South Australia’s Hope Valley Reservoir now open to public

Hope Valley Reservoir in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs has opened to the public for the first time in its 150-year history in time for the summer school holidays.

The Reservoir can now be used to enjoy a range of land-based activities including walking, running, cycling, and picnicking.

SA Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the site provides an exciting, large green open space for people to explore the outdoors in the heart of suburban Adelaide.

Minister Speirs noted “opening up our reservoirs at locations all around South Australia has been a tremendous success and is delivering significant social and economic boosts to the local regions, and we’re excited to make Hope Valley the fifth to open for expanded recreational access under our hugely popular policy.

“We have worked with the local Hope Valley community throughout the past year to help capture thoughts and ideas about what they wanted to see on offer at the site, and it’s exciting to be out here today to see these ideas become a reality.

“The experience will only get better heading into the new year too, with a range of fitness equipment, interpretive signage and a kids nature play area to be constructed in early 2021.”

Member for Newland Richard Harvey said construction crews have worked to have all of the required infrastructure in place at Hope Valley in time for the summer school holidays.

Dr Harvey advised “the reservoir’s reserve is now home to a network of nearly five kilometres of fun walking and bike trails that connect up to the existing O-Bahn Bikeway, while visitors can also take in the breathtaking views from the top of the dam wall using the newly-built lookout shelters.

“I know many in the local Hope Valley community have been eagerly awaiting the chance to explore this site, that for too long has been kept under lock and key from the general public, and as the local member, it is a real thrill to join locals in opening this iconic South Australian reservoir reserve.

“Particularly as we head into the busy summer months, Hope Valley provides a safe space for families and fitness lovers to enjoy a range of fun recreational activities within just a short drive from the Adelaide CBD.”

Constructed in 1873 and holding a water capacity of 2.9 billion litres, the Hope Valley Reservoir is Adelaide’s oldest reservoir still used to provide clean, safe drinking water to SA Water customers in Adelaide’s north-east.

More information about recreational access at South Australia’s reservoir reserves can be found at reservoirs.sa.gov.au.

Myponga Reservoir Reserve is open for land-based recreational activities and shoreline fishing is also available with a permit. On-water access for kayaking will be introduced in early to mid-2021.

Bundaleer, South Para and Warren reservoir reserves are open for fishing, kayaking, walking, and cycling.

Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve will offer kayaking, fishing, walking, and cycling opportunities by the end of next year.

Image top: Hope Valley Reservoir concept plan and image above Hope Valley Reservoir courtesy of South Australian Dept for Environment and Water