Photo: Golden Wattle / CC BY-SA 2.5
Blowering Dam is a massive water storage on the Tumut River, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Snowy Mountains. This engineering marvel, part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, offers a striking contrast between the stark concrete wall and the surrounding eucalypt forests. The dam creates a vast lake that is a haven for water sports, fishing, and picnicking, with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Australian high country.
Highlights & What to See
- Blowering Dam Wall – Walk or drive across this impressive 808-metre-long, 112-metre-high wall for panoramic views of the reservoir and valley below.
- Blowering Dam Lookout – A short walk from the car park offers a stunning vantage point over the dam wall and the lake, perfect for photography.
- Water Sports on Blowering Reservoir – The lake is famous for sailing, waterskiing, and kayaking, with several boat ramps providing easy access.
- Fishing for Murray Cod and Trout – Cast a line from the shore or a boat; the reservoir is stocked with native and introduced species.
- Camping and Picnicking – Several shady spots along the foreshore offer barbecues, tables, and basic facilities for a relaxing day out.
- Snowy Mountains Scheme Interpretation Centre – Located near the dam, this centre explains the history and engineering of the scheme, with exhibits and a short film.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the dam wall, lookout, and picnic areas. If you plan to fish or enjoy water sports, allow a half-day. For a more immersive experience, consider camping overnight at one of the nearby lakeside campgrounds.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tumut – A charming country town 10 minutes north, with historic buildings, cafés, and the Tumut River Walk.
- Yarrangobilly Caves – About 45 minutes south, these limestone caves feature guided tours, a thermal pool, and scenic walks.
- Kosciuszko National Park – Drive 1.5 hours south to reach the alpine region, with hiking trails, ski resorts, and Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak.
- Snowy Mountains Scheme – Explore other dams and tunnels of this massive hydro-electric project, such as Talbingo Dam and the Tumut 2 Power Station.
- Adelong Falls – A 30-minute drive west, with historic gold mining ruins and a picturesque waterfall.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tumut — Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Yarrangobilly Caves — Colin Henein / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kosciuszko National Park — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Snowy Mountains Scheme — TomGonzales / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Adelong Falls — TrimmerinWiki / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Talbingo Dam — User AYArktos on en.wikipedia / Public domain