Churchman Brook Dam
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The dam is open to visitors until 5pm every day of the week.
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Churchman Brook Dam in the scenic Darling Ranges is one of Perth's most attractive picnic spots. Built in the 1920s, the dam has always held a special charm for visitors. Why not enjoy it today?
In the summer of 1923, the people of Perth were protesting about the city's inadequate water supply.
The Premier, Sir James Mitchell, announced the launch of the Hills Scheme, as it was called, to solve the problem of chronic water shortages. The scheme involved the construction of three reservoirs in the Hills to serve the city and three pipehead dams to be built as a short term solution.
The project began with the construction of a reservoir and pipehead on Churchman Brook. At the same time, pipehead dams were also built on the upper Canning at Araluen and on Wungong Brook.
Churchman Brook Dam, completed in 1929, provided Perth with a substantial portion of its Hills water supply until 1937.
Difficult and isolated working conditions, heavy rainfall and bad roads made the project a challenge for engineers and labourers alike. As with other dam projects in the Hills Scheme, workers lived at the site in temporary dwellings. In winter, horses that pulled heavy rollers to compact the dam wall, sank up to their bellies in clay.
The reservoir site was cleared by hand by a workforce about to suffer the greater hardship of the Depression years.
Barbecues and Picnics
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Churchman Brook Dam has always been a favourite destination, thanks to its scenic beauty, excellent facilities and closeness to Perth.
You'll find five appealing picnic areas, several with free gas barbecues. A large grassed playing area is ideal for families. Nearby, younger children can have fun in a modern playground.
Two of the picnic areas can be reserved for social functions for 30 or more people.
Call the Ranger on 9397 7948 to make a booking.Walking paths
Add to the enjoyment of a day at Churchman Brook Dam by following marked walk trails through natural bush. Wildlife is abundant and in the wildflower season from July to November, the surrounding bush is carpeted with native flowers.
A pathway also leads from the picnic area at the base of the dam wall to the top of the wall for an excellent viewing point.
How to get there
From Perth city centre, take Albany Highway towards Armadale. Just beyond the suburb of Kelmscott turn left at traffic lights into Brookton Highway. Follow the highway for 5km then turn right into Soldiers Road. The dam entrance is approximately 2km further on the left.
The dam is open to visitors until 5pm every day of the week.
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Downloads
 | Churchman Brook - Download the Churchman Brook brochure and Sitemap |
Other Dams
Churchman Brook 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.
Your Safety & the Security of our Water Services
For your own safety when visiting our sites please ensure that you confine your movements to the signed and formed pathways, roads and recreational areas. Please recognise that there are uneven surfaces and walking hazards which may exist in the area due to the nature of its design and construction, and exercise caution at all times when moving about the area.
Please do:
- Follow and comply with all directional and informational signs.
- Always monitor the whereabouts of children as they explore the site.
- Report all safety hazards to the onsite Ranger, Staff or 13 13 75 (all hours)
- Report all unsafe, criminal or suspicious behaviour to the Ranger, Staff or 13 13 75 (all hours)
Please do not:
- Climb walls, fences or bridges.
- Climb on pipework or other operational infrastructure.
- Deface safety and security signs.
- Trespass into signposted operational and "No Entry" areas.
- Attempt to operate operational taps, valves or controls.
- Block emergency and operational access gates and roadways with vehicles.
- Bring your pet, as domestic animals are prohibited from all drinking water catchments.
