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The curved concrete wall of Warragamba Dam holding back Lake Burragorang

Dam & lookout

Warragamba Dam and Burragorang Lookout

Warragamba Dam holds back Lake Burragorang, the reservoir that supplies most of Sydney’s drinking water. From the dam and from Burragorang Lookout you look out over a great flooded valley and the cliffs of the Blue Mountains.

Why visit

When it was finished in 1960, Warragamba Dam was one of the largest concrete dams in the world. Behind it, Lake Burragorang fills the gorges of the Warragamba, Coxs and Wollondilly rivers, and supplies around four-fifths of Sydney’s water. The scenery is grand: still water, sandstone cliffs and forest stretching to the horizon.

Warragamba Dam

At the dam itself there are viewing areas and picnic grounds above the wall, with a visitor centre run by WaterNSW. Opening hours and access change, especially during construction and maintenance work, so check WaterNSW before you go.

Burragorang Lookout

On the southern side of the lake, Burragorang Lookout gives one of the widest views in the Sydney region, straight down the valley towards the Blue Mountains. It has a short path, a viewing platform and picnic tables, and is especially beautiful at sunrise and late in the afternoon.

Good to know

  • Lake Burragorang is a protected drinking water catchment. Swimming, boating and fishing are not allowed, and much of the surrounding land is closed to the public.
  • Bring water and food: there are few shops near the lookout.
  • Combine the lookout with the NSW Rail Museum and Thirlmere Lakes for a full day in Wollondilly.
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