Puddle Dam Reserve

This clay puddle dam was constructed in 1905 to act as a reservoir for water supply from the Water Race to supply to town of Lilydale. It commenced at the Cascades on Olinda Creek. The dam became redundant in the 1930s following the construction of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct and Silvan Reservoir.

The Friends of the Water Race and Quinn Reserve, supported by Yarra Ranges Council and local schools commenced revegetation and weed control works in the 1990s. Management of this site to improve and conserve it continues to today.

Puddle Dam is located on the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail at the beginning of the Water Race Trail, off Birmingham Road.