Kays Picnic Ground Spring, Kalista, Victoria, Australia

## Overview Kays Picnic Ground Spring is a natural spring located near the charming township of Kallista in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia. The spring forms a shallow pool fed by a local aquifer, and it has long been rumoured among locals that the water originates from the Great Dividing Range — the vast mountain system that runs along Australia's eastern seaboard. Nestled in the lush, fern-filled landscape typical of the Dandenongs, this spring has been used as an informal water collection point by nearby residents and visitors for years. The spring sits within the grounds of Kays Picnic Ground, a well-known recreation area along Monbulk Road. The surrounding environment is quintessential Dandenong Ranges bushland — towering mountain ash, dense tree ferns, and the sounds of bellbirds and lyrebirds in the canopy. The site is accessible at all hours; visitors have reported collecting water even late at night with the aid of a torch. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary. Local users have noted that it is best to collect water when there has been no significant rainfall for several days, as runoff may introduce contaminants — including possible sewage from nearby properties — into the shallow pool. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, but conditions can change, and no official water quality testing results are publicly available for this spring. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at **Kays Picnic Ground, 202 Monbulk Road**, between Kallista and Monbulk in the Dandenong Ranges. 2. The easiest approach is via **Belgrave** or **Kallista** — both townships connect to Monbulk Road. 3. From Kallista, head east along Monbulk Road toward Monbulk. The spring is approximately **2 kilometres** along on the Monbulk side of the road. 4. Look for the Kays Picnic Ground entrance. The spring pool is located within the picnic ground area. 5. **GPS coordinates:** -37.883633, 145.387863 ## What to Expect Upon arrival at Kays Picnic Ground, you'll find a peaceful bushland setting with picnic facilities surrounded by the tall eucalypts and ferns of the Dandenong Ranges. The spring itself forms a shallow, naturally fed pool — it's modest in size but has a steady flow from the underlying aquifer. The site is accessible around the clock, making it convenient for early-morning or late-evening water collection runs. There is no formal infrastructure around the spring itself, so wear sturdy footwear, especially if visiting after rain when the ground can be muddy and slippery. If you're planning to collect water, locals recommend timing your visit after a dry spell of several days. Recent rainfall can affect water clarity and quality due to surface runoff in the area. Bringing your own containers is essential, as there are no taps or dispensers — this is a natural spring in its raw form. The picnic ground itself is a lovely spot to linger, with the kind of cool, shaded atmosphere the Dandenongs are famous for. It's a great stop if you're exploring the region's many walking trails, gardens, and small-town cafés.