Wungong Dam
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The dam is open to visitors until 5pm every day of the week.
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An easy drive from Perth, Wungong Dam is a delightful setting for a picnic outing.
Many species of native birds, a recreation lake and magnificent views of the Darling Ranges add to its charm.
The Wungong River flowing through the Darling Ranges to the south of Perth, has been a water source for the city for over 70 years.
In 1925, a small concrete pipehead dam was built as part of the visionary “Hills Scheme” to solve the growing city’s problem of chronic water shortages. The scheme involved the construction of three reservoirs in the Darling Range and three pipehead dams to serve as a short term measure.
Despite its small size, the Wungong Brook pipehead dam supplied more water to the metropolitan area than either Churchman Brook Reservoir or Victoria Reservoir. In a good winter it could supply as much as 32 Megalitres a day.
Although plans for a larger dam on the site were prepared, these were put aside when it was decided instead to build the major Canning Dam in the 1930s.
It was not until the 1970s that attention once again focused on the water resource potential of the Wungong River. Work on the current dam began in 1975 and was completed in 1979.
Barbecues and Picnics
Wungong Dam is a favourite destination for Perth families and visitors from elsewhere. Its closeness to Perth, magnificent views and excellent range of facilities make it a top attraction.
You’ll find free gas barbecues in the three main picnic areas, together with picnic tables and seats under the trees. A lawn area near the entrance is ideal for family games. A recreation lake below the dam wall offers hours of fun for model boat sailing and wading.
The dam is open to visitors until 5pm every day of the week.
Enjoy the bush
A Rotary lookout just north of the dam wall is a great vantage point to enjoy wonderful views down through the valley to the coastal plain. On a clear day, you can see Garden Island off the coast.
And from July to November, colourful wildflowers add to the spectacle.
Flourishing bird life including Firetail Finches, wrens, robins and occasional eagles, are a feature of the locality, together with kangaroos and wallabies.
Keen walkers can enjoy the natural bush trails of neighbouring Bungendore Park or hike down the valley to Byford.
(You’ll need State Planning Commission permission for the valley walk.)
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Downloads
 | Wungong Dam - Download the Wungong Dam brochure and Sitemap |
Other Dams
Wungong 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.