Scrivener Dam - Image 1
1 / 10

Scrivener Dam

4.4
·375 reviews·, Australia

A scenic dam offering peaceful walks, picnic spots, and unique views of giraffes from the nearby zoo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After heavy rainfall

Experience the dam's raw power

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Scrivener Dam - Image 1

Scrivener Dam

Best Time

After heavy rainfall

Experience the dam's raw power

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic dam offering peaceful walks, picnic spots, and unique views of giraffes from the nearby zoo.

4.4
(375 reviews)

"Great place for a picnic too."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Rainfall for Full Effect

Visit after heavy rain to see the dam's impressive water flow. :cloudwithrain:

Combine with Zoo Visit

Great views of giraffes from the dam area. :giraffe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dam Structure

The Dam Structure

Scrivener Dam

Witness the immense strength of this concrete structure, especially powerful when water is flowing.

Scenic Gardens and Pathways

Scenic Gardens and Pathways

Surrounding Scrivener Dam

Stroll or cycle along picturesque paths, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and views.

Giraffe Spotting

Giraffe Spotting

Adjacent to the Zoo

Catch a glimpse of giraffes from the dam area, a unique bonus when visiting the nearby zoo.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Scrivener Dam

While Scrivener Dam is a scenic spot year-round, its visual impact dramatically changes with rainfall. For the most impressive 'gushing water' experience, plan your visit after significant downpours. Otherwise, it's a peaceful location for walks and picnics.

Access and Amenities at Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam is easily accessible by car and offers a pleasant environment for walks and cycling. However, be aware that toilet facilities are not readily available on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit.

Best Times

When
After heavy rainfall
Why
Experience the dam's raw power
Crowd
Low
When
Dry weather
Why
Peaceful walks and cycling
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Waterdam #Peaceful #canberraaustralia #perfectplace #mustvisit #2021 #newjourney😍😍
@nissu181
2K likes • 83.4K views

Check Rainfall for Full Effect

Visit after heavy rain to see the dam's impressive water flow. :cloudwithrain: Reddit

Combine with Zoo Visit

Great views of giraffes from the dam area. :giraffe: Reddit

AD Things to do on your weekend trip to Canberra with @Jetstar Australia 1️⃣ Spend time in nature at places like the National Arboretum, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Red Rock Gorge Lookout or Mount AInslie Lookout 🐨🍃 2️⃣ Try new activities like ziplining at Treetops Adventure, the challenge rooms at Hijinx Hotel, e-scooters around Lake Burley Griffin and NGA Sculpture Garden 🧗🧩 3️⃣ Eat your way a...
@biancainmelbourne
1.7K likes • 83.5K views
Scrivener Dam (Canberra, ACT) with three gates down!
jeffreyjsknowles
101 likes • 3.3K views

Picnic Spot

Enjoy a picnic in the scenic gardens surrounding the dam. :sandwich: Reddit

No Toilets Onsite

Plan bathroom breaks before arriving. :toilet: Reddit

One of Canberra's Main Recreational & Tourist Attractions! Scrivener Dam Australian Capital Territory. https://www.nca.gov.au/attractions/scrivener-dam #canberra #dam #water
out_there_oz
1 likes • 28 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Rainfall for Full Effect

Visit after heavy rain to see the dam's impressive water flow. :cloudwithrain: Reddit

Combine with Zoo Visit

Great views of giraffes from the dam area. :giraffe: Reddit

Picnic Spot

Enjoy a picnic in the scenic gardens surrounding the dam. :sandwich: Reddit

No Toilets Onsite

Plan bathroom breaks before arriving. :toilet: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(375 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Scrivener Dam is appreciated for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for walks and picnics. While the dam's power is most impressive after rain, it offers a pleasant experience year-round. Visitors note its convenience to the city and the unique bonus of spotting giraffes from the nearby zoo.

"Nice location to park cars and go for a short walk. No toilets found. Just for sightseeing only."

Praveen Kumar Boddeti

"Very close to city and close to the zoo. The water coming out from the dam was very low volume. It is scenic though and very good for walks and cycling. Not very crowded and you can find solace here."

Rohit Revo

"Great place. Enjoy the gushing water and stroll around the scenic gardens around. The whole area is very nice. Walk along the pedestrian pathway on the bridge. Look over the dam into the creek. And if u look far out appx 1 o clock 500m..u may even see a giraffe as the zoo is next door. Great place for a picnic too."

Kamran Nazeer

What People Like

Scenic gardens and walks
Peaceful atmosphere
Proximity to zoo

What People Dislike

Lack of toilets
Low water flow in dry periods

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Scrivener Dam is conveniently located close to the city center, making it an easy drive. Parking is available on-site, and it's also a pleasant spot for cycling.

While specific bus routes might vary, the dam is generally considered close enough to the city to be reached by a short taxi or rideshare if public transport is not ideal.

Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling along the pathways. The dam itself is a great viewpoint, and the surrounding gardens offer a peaceful environment.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Scrivener Dam and the surrounding gardens is free. It's a public space for sightseeing and recreation.

Scrivener Dam is generally accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public area. However, specific access to pathways or facilities might be limited during certain hours or events.

There is no entrance fee to visit Scrivener Dam. You can enjoy the views and walk around the area without any cost.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic walks, cycling, picnicking, and admire the dam's structure. Onsite, you can also get views of giraffes from the nearby zoo.

Yes, the scenic gardens around Scrivener Dam make it a great spot for a picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Yes, there is a pedestrian pathway on the bridge of the dam, allowing you to walk across and enjoy the views into the creek and surrounding landscape.

For a peaceful experience, weekdays and mornings are generally less crowded. Visiting after rainfall offers the most dramatic views of water flow.

Historically, tours have been offered during events like the ACT Heritage Festival. It's worth checking local event listings for any future opportunities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Scrivener Dam. Visitors are advised to bring their own food for picnics or dine in the nearby city center.

Absolutely! Scrivener Dam is a popular spot for picnics, so feel free to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive scale of the dam, the scenic gardens, and the water flow after rain. The nearby zoo also offers unique photo ops with giraffes.

Yes, after heavy rainfall, the dam becomes a spectacular subject for photography, showcasing its power and the volume of water. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Scrivener Dam offers a pleasant outing for families. The open spaces are great for kids to explore, and the nearby zoo provides an exciting bonus, with opportunities to spot giraffes from the dam itself. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic gardens, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable family activity. Remember to plan for bathroom breaks as facilities are limited on-site. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Cyclists

For those who enjoy an active outing, Scrivener Dam is a fantastic destination. The pathways around the dam and through the gardens are perfect for leisurely walks or more vigorous cycling. Reddit The relatively low crowd levels, especially on weekdays, ensure a peaceful experience as you take in the scenery.

📸 Photographers

Scrivener Dam presents unique photographic opportunities. Capture the imposing structure of the dam, especially dramatic after rainfall when water cascades over the spillway. Reddit The surrounding gardens offer softer, more naturalistic shots, and the chance to photograph giraffes from a distance adds an unexpected element to your portfolio.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam is a significant piece of civil engineering, designed to manage water flow and provide a scenic backdrop. Its immense strength is particularly evident when the overflow is in full flight, a sight that can evoke a sense of awe and even a touch of 'heebeegeebees' for some visitors driving across. Reddit

Constructed with robust concrete, the dam stands as a testament to the power of water management. While its primary function is crucial for the region's water supply, its presence also creates a unique environment for recreation and wildlife viewing, especially with its proximity to the zoo. Reddit

Experiencing Scrivener Dam: Beyond the Structure

While the dam itself is impressive, the surrounding area offers a tranquil escape. Visitors often praise the scenic gardens and the pedestrian pathway along the bridge, making it ideal for leisurely walks and cycling. Reddit It's a place where you can find solace and enjoy the natural beauty, even when the water volume is low.

The proximity to other attractions like the zoo adds another layer to the Scrivener Dam experience. The unique bonus of spotting giraffes from the dam area is frequently mentioned, turning a simple visit into a multi-faceted outing. Reddit This makes it a versatile destination for a short stop or a longer, more relaxed exploration.

You may also like

1 of 2