Our little family has become incredibly curious about the source of the water that comes out of our tap. Earlier this year we ventured off to the West Ryde Boiler House where we learned how water is pumped and gravity fed around Sydney. Our next step was to head to the water source itself.
T and I had already explored the Tank Stream which was the original water source for Sydney when it was a new colony, but the kids were too young to participate. We began seeking other opportunities to learn about Sydney Water and just as these things often happen, found ourselves exploring the largest water catchment area rather unexpectedly.
Last weekend we headed out to the Luddenham area for a farm gate experience which fell through. I noticed the Warragamba Dam signs and suggested that we visit while we were in the area. A resounding YES from the whole family and we headed off.
The Warragamba Dam is Sydney’s primary water supply reservoir and holds 4 times the amount of water found in the Sydney Harbour. Can you believe it? What I found surprising is that it doesn’t even register on any of the “largest dams of the world” lists, meaning there are dams around the world that are significantly larger. Mind blown! In fact, the Snowy Mountains Scheme is more magnificent (we are yet to visit but have added it to our list).
When you park your car at the site and start walking towards the dam you will spot the Visitor Centre. The kids ran towards the ‘play equipment to the left of it only to discover they were valves from the dam itself which have been replaced over time. They enjoyed climbing inside to have a look at how they worked (I assume it was safe).
The Visitor Centre was a lot of fun with an entire room dedicated to kids. We created chatterboxes, landscapes and looked out across the dam from a number of viewing platforms. The exhibitions were also pretty fantastic sharing the history of the Dam.
Both Master R and Miss N were intrigued to discover the Gundungurra Aboriginal dreamtime story of the area. It’s a creation story that details how Mirragan – a large tiger cat and famous fisherman spotted Gurangatch – a part fish part reptile in a small pool where the Wollondilly and Wingecarribee rivers meet. Mirragan decided to catch Gurangatch who suspected his plot and tried his hardest to elude him. A battle commenced and a long cross-country battle ensued carving out the deep gorges of the Burragorang Valley. It was this valley that was flooded when Warragamba Dam was built.
Another surprise for us revealed itself when we discovered that you can walk out onto the dam. This gives you a very close look at this engineering marvel – a total up close and personal perspective. Standing on the dam, looking out across Lake Burragorang. there is a certain stillness about the experience. Birdsong creeps in for moments only to flitter away. Amazing.
Pedestrian access to parts of Warragamba Dam wall is available on weekends and public holidays ONLY between 10am and 4pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
