Boarding House Dam
A serene natural escape with lush forests, a beautiful creek, and a picturesque dam wall, perfect for picnics and gentle walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Boarding House Dam
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural escape with lush forests, a beautiful creek, and a picturesque dam wall, perfect for picnics and gentle walks.
"Lovely little walk with the ability to explore the creek a little."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
Roads can be rough; a 4x4 or larger vehicle is best for easier access.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Minimal reception means you need maps downloaded beforehand.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 84 reviews
Type
Picnic Ground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boarding House Dam Wall
Dam
Admire the picturesque dam wall, a focal point of this serene natural escape.
Lush Forest Circuit Trail
Walking trails
Wander through stunning, lush forest on an easy 30-45 minute circuit walk.
Creek Exploration
Creek
Explore the beautiful creek, home to eels and fish, and a refreshing swimming spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Access & Navigation
Picnic & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
Roads can be rough; a 4x4 or larger vehicle is best for easier access.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Minimal reception means you need maps downloaded beforehand.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the picnic area with BBQ facilities and beautiful surroundings.
🏊♀️ Swim in the Creek
A lovely spot to cool off on a hot day, with eels and fish.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road
Roads can be rough; a 4x4 or larger vehicle is best for easier access.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Minimal reception means you need maps downloaded beforehand.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the picnic area with BBQ facilities and beautiful surroundings.
🏊♀️ Swim in the Creek
A lovely spot to cool off on a hot day, with eels and fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Boarding House Dam for its beautiful, lush forest walks and the serene creek, making it a lovely spot for picnics and a refreshing swim on hot days. However, the challenging road access, often requiring a 4x4, and minimal cell reception are significant considerations for planning a visit.
"Lovely little walk with the ability to explore the creek a little. Circuit trail is easy to find from the carpark. Bathroom and sheltered bbq facilities at the picnic area.
While it is road accessible, recommend 4x4 or larger family cars. Managed in a 2wd but do not recommend. Download map before going as there is minimal reception. It has been on my to visit list and it did not disappoint."
Vanessa Schmierer
"Very easy 30 to 45 min walk with stunning lush forest, stream and gullies."
Freddy Gerloff
"Absolutely love this spot.. toilets, picnic tables. Beautiful easy walking trail. Has to be one of my favorite places"
melissa lonsdale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While accessible by 2WD, the road can be challenging. A 4x4 or larger vehicle is highly recommended for a smoother and safer journey.
No, cell reception is minimal. It's crucial to download offline maps of the area before you set off to ensure you don't get lost.
Travel time will vary depending on your starting point and vehicle, but factor in slower speeds due to road conditions.
Yes, the road into the Watagans National Park, where the dam is located, is often described as 'very questionable' by visitors.
Public transport options are very limited, if available at all. It's best to plan for a private vehicle, preferably a 4x4.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Boarding House Dam is generally a free-access natural area, part of the Watagans National Park. No tickets are typically required for entry.
As a natural park area, Boarding House Dam is usually accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check official park websites for any specific seasonal closures or access restrictions.
Entry to Boarding House Dam and the surrounding picnic areas is typically free of charge.
It's generally not recommended or permitted to visit natural park areas like Boarding House Dam after dark due to safety and park regulations.
For casual day use and BBQs, no special permits are usually needed. However, for larger organized events, it's always best to contact the local park authorities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a lovely 30-45 minute walk on the circuit trail through lush forest, explore the creek, swim on a hot day, and utilize the picnic and BBQ facilities. +1
Yes, the circuit trail is described as reasonably easy and suitable for a relaxed walk.
Absolutely! There are bathrooms and sheltered BBQ facilities at the picnic area, making it a great spot for a day out.
Yes, the creek flowing down to the dam wall is a nice swimming spot, especially on warmer days.
Visitors have spotted eels and fish in the creek, and the lush forest setting offers opportunities for birdwatching.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam wall itself offers a classic shot. The lush forest trails and the creek with its wildlife provide many scenic opportunities.
Definitely! The combination of dense forest, flowing creek, and the dam structure makes it a great location for nature and landscape photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful soft light filtering through the trees, enhancing the lush forest atmosphere.
A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the expanse of the forest and the dam structure.
The area around the dam wall and along the creek offers the most picturesque views. The walking trail also provides various scenic points.
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