Sugarloaf Reservoir 16km Loop Group Hike

On Saturday, 16 December 2017, seven members of the Green Trails hiking group completed a circuit of Sugarloaf Reservoir in the Christmas Hills.

The event was advertised as a 17km loop expected to take approximately five hours. Our Garmin recording measured 16.11km, with 338 metres of elevation gain, and we completed the walk in 3 hours and 39 minutes.

This first group circuit introduced us to a route that would become a popular Green Trails hike. We returned to Sugarloaf Reservoir several times in the future, enjoying its combination of open grassland, bush tracks, reservoir views and abundant kangaroos.

Hikers looking across Sugarloaf Reservoir from a grassy hillside.

Hike details

Date: Saturday, 16 December 2017
Location: Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Christmas Hills
Starting point: Upper car park on Ridge Picnic Area Road
Hike type: Loop
Recorded distance: 16.11km
Completion time: 3 hours and 39 minutes
Elevation gain: 338m
Number of hikers: Seven, including the hike leader
Difficulty: Grade 3
Main features: Sugarloaf Reservoir, dam wall, rolling hills, bushland and kangaroos

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park is located among the rolling hills of Christmas Hills, approximately an hour north-east of Melbourne. The park is part of the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri people.

The reservoir was developed during the late 1970s to supplement Melbourne’s drinking-water supply. Unlike a reservoir fed only by its immediate catchment, Sugarloaf receives water transferred from sources including the Yarra River and Maroondah Aqueduct.

Water leaving the reservoir is treated at the nearby Winneke Water Treatment Plant before entering Melbourne’s water-supply network. Melbourne Water advises that the plant supplies approximately one quarter of the city’s drinking water.

The reservoir is surrounded by grassland, pockets of open forest and a network of walking tracks. The uninterrupted views across the water make the circuit feel more remote than its proximity to Melbourne might suggest.

An open view across Sugarloaf Reservoir.

Reservoir water with the surrounding mountains in the distance.

Beginning at Ridge Picnic Area

We met at the upper car park on Ridge Picnic Area Road for a 9:30am start. From the picnic area, the circuit began following the tracks around the reservoir.

The walk was described as a stroll, but its 16km distance and repeated hills still required a reasonable level of fitness. The elevation was accumulated through numerous smaller climbs rather than one sustained mountain ascent.

Six hikers following a narrow section of trail.

Some sections passed through open grassland with clear views of the reservoir, while others entered patches of eucalypt woodland.

Hikers crossing an open field beside the reservoir.

Views across the water

Sugarloaf Reservoir remained the central feature throughout the circuit. As we moved around its shoreline, the angle of the light and surrounding hills continually changed the view.

Grassy hillside descending towards the reservoir.

Reservoir shoreline viewed between the trees.

From the higher sections, we could look down across broad areas of water and see the surrounding Christmas Hills landscape beyond it.

Sugarloaf Reservoir viewed from high above the shoreline.

Looking down at the reservoir from the top of a hill.

A group photograph or scenic image from one of these elevated positions would make a natural midpoint for the post.

Kangaroos along the trail

Kangaroos were one of the most memorable features of this hike. We encountered several large animals in the grassland and around the walking tracks.

A large kangaroo standing in the distance.

At one point, a kangaroo was using the same narrow trail as our group.

Four hikers on the trail with a kangaroo farther ahead.

Another appeared above the tall yellow grass, with only its head and upper body initially visible.

The photographs also show just how large some of the animals were.

A large kangaroo watching the group from above the trail.

A kangaroo resting beneath the shade of a tree.

Wild kangaroos should always be given plenty of room. Hikers should avoid blocking their route, approaching for photographs or moving between an adult and its young. If an animal appears alert, agitated or unwilling to move away, the safest response is to stop and increase the distance.

A noisy confrontation

Two particularly large kangaroos appeared to be involved in a confrontation. I recall hearing them growling at one another quite aggressively.

Kangaroos can communicate through vocalisations, body posture, pawing and physical displays. Even if their behaviour looks interesting from a distance, large males are powerful wild animals and should never be approached.

Two large kangaroos confronting one another.

Feeding wildlife is prohibited within Sugarloaf Reservoir Park. Apart from changing natural behaviour, feeding can encourage animals to approach people and increase the likelihood of unsafe encounters.

Walking across the dam wall

Another distinctive section took us across the Sugarloaf Reservoir dam wall.

The main embankment is approximately 1,050 metres long and rises about 89 metres. It provides a different perspective from the surrounding bush tracks, with open views across the reservoir and its infrastructure.

Looking across the reservoir from the dam wall.

Boats could also be seen on the opposite side of the water. Sailing is permitted under controlled arrangements through the sailing club, but swimming, kayaking and entering the reservoir are prohibited because it forms part of Melbourne’s drinking-water system.

Grassy slope leading towards the reservoir, with a boat on the opposite bank.

Preparing for the circuit

Although this hike is not technically difficult, its distance, open terrain and cumulative climbing require appropriate preparation. Much of the route has limited protection from summer sun, so walkers should carry sufficient drinking water, sunscreen and a hat.

A small hiking pack makes it easier to carry water, food and an additional layer. Suitable equipment for short and full-day walks can be found in the Green Trails hiking shop.

Hiking poles are optional but may help walkers manage the repeated hills, particularly during descents or when the ground is slippery.

Visitors also need to observe the reservoir’s catchment-protection rules:

Dogs and other pets are not permitted
Swimming, wading and recreational paddling are prohibited
Camping and fires are not permitted
Wildlife must not be fed
Plants, animals and cultural features are protected
Rubbish must be taken home because bins are not provided

Park opening and closing times vary seasonally, so visitors should allow enough time to finish the circuit before the gates close.

Completing the loop

Our Garmin activity recorded 16.11km and 338 metres of elevation gain. We completed the circuit in 3 hours and 39 minutes, considerably faster than the original five-hour estimate.

The seven-person group maintained a good pace while still having opportunities to stop for reservoir views and wildlife. The mix of open hills, dam infrastructure, narrow bush tracks and frequent kangaroo sightings made it an enjoyable and accessible full circuit.

Its proximity to Melbourne, manageable terrain and attractive scenery helped make Sugarloaf Reservoir a route that we would return to for future Green Trails events.

The walk was organised and managed through Meetup. The original event details can be viewed on the Sugarloaf Reservoir 17km Loop Meetup event.

Anyone planning the circuit today should check the current Sugarloaf Reservoir Park information and Melbourne Water reservoir rules before visiting.