Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park

Free entry

Pedestrian & bike access: all hours
Crusoe car park: all hours
No 7 car park: 8am to sunset

Surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park this unique area provides an abundance of environmental beauty, cultural heritage and recreational features.

The park covers 210 hectares which includes the two reservoirs, and provides ample opportunity for many recreational pursuits such as cycling, walking and jogging.

Map directions to Crusoe Reservior.

No dog policy

When you are visiting this park we ask that dogs stay at home. The presence of dogs and the scent they leave behind can inhibit the natural movements of native animals through the reserve, such as echidnas, ducks, wallabies and reptiles.

The park has many natural features worthy of protection and is managed according to the highest conservation values. The adopted management plan for the reserve specifies that domestic pets can pose health risks and other impacts on visitors and natural values.

No bin policy

We have adopted a no rubbish bin policy for Crusoe and No.7 Park.   To ensure the park preserves its natural and cultural integrity we ask that any rubbish taken in, is taken out with you when you leave.  This is because:

• Rubbish not properly disposed of pollutes bushland and water ways. 
• Rubbish bins attract wildlife which can be harmed by the rubbish.
• Requires time and money for our staff to dispose of the rubbish.

Accessible facilities

• Wide shared gravel tracks
• Disabled toilets and parking
• Ample table & seating

Jogging/cycling tracks

The network of gravel tracks have been measured and sign-posted for varying distances with an easy to follow colour-coded system that is ideal for the novice or serious runner.  The maps with corresponding distances can be downloaded below:

• Crusoe 2km cycling/jogging trail
• Crusoe 3km & 4km cycling/jogging trail
• Crusoe 5km & 6km cycling/jogging trail
• Crusoe 7km & 8km cycling/jogging trail

The Crusoe loop track is 3.3km, and provides cyclists with water and bush views, the link track to No 7 is 1.7km, and the No 7 loop track is 1.4km long with historical and environmental features.

• Fishing (Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, Redfin and Tench)
• Swimming
• Canoeing
• Small Scale Sailing

Note: Water activities are not permitted on or in the No 7 Reservoir because it has been established as a conservation area. The reservoir is home to the Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) which in Victoria has been classified as a vulnerable species.

A 'nest box program' has been implemented by staff to monitor the numerous boxes that have been positioned around the park. They'll be looking for species type and number, and provide a glimpse into the world of nocturnal animals that few people see.

For large groups please book through our Customer Service Centre on 5434 6000.

The Friends of Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park are members of the community working with us to help promote, protect and enhance the park. They are involved in activities such as planting, weed control, and guided tours. To become a member please contact the Park Ranger on 0427 844 177.

History

With the discovery of gold and the establishment of Bendigo as a city in 1851, there was high demand placed on water for consumption and mining practices. Without a river and Bendigo creek becoming polluted due to mining practices, drinking water was scarce.

This led to the formation of the Bendigo Waterworks Company who in 1858 commissioned Joseph Brady, an Irish engineer, to design and supervise construction of the No. 7 Reservoir.

No. 7 Reservoir was one of eight reservoirs (six for mining and two for domestic). Construction of the reservoir was completed in 1861 with a capacity to hold 270 million litres of domestic water to supply 15,000 Bendigo residents. At this time Bendigo's water consumption was at 160,000 litres per day.

The No.1 Reservoir was built in 1859 across the Bendigo Creek at the corner High and Maple Streets. However it leaked and was soon decommissioned. Joseph Brady then went on to build No. 7 and abandoned plans to build the remaining six reservoirs.

 In 1872 the increasing population and gold activity, as well as drying conditions saw the start of the second stage in developing permanent water supply to Bendigo.  Off the back of his successful No 7 Reservoir and water treatment works engineer Joseph Brady was again appointed to oversee the construction of a holding reservoir within the Robinson Crusoe Gully.  To be called Crusoe Reservoir it was built to hold approximately 350 million gallons (1500ML) and included an improved water filtration system.  The Crusoe Reservoir was completed on 23 April 1873 with construction costing 25,400 pounds.

Crusoe dam wall

Like No. 7 dam wall, Crusoe's dam wall has been designed with a puddle clay core.  Puddle (compacted) clay was layered dry in a trench and then flooded with water and worked using spades and iron rammers.  This technique is a successful way of creating an impervious barrier to water.  A cast iron siphon outlet transporting water from the reservoir to the settling ponds is bedded and covered in brickwork then cement and further surrounded by puddle clay.

Crusoe Reservoir and Number 7 Park Interim Management Plan