic Area was created following the construction of Silvan Dam. Typical of most dams, there is a flat area below the dam wall, with a spillway that allows excess water to drain away. The spillway is fenced off, but you can see through the fence - one fun game we like to play is to see how many fish you can see swimming around in the water. No fishing here however.

 The spillway then goes underground following the fenced area, which means that it is a very safe for little children. No issues with children falling into deep water because there simply isn't any that they can access. The down side to this is that there is no swimming area in this park. However, if you go out of the lower exit gate, and turn left, go down the road about two hundred meters from Silvan Dam Picnic Area, the river runs along side the road, you can walk down for a splash or a swim.

We think it's a beautiful picnic area, with plenty of trees for shade on a hot sunny day. There are picnic tables, surrounded by a large flat grassed area that's perfect for children to run around on or perfect for a family game of soccer or cricket. There are walking tracks as well, including a walk that overlooks the dam and lake. Silvan Dam is still a part of Melbourne's water supply so there is no swimming, boating fishing or access to the lake itself.

Silvan Dam picnic tables and barbecue

Lets not forget the many tables and gentle slopes, perfect for a game of hide and seek!

Silvan Dam picnic area upper slopes

 One feature that makes Silvan Dam a good place to take the family for a picnic in the Dandenong Ranges and Monbulk area is the children's playground. This one is aimed at children aged to about ten years old, so young families will have plenty of fun here. Other features of Silvan Dam Picnic Area are public toilets, and plenty of parking.


All in all a good spot for a weekend picnic or family barbecue, but if you are going to hold a barbecue please check the local CFA website for any fire restrictions. You will need to bring your own barbecue if you are planning to do any cooking.

Silvan Dam picnic area covered pergola

There is no shop or Kiosk but if you need supplies there is a service station in Silvan on the Monbulk Road that sells ice, drinks, chips and similar.

 Silvan Dam Picnic Area can best be reached via Monbulk Road. Take this to Silvan, and find the CFA Fire Station. Next to this is a sealed road running off Monbulk Road. Take this road, about 400 meters down on the left is the park. There are three carparks, the top one is smaller, if you are saving a picnic take the second one as this has a shorter walk to the main area. The overflow carpark is on the right.

Silvan Dam picnic area Dam view

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