Aura Vale Lake Park and Bob's Park (Menzies Creek)

 

Located north of Cardinia Reservoir, Aura Vale Lake plays a very important role in Melbourne's water supply. The lake forms part of a drainage system designed to channel run-off water from neighbouring properties and roads, and stop it entering the main reservoir. This system prevents polluted water from affecting the quality of our drinking water.

Over the past years Aura Vale Lake Park has become a popular venue for boating activities including sailboarding and canoeing and for other small non-powered boats up to 3.3 metres. Swimming is not permitted due to poor water quality and submerged objects.

The park is open 10:00am to 6:00pm during daylight saving time.

The Park is reached from the turnoff on Wellington Rd, and a carpark and boat launching ramp are situated at the Henley Picnic  area.

 

Nearby is the junction of Aura Vale Park Rd,  (turn off at Wellington Rd) which follows the northern arm of the Lake. 

 

The abandoned picnic ground at the end of Bob's Park Rd,  to the west of Aura Vale Park Rd is closed to private cars by a gate next to a roundabout. Pedestrian entry is permitted, and the neglected facilities may be inspected, including the old toilet block, barbecues, stone staircase to the former carpark, and the original information shelter. Access to the lake itself is now blocked off by Melbourne Water, but glimpses of it may be seen through the bushland.

 

I first visited Bob' Park by car some 15 years ago prior to the closure of the picnic ground. Mv latest visit was on July 15, 2018, a walking exploration.