Donnellys Weir Picnic Area (Healesville)

Constructed around 1891 this site was a popular destination for visitation in the early 1900s and continues to the current time. Beside the weir there is a shelter, several picnic tables, BBQs and toilet.

The Donnelly Weir Picnic Area marks the southern end of the Bicentennial National Trail which extends to Cooktown, Queensland. A number of shorter walks lead off from the picnic area, including walks out to the Mooroondah Reservoir (5.6km return) and to the top of Mount St Leonard (follow Rd11 track) through Mountain Ash forest and cool temperate rainforest, where views over the Yarra Valley await.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs (and cats) are not allowed.

Opening Hours:

8am to 8pm - Early October to Early April (Start of Daylight Savings Time to End of Daylight Savings Time)
8am to 6pm - Early April (End of Daylight Savings Time) to end of April
8am to 5pm - May to August
8am to 6pm - September to Early October (Start of Daylight Savings Time)

These times apply to Maroondah Reservoir Park, Badger Weir and Donnellys Weir.

These parks and visitor sites are protected for water security purposes by automatic gates. The gates close at the above posted times, but they do allow for visitors to leave the park for 30 minutes after these times. From 30 minutes after the posted closing time however the after hours exit turns off and exit from the park is no longer possible. Parks Victoria is obliged to do this to help strengthen water resource security.

If a visitor mistakenly gets caught behind the automatic gates after the park closing time, upon exit please drive to within two metres of the gate to activate the late exit trigger. If the gate does not open as the vehicle is leaving too late, please call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 to ask them to assist. A late exit fee may apply.

Review:

A lovely location to visit with a spice of adventure. About 700m before the carpark along Donnellys Weir Road the creek crosses the road. If you don't have a 4WD, it may not be possible to cross the creek depending on water flow (and your appetite for risk). It is possible to park beside the road, cross the creek and walk the 700m to the weir carpark. We decided not to cross in the car but there were enough rocks and logs placed across the water to pass without getting our feet wet.



On the way to the carpark there was a road leading off to an aqueduct. This is part of the track from Maroondah Reservoir Park.



It is only 100m from the carpark to the weir which has a beautiful setting with picnic facilities including toilets. The sound of water flowing over the weir is wonderful. There were also lots of interesting fungi.



Note that swimming is not permitted since it is a designated water supply catchment area for Melbourne. Camping is also prohibited. In early winter we found lots of different fungi.

There are signs to various walks. When we visited a sign said 0.5km to Mt St Leonard but that is wrong, it is much longer.

Photos:

Location

Donnellys Weir Road,  Healesville 3777 View Map

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Web Links

→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/donnellys-weir-picnic-area

→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/yarra-ranges-national-park/attractions/healesville-and-the-black-spur


Donnellys Weir Picnic Area (Healesville)Donnellys Weir Road,, Healesville, Victoria, 3777