Dartmouth Dam Wall walk

Dartmouth Dam Wall walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

This return walk across the Dartmouth Dam Wall takes in the massive reservoir front, the highest dam wall in the country (180m), the spillway, power station and Mitta Mitta River valley below.

Description

Walking across this impressive feat of engineering helps remind you what can be accomplished. 14,000,000 cubic metres make up the embankment holding back 62 square kilometres of water with a shoreline of 150 kilometres. That's really something to see!

This walk is accessible, even when the dam spills as it did in September-October 2022 (see links to images below).

The air is fresh and the views are great. You can walk across the dam wall crest of 670 metres from either side and look out to either side - storage or discharge. The surface is sealed and completely flat. It is suitable for all walkers and those needing to push a pram.

The weather up here is fickle (as you can see). For full volume winter and spring might be the best time to visit. For fishing anytime you don't mind the weather thrown at you. For warmth the sunnier months apply.

Car parking is available either side, so it doesn't't matter which side you choose to start on. The side opposite Dartmouth Road also offers some landscaping, viewing platforms, seating, information and public toilets.

Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times.

In late September 2022 the dam spilled for the first time in 26 years. The spill continued until December 2022. Take a look here and read an article here..

Other walks in this region
Mitta Bridge to Old Tallangatta
Playles Hill Lookout walk, Corryong
Koetong "Spa" and Wildflower walk

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Points of Interest

1. Massive storage

To get an idea of what just a fraction of 4,000,000 megalitres looks like, look no further. Note the weather. This can happen any time of year up here. Best come prepared.

2. The Mitta Mitta Valley

Looking down over Dartmouth power station to the Mitta Mitta River.

3. The dam wall crest

It is smooth, straight and true.

4. Brass plaques and informative signage

There are interesting displays about the dam function, construction and opening in a landscaped setting.

5. Public toilets

A necessary amenity when you are so far from home.

6. Viewing platform

Viewing platforms, seating and picnic tables are arranged around the site.

7. Spillway

Above is also part of the excavation for the dam wall fill. It took the removal of a substantial proportion of the mountainside which is now preserved as huge terraces.

8. Cascades

When the spillway is overflowing the cascades make an impressive sight. September to December 2022 saw the cascades in action for the first time in 26 years.

9. Car parking

There is car parking on either side of the dam wall.

10. Dartmouth Dam Cascades Lookout

FYI, the best views of the cascades when in action come from the roadside below the dam wall.

11. Dartmouth Road sign

This fun road sign is just above the Mitta turn off to Dartmouth Dam as you begin the climb into the mountainous Mitta Mitta / Dartmouth catchment. Who knows what you will see in this remote region?