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Located on the Canning River approximately 33km from Perth, this dam combines scenic beauty with fascinating Western Australian history and is one of our most important reservoirs.

Visitor information

Opening hours

December – April hours: 

Every day until 6pm  

May – October hours: 

Every day until 5pm 

Things to do

Picnic areasToiletsParking

Map of facilities

A map of Canning Dam

Have a picnic with a view

Enjoy a picnic lunch. We recommend the lower picnic area where the creek flows through; it is a stunning spot to eat your barbecue lunch. Be sure to take a photo!

Please note that the picnic areas can’t be booked and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk along the dam wall and surrounds

Follow a walking trail that is specially designed to take you past historical features, such as the old contour channel and stilling chamber.

Prefer a leisurely stroll? Some walk trails are short, just for you. Feel more energetic? Try our longer trails. You can also take walks across the dam wall to enjoy lookouts.

This area has abundant native birdlife for you to search for. You might also catch a glimpse of a kangaroo in the early morning.

Safety information

No swimmingNo canoeingNo fishing or marroningNo campingNo lighting firesNo off-road drivingNo drones

Please follow these simple rules to protect yourself and our water supply.

  • Keep to the permitted pathways, roads, and recreational areas as shown by the signage.  
  • Don’t climb walls, fences, bridges, pipework, or other operational infrastructure.  
  • Keep emergency and operational access gates and roadways clear.  
  • Don’t operate taps, valves or controls. 

Learn more about how we work to manage water quality.

Location and directions

  1. From Perth, take Albany Highway towards Armadale
  2. Just beyond Kelmscott, turn left onto Brookton Highway and follow to Roleystone
  3. Turn right onto Croyden Road and follow the signs for approximately 9km

 

Planning your visit

  • Bring enough food and water to stay hydrated while exploring the dam and its surrounds. Make sure to take all your rubbish with you.
  • Be prepared for uneven ground or walking hazards by wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the scenery!

Please note there may be limited or no mobile phone coverage in the area. We advise checking what network coverage is available with your mobile phone service provider ahead of your visit.

There are accessible toilets with ambulant cubicles that are in easy reach of the main car park, which also has designated accessible parking bays.

A bus bay and drop-off points, as well as bike racks, are also located in the lower picnic area.

Please see the map of the facilities for more accessibility information.

Please report unmarked safety hazards, suspicious behaviour, damaged facilities, or pollution to 13 13 75.

Learn more by exploring our rainfall and dams section.