OVERVIEW

Laughing Waters Park is a relatively unknown bushland area on the north bank of the Yarra, opposite the Longridge Bush Camp.

 

It's between Bob's Rapids (Warrandyte West) and Tikilara Park.

 

It's name derives from the series of waterholes and rapids in the area.

 

ACCESS

Access is from Eltham township, along Mt Pleasant Rd, then along Reynolds Rd, and on to unsealed Laughing Waters Rd.

 

Laughing Waters Rd is narrow, dusty with some steep gradients. It ends at locked gates adjacent to the Caitlin's Community Retreat.

 

The river is reached on a narrow foot-track, which starts at a Parks Vic marker post, just past the gates, which descends through bushland and over rock steps to a small beach.

 

When the river is low, it is possible to walk to the Longridge camp across the rocks.

 

The main waterholes are popular during the warmer months.

 

Though managed by Parks Vic, there are no visitor facilities, so it's necessary to "bring in" and "take away" whatever is needed!

 

Car parking is extremely limited near the locked gates - there are "No Standing" signs there, to enable access by fire management vehicles. Past the gates the track continues as a fire access route, leading up the side of the hill into bushland. Parking is possible for about vehicles near the entrance to the Retreat. Another fire track leads to the east from just in front of the locked gates.

 

About 200 metres before the Retreat, there is a sign pointing along a sidetrack to "River Bend", a secluded Artists' property of historical significance.