Upper Nepean dams � Cataract, Cordeaux, Avon, Nepean

Cataract Dam May 2011

Cataract Dam. Photo by TVU © SCA

Recreation areas at SCA's dams will be closed on all Total Fire Ban days.

Cataract, Cordeaux, Avon and Nepean Dams are all located south of Sydney. The Upper Nepean dams were built in the early 1900s to meet Sydney's growing water needs. Featuring architecture and engineering typical of the time, and situated in beautiful bushland settings, the dams are an excellent day trip destination.

The facilities at these grounds include:

Viewing areas
Picnic shelters
Electric barbecues
Toilets/disabled toilets
Drinking water
Playground

Opening hours

10am to 5pm daily (during daylight saving hours the dam will remain open until 7pm on weekends and public holidays)
The dams are open every day of the year
Please note: There is no entry to any of the dams 15 minutes prior to closing time. Access to some SCA areas may be restricted from time-to-time due to construction or operational activity, or for environmental reasons

To help the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) manage its picnic facilities, please notify us in advance when the size of groups visiting any of our sites will exceed 50 visitors. This can be done using the large group notification form.

How to get there

Cataract Dam

Cataract Dam is located about 84 kilometres drive south-west of Sydney, off the Appin-Bulli Road. From Sydney take the Hume Highway [F5] to the Campbelltown exit and follow the Appin Road south. At Appin, take the Bulli-Wollongong Road, and turn right to Cataract Dam where signposted.

Cordeaux Dam

Cordeaux Dam is located about 94 kilometres drive from Sydney. From Sydney take the Hume Highway [F5] towards Canberra. Past Campbelltown, take the Wollongong/Picton turnoff. The Cordeaux Dam entrance is about 10 minutes on the right, and is signposted.

Avon and Nepean Dams

Avon and Nepean Dams are situated approximately 100 kilometres drive from Sydney. Follow the Hume Highway [F5] south from Sydney and take the Bargo exit to Avon and Nepean dams.