Access in Special Areas

Under the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998, there are two water quality protection zones:

  • Schedule One (land close to the water storages), and
  • Schedule Two (second tier buffer zone, adjoining Schedule One).

These zones are collectively called the Special Areas.

Restrictions and controls are placed on land use, development and access within Special Areas to protect water quality.

Under the relevant regulations, fines of up to $11,000 apply for unauthorised or illegal access in the Special Areas.

The Special Areas Brochure - What you can and can't do explains the restrictions that apply to the Special Areas and includes a map showing their boundaries.

An application form to enter the Special Areas is available.

Schedule One areas

Schedule One refers to land immediately surrounding the water storages. In the Warragamba catchment, Schedule One land extends for a radius of three kilometres from the top of the stored water level in Lake Burragorang (which is formed by Warragamba Dam).

In the Blue Mountains, Woronora and Metropolitan catchments, Schedule One lands cover the entire catchments.

All access, either on foot or by vehicle, and including motorcycles, bicycles and horses, is prohibited in Schedule One land.

The only exceptions are walking corridors in the following areas:

Warragamba Catchment

  • Access corridor for walkers from Katoomba to Yerranderie or Mittagong via White Dog Ridge, Mt Cookem, Scott's Main Range, and Beloon Pass.

Blue Mountains Catchment

  • Walls Cave walking track, off Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath
  • The Transit of Venus walking track, which provides access to Hazel, Mabel and Edith falls, starting at Woodbury Street, Woodford.

Walkers using the access corridors cannot camp within Schedule One land. Walking corridors are for walkers only. Motorcyclists, bicyclists and horse riders are not permitted.

Schedule Two areas

Schedule Two areas surround the Lake Burragorang storages, in which the SCA has a major management interest. Vehicle access is restricted (as are motorcyclists, bicyclists and horse riders), but walkers are generally permitted.

In both Schedule One and Schedule Two areas, activities such as swimming, horeseriding, fishing, cycling and boating are prohibited - unless otherwise stated.

Dams and picnic areas

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

Full details of facilities, opening hours, and permitted activities at the dams and picnic areas are available in the recreation section of this website.