Central to Water supply in The Highlands
Located about 130 kilometres south of Sydney, Wingecarribee Reservoir is on the Upper Wingecarribee River about 10 kilometres south-east of Bowral and 38 mins from Bundanoon. The earth and rockfill dam was completed in 1974 as part of the Shoalhaven Scheme.
Wingecarribee Reservoir lost around 9,000 megalitres of storage capacity as a result of the inflow of peat from Wingecarribee Swamp. This large peat swamp upstream filters water from the 40 square kilometre catchment area of rural lands feeding the reservoir.
Prior to its partial collapse during a storm in 1998, the Wingecarribee Swamp was considered one of the best examples of montane peatland in mainland Australia. It is still an important ecosystem and home to threatened species, including the giant dragonfly and the Wingecarribee leek orchid.
It’s unique for the ancient peat swamp immediately upstream of the reservoir, which is a habitat for several endangered species. The reservoir supplies the nearby towns of Bowral and Mittagong, and is part of the Shoalhaven Scheme which during drought also tops up Sydney and Illawarra water supplies. Goulburn can also be supplied with water from Wingecarribee Reservoir.
From the picnic grounds enjoy scenic rural views and views of the nearby reservoir and Wingecarribee Swamp in the distance Wingecarribee Reservoir is about 130 kilometres drive from Sydney. From Sydney, follow the Hume Highway (F5) south towards Goulburn and take the Mittagong to Bowral turnoff. Take the Nowra Road towards Kangaroo Valley. The reservoir is about 10 kilometres south-east of Bowral.
About 10 kilometres south-east of Bowral on the Wingecarribee River.