Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The O’Shannassy River Aqueduct Reserve is located in the Yarra Ranges region of Victoria, Australia, encompassing a corridor along the historic O'Shannassy Aqueduct, which is part of Melbourne’s early 20th-century water supply system. The reserve protects native wet sclerophyll forests, including tall mountain ash, and supports a variety of native wildlife such as lyrebirds, wallabies, possums, and diverse birdlife. The area remains largely undeveloped, offering serene walking and mountain biking trails that parallel the aqueduct channel. The historic aqueduct itself is a notable engineering landmark, representing early efforts to supply clean water to Melbourne by harnessing the natural catchment of the O’Shannassy River. This reserve appeals to visitors interested in history, nature photography, birdwatching, and low-impact outdoor recreation. Its peaceful environment and rich biodiversity provide a quiet retreat from urban life. Visitors can explore walking tracks that wind through mountain ash forests and fern gullies, enjoying panoramic views of the forest canopy, streams, and waterfalls in nearby areas. Due to its location within water catchment areas, access is managed to ensure protection of water quality and forest ecosystems. The reserve forms an important green corridor linking other parts of the Yarra Ranges National Park system.
