Warragamba Dam

Image of Warragamba Dam

Warragamba Dam. Photo by TVU © SCA

Warragamba Dam

Warragamba Dam is a popular destination for visitors. It is an easy drive from Sydney and offers an ideal location for picnics and sightseeing.

Warragamba Dam Grounds

The grounds at Warragamba Dam reopened to the public on Sunday 8 November 2009. The grounds have upgraded visitor facilities and new viewing platforms to give visitors the best available views of the dam wall and Lake Burragorang.

Warragamba Dam wall remains closed to the public. It is currently a construction site for a major project to upgrade the dam's flood gates. Access to the dam wall will be reviewed in 2012 when this project is complete. The review will take into account a range of factors including security requirements. Guided tours of the dam are not available.

The new Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre is located at the end of the grounds overlooking the dam. Visitor information is available from the foyer and you can watch a video presentation on the construction of Warragamba Dam in the Burragorang Room.

The centre includes the new Water For Life exhibition, with audio-visual material and interactive displays about the dams and catchments, and the history and future of Sydney’s water supply. The exhibition opened in August 2010.

Facilities at the dam include:

  • interpretive signage - tour the grounds and learn about the dam and the surrounding area
  • viewing platforms and observation points - take in views of the dam, the auxiliary spillway and Lake Burragorang
  • picnic tables, shelter sheds and toilet facilities - have a picnic and relax with friends and family in the landscaped grounds
  • Download a copy of the Map of Warragamba Dam Grounds - self guided walk or pick up a copy from the visitor centre.

Please note

  • Our standard Visitor Dos and Don'ts apply - please read before visiting.
  • No dogs or pets are allowed on SCA grounds.
  • Fires are not permitted at any time. No wood, charcoal or solid fuel barbecues or cooking devices can be used. Penalties of up to $5,500 apply for anyone caught ignoring this advice.
  • There are no barbecue facilities in the grounds. Electric barbecue facilities are available in nearby Warragamba Recreational Reserve. Portable gas barbecues are permitted except during total fire bans.
  • The grounds are an alcohol-free zone.

Grounds opening hours

  • 8am to 5pm
  • 8am to 6pm (on weekends and public holidays during daylight saving) 

Visitor Centre reception

  • 10am to 4pm
  • Open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday

Please note: There is no entry to any of the dams 15 minutes before closing time. Access to some SCA areas may be restricted from time-to-time due to construction or operational activity, or for environmental reasons.

Contact Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre on (02) 4774 4433 from 10am to 4pm daily (closed 30 minutes for lunch)

Nearby Facilities

18th Street Lookout

Opening hours for the 18th street lookout are from 10am to 5pm.

View form Eighteenth St Viewing Platform at Warragamba - 2pm, Monday 5th March

View from Eighteenth Street viewing platform at Warragamba

Warragamba Recreational Reserve

Picnic areas are also available nearby in the Warragamba Recreational Reserve, including barbecue facilities and a children's playground. The reserve is managed by Wollondilly Shire Council.

For more information contact Wollondilly Shire Council on (02) 4677 8752 or visit: http://www.visitwollondilly.com.au/nature.php

Please note: The old Warragamba Visitor Centre in the Warragamba Recreational Reserve will be closed from 8 November 2009.

Burragorang Lookout

Views of Lake Burragorang are also available at Burragorang Lookout. The lookout is open to the public and is situated on the edge of a cliff at Nattai, approximately 40 minutes by car from the dam. Facilities at the lookout include barbecues, toilets and a viewing area. The lookout is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

For more information, visit: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0624

Further information