Tuesday, 17 January 2012

YAN YEAN RESERVOIR

Yan Yean Reservoir is the oldest water supply for the city of Melbourne. It is built on the Plenty River a tributary of the Yarra River, 30 km north of the city. A 9.5 metre embankment holds back 30,000 megalitres (30 million cubic metres) of water. Work began in 1853 at the height of the gold rush, and it took four years to construct at a cost of £750,000.


The reservoir is managed by Melbourne Water as part of the water supply system for Melbourne. At the time of its completion in 1857 it was the largest artificial reservoir in the world. It was designed by James Blackburn, an English Civil Engineer and former London sanitary inspector who was transported to Tasmania as a convict following charges of embezzlement. After being pardoned he came to Melbourne in 1849. The Toorourrong Reservoir system, constructed in 1883–1885, supplies water to Yan Yean via an aqueduct.


Around the reservoir there are parklands, an extensive nature reserve and picnic grounds. It is a popular and beautiful spot for family outings, another advantage being its proximity to the city. Native flora and fauna (like the Eucalypts and Eastern Rosella pictured below) can be found in the reserve.


This post is part of the "Our World Tuesday" meme.





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24 comments:

  1. Valerie17 January 2012 at 03:18

    Ahh Nick ... now you've really tugged my heart strings with these shots! Several years ago I had the privilege of co-caring for the property of (MMM) Mobile Mission Maintenance International at Whittlesea, in the vicinity of Yan Yean, over the Christmas holidays. Sadly, this property and all its associated outbuildings and homes of resident staff and caretakers - along with those of many others - was destroyed during the devastating bushfires Victoria experienced a couple of years later. However, happy memories remain of a beautiful region of my favourite Australian State and long-standing friendships formed there. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your week.

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  2. Joyful17 January 2012 at 03:38

    These are beautiful photos. I've been to Australia 3x but haven't yet had the pleasure of visiting Melbourne. It looks like I would enjoy it.

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  3. Sylvia K17 January 2012 at 03:53

    Such a delightful place and what wonderful captures, Nick! I love them! That colorful bird is so beautiful. I, too, would love to visit Melbourne! Hope you have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  4. eileeninmd17 January 2012 at 03:54

    Lovely place and a beautiful reservoir. I love the Rosella, a beautiful bird. Great shot, thanks for sharing.

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  5. Penelope Notes17 January 2012 at 04:37

    The arching tree branches frame your world so beautifully. Delightful to find a colorful bird as well as people picnicking in the natural setting around the reservoir.

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  6. beagleAnnie17 January 2012 at 04:41

    Thank you for sharing beautiful shots. I enjoyed them very much. I'm happy to get more information about Melbourne from now.
    Thanks for visiting and being a member of my blog.

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  7. Jim17 January 2012 at 05:01

    Great spot. The Rosella capture is terrific.

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  8. LifeRamblings17 January 2012 at 05:04

    you live in such a beautiful world. looks like a great and peaceful place to spend the day. wonderful photos.

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  9. Carver17 January 2012 at 05:08

    That's a beautiful park at your reservoir. We have a lot of land with trails and parks where the reservoir which supplies my city with water is located.

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  10. Jessica17 January 2012 at 05:45

    Beautiful bird picture. I am your latest follower! If you have time to stop by my site I would appreciate it. Thanks!

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  11. NatureFootstep17 January 2012 at 05:52

    Great scenary. I like that beautiful parrot. :)

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  12. Anonymous17 January 2012 at 05:53

    What a lovely place. Thank you for sharing part of your world with us today!

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  13. RedPat17 January 2012 at 06:25

    Beautiful park! That bird is incredible.

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  14. Al17 January 2012 at 07:15

    This is a beautiful place, nice photos.

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  15. Ebie17 January 2012 at 07:26

    I love the name Yan Yean. The gazebo is a great spot for picnic! Beautiful photos.

    P.S. I will try to join your flower meme, though I quite a number of memes going on Fridays.

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  16. Gemma Wiseman17 January 2012 at 09:37

    Such a scenic area, with clearly adequate facilities for protection if the weather changes! Or for shade! Gorgeous photos!

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  17. Unknown17 January 2012 at 09:52

    a beautiful park. watersheds are one of the most important places that need to be protected. i love the bird shot.

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  18. PerthDailyPhoto17 January 2012 at 12:09

    Interesting post Nick, good to hear a 'successful' convict story! Lovely park and love the gorgeous Rosella shot.

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  19. Red Nomad OZ17 January 2012 at 12:16

    They don't build them like that any more!! Maybe that because there's no more convicts??!!

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  20. Anonymous17 January 2012 at 14:13

    What a gorgeous place. Lovely shots!

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  21. Gattina17 January 2012 at 19:59

    A beautiful place certainly nice too for a pic nic !

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  22. Halcyon17 January 2012 at 21:23

    It's hard to imagine seeing birds like that out in the wild.
    Lovely shots today!

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    Replies
    1. Rajesh18 January 2012 at 00:15

      Beautiful and scenic place. I love that bird.

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  23. Sallie (FullTime-Life)18 January 2012 at 08:13

    Interesting history there and it is a beautiful spot. The rosella (hope I spelled that right) is beatiful, a fantastic color spot in the green. I'm glad they have made it a park area.

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