Visitor do's and don'ts

To maintain a high quality supply of water, careful management of our dams and catchments is necessary. It is important that visitors and the SCA work together to minimise any environmental impact upon the water storages and nearby catchments, and to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

Controlled access to the SCA's dams and picnic areas, most of which are within the Special Areas, is generally permitted.

Facilities and opening hours

  • Opening hours at the different dam sites and picnic areas are available on their respective pages in this section
  • 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.

Visitor conduct

For the safety and comfort of all visitors, please:

  • consider your fellow guests and keep noise to a minimum
  • obey all signs and notices
  • comply with directions of SCA officers and security personnel
  • keep our picnic areas clean - penalties apply for littering
  • keep within the speed limits
  • use toilet facilities provided.

Restrictions

  • Certain activities are prohibited at SCA dams and picnic areas to protect water quality and the environment. These include horse riding, abseiling, shooting, archery, swimming+, fishing* and non-powered boating*.
    [+] Exemptions exist at Tallowa Dam and Bendeela Picnic Area.
    [*] Exemptions exist at Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, Tallowa and Bendeela.
  • All native animals and plants are protected by law. Collection of firewood is prohibited and fines exist for the destruction of native vegetation in SCA picnic and catchment areas.
  • Dogs are not allowed in SCA picnic grounds.

Fires prohibited

As part of its commitment to adopting the best environmental practices, the SCA prohibits fires at all of its recreational areas AT ALL TIMES.

Burning firewood is an unsustainable use of resources and damaging to the environment.

Electric barbecues are provided for visitors at all picnic areas except Bendeela Camping and Picnic Area and Warragamba Dam Grounds. At Warragamba, electric barbecues are available in the nearby Warragamba Recreation Reserve. Gas barbecues may also be used at all SCA picnic areas. No wood, charcoal or solid fuel barbecues or cooking devices can be used at any time.

Penalties of up to $5,500 apply for anyone caught ignoring this advice.

Visitor information

Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre

  • Phone (02) 4774 4433 from 10am to 4pm daily (closed 30 minutes for lunch)
  • Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

All other SCA dams

  • Phone 1300 SCA GOV (1300 722 468) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday