History of South Dandalup Dam

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1 South Dandalup Dam

2 South Dandalup Dam South Dandalup Dam is the largest of all the dams supplying Perth. Its natural beauty, tall trees, abundant bird life and location close to the historic town of Dwellingup make it a popular year-round destination. History of South Dandalup Dam Rapid population growth in Perth in the late 1960s, fuelled by the resources boom in the Pilbara, provided the impetus for a new water supply program known as the Dandalup Rivers Scheme. The first step in the scheme involved building a pipehead dam on the North Dandalup River which winds through rolling hills to the Peel Inlet. In 1971, work began to build a much larger dam on Lake Banksiadale, 20km further south. After three years, the South Dandalup Dam was completed, with a capacity of more than 200 million kilolitres the biggest of all the dams supplying water to Perth. The picturesque North Dandalup River was destined to play an even more important role in meeting Perth s present and future water needs. In 1994, the North Dandalup Dam was completed as another major storage reservoir, replacing the original pipehead dam. As well as being an important water supply source, South Dandalup Dam is a popular recreation area.

3 Other dams South Dandalup Dam is just one of the dams where the Water Corporation has provided facilities for your enjoyment. Approximately half of Perth s water supply and most of the water distributed through the Goldfields and Agricultural System now comes from catchments in the Darling Range. These supply water of very high quality at a low cost to the community. Have a great day out Barbecues and picnics A visit to South Dandalup Dam offers the feel of a real day out in the country with its stands of tall jarrah trees and natural bush surroundings. A large picnic area at the top of the dam wall is equipped with free gas barbecues and picnic tables. A nearby lookout provides spectacular views over the dam and down through the valley. Flora and fauna The area is popular with bird lovers with an abundance of popular native species including robins, finches, blue wrens and the occasional eagle soaring on an updraft in the surrounding hills. You may also catch a glimpse of a kangaroo or wallaby. During the wildflower season from July to November, the surrounding bush is carpeted with many brilliantly-coloured species. To complement your outing, call in to the historic timber town of Dwellingup, only 8 kilometres away, and browse through its charming craft shops and Forest Heritage Centre.

4 Your safety and the security of our water services When visiting our sites please ensure your safety by using only the signed and formed pathways, roads and recreational areas. Please be aware of uneven surfaces and walking hazards and take care when moving around the area. Please do: informational signs. explore the area. by calling Please do not: roadways with vehicles.

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6 South Dandalup River Lookout Quarry Spillway Bridge Lookout No Public Access ENTRANCE Dam Wall South Dandalup Dam To North Dandalup Control Tower DEL PARK ROAD To Dwellingup Did you know...? South Dandalup Dam Earthfill Embankment Dam Road Walkway Toilets Disabled Toilets Picnic Area Parking Building Gas Barbecue Reservoir capacity Surface area at full storage Catchment area Reservoir length Height above lowest foundation Width of base million kilolitres 2100 hectares 311 square kilometres 22 kilometres 43 metres 268 metres No dogs permitted on site

7 Great Midland Eastern Mundaring Hwy Fremantle Albany Hwy Roleystone Brookton Hwy Kwinana Fwy O C EAN Serpentine Fwy Jarrahdale Albany Hwy IN D IAN PEEL INLET Mandurah South Western How to get there From Perth City centre, take Kwinana Freeway or Tonkin or Albany Highway to Armadale. Then follow South Western Highway to the North Dandalup township. Turn left at Del Park Road and drive a further 18km to the dam, which is well signposted. The drive from Perth should take around an hour and a half. The dam is open until 6pm. Closed 5pm in Winter. Further information For more information about this dam and others in Western Australia call or visit our website ISBN November 2009 Printed on environmentally friendly paper