A new viewing platform on the cliff-top above Quarry Reserve opened recently. It provides ‘beautiful views of the city skyline for community members and visitors alike to stop and enjoy the scenery and surrounds’, says Knox City Council. And what a magnificent view it is, looking back across Quarry Reserve to the sparkling outline of Melbourne CBD, approximately 30km in the distance.

There are several ways of reaching the viewing platform, by car, bike or on foot, from lower or Upper Ferntree Gully. It’s an invigorating walk if you go through Quarry Reserve, climb the steps to the left of the cliff, to the top of the very last set, and turn right along the top of the cliff. The signage is not that great, but if you look left as you walk alongside the cliff-top fence you can’t miss it.

Once you catch your breath, trees and meadows surrounding the viewing platform provide great photo opportunities across the valley and up the Gully.

‘After a year of development, Quarry Reserve’s $2.35 million upgrades are now complete,’ continues the press release from Knox City Council. $1.7 million from the Australian Government, $600,000 from Council and $50,000 from Fisheries Victoria funded these upgrades over the last year or so.

Quarry Reserve is a beautiful urban park in the heart of Ferntree Gully, with fishing platforms, children’s play areas, picnic and BBQ facilities, public toilets and car parking spaces. For more information on the project, contact Robin Firth at robin.firth@knox.vic.gov.au.