We visit Wellington Dam for Lunch.Wellington Dam was originally built in 1935 with a storage capacity of 35 GL (gigalitres) as a source of irrigation on the coastal plains. The dam was raised over the years and reached its current capacity is 185 GL in 1960. We leave Honeymoon Pool just before lunch on Sunday from our kids camping site, where the kids learn to take down the tent and fold it ready for next time. We drive through the tall timber forests of Jarrah trees where I am sure you will be able to smell the freshness of the trees as we make the short drive to Wellington Dam. (On our two day tour. On our 5 day tour, we also have lunch here, but travel from Margaret River). At Wellington Dam there is a kiosk that has take-away food, ice-creams etc. We will park near the toilets or even maybe at the Quarry car park. Some of the things to see include the Quarry – quite an amazing sight in its own right. Take your time and read about the history of the quarry. You will want to venture out onto the weir lookout for some spectacular views of the dam wall and Collie River gorge. Walk down to the bottom of the dam to see the release water valve close up. If the release valve is open you will see huge amounts of water rushing out of the dam on its way down the Collie River going past Honeymoon Pool where we spent the night. The Weir itself also overflows, less often in recent times, but with water cascading over the entire length of the wall, makes for a very impressive sight.
Release Valve at the dam
Just like at Honeymoon Pool, keep a close eye open for native animals around this area as well. Wellington Dam is part of the Wellington National Park that was opened as a NP on 17 June 2000. Prior to this it was owned privately, but now it is open for us all to enjoy. The Wellington reservoir harnesses the most productive water catchments in the Southwest providing valuable water for irrigation and domestic consumption. There is even a long-standing hydroelectric turbine powered by the headwaters. The Water Corporation is currently examining a range of options for the development of the dam as a potable water source. This work includes consideration of various water treatment approaches, including desalination and its potential development for potable and industrial supplies. For the period 1975 to 2005 the average inflow to the weir was 124 gigalitres a year. However, for the period 1997 to 2005 the average inflow was 92 gigalitres a year, and since 2001 it has reduced further to only 71 gigalitres a year.
Overflow water travels to Honeymoon Pool
Have a look here where Wellington Dam is part of our 2 day weekend tour and our 5 day Best of the South Tour Contact Us here to book your tour or ring Ian on 0437 948 535 or BOOK ONLINE Have a look at where our other tours go in Western Australia.
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