Ben Chifley Dam - Image 1
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Ben Chifley Dam

4.6
·97 reviews·The Lagoon, Australia

A tranquil reservoir offering scenic views, picnic spots, and free camping near Bathurst.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet and peaceful

CrowdLow
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Ben Chifley Dam - Image 1

Ben Chifley Dam

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet and peaceful

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil reservoir offering scenic views, picnic spots, and free camping near Bathurst.

4.6
(97 reviews)

"Great spot for a picnic or a quiet evening with lovely views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Dam Wall Exploration

Walk the dam wall and steps to the spillway for great views and a good workout! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Plenty of picnic tables, BBQs, and undercover areas make for a perfect day out. :picnic_table:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dam Wall Walk

Dam Wall Walk

Dam Wall

Stroll along the impressive dam wall for panoramic views of the water and landscape. A great workout!

Picnic & BBQ Facilities

Picnic & BBQ Facilities

Various locations around the dam

Enjoy a leisurely picnic with well-maintained BBQs and undercover areas. Perfect for families and groups.

Free Camping Area

Free Camping Area

Designated camping zone

Experience a peaceful overnight stay with basic facilities. Remember to leave no trace and respect the environment.

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Peaceful Picnic & Free Camping

Ben Chifley Dam offers a serene escape with ample picnic spots, BBQs, and even free camping. Enjoy the tranquil waters and surrounding nature, but remember swimming is prohibited. It's a perfect spot for a quiet day out or an overnight stay.

Dam Wall Walk & Views

For the energetic, a walk along the dam wall and down to the spillway provides great exercise and stunning views. Remember to check local conditions and be mindful of the steps if you choose to explore this area.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet and peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@ Ben Chifley dam in Bathurst NSW looking at the water and checking out the mountains 🏔️
daddys_back99
0 likes • 29 views

🚶‍♀️ Dam Wall Exploration

Walk the dam wall and steps to the spillway for great views and a good workout! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Plenty of picnic tables, BBQs, and undercover areas make for a perfect day out. :picnic_table:

#benchifleydam
suraj.thapa.chhetri
20 likes • 226 views
📍 Ben Chifley Dam A rock and earth-fill embankment dam across the Campbells River in the central west region of New South Wales, located 22km from Bathurst. A day on the water well spent 💦
wearing.the.tread
53 likes • 909 views

🏕️ Respect Free Camp

If camping, follow rules and leave no trace to keep it pristine for everyone. :camping:

🎣 Fishing Fun

Enjoy a spot of fishing in the dam waters. :fishing_pole:

Day Drive To Rockley NSW - Old Church in Georges Plains - Historic Town of Rockley - Ben Chifley Dam - Bathurst Aqua Park #notlostescapades #seeaustralia #seeaustralia_nsw #visitnsw #georgesplains #oldchurch #rockleynsw #historictown #benchiffeydam #bathurstaquapark
not_lost_escapades
5 likes • 93 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Dam Wall Exploration

Walk the dam wall and steps to the spillway for great views and a good workout! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Plenty of picnic tables, BBQs, and undercover areas make for a perfect day out. :picnic_table:

🏕️ Respect Free Camp

If camping, follow rules and leave no trace to keep it pristine for everyone. :camping:

🎣 Fishing Fun

Enjoy a spot of fishing in the dam waters. :fishing_pole:

🚫 No Swimming

Remember, swimming is not permitted in the dam. :noentrysign:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(97 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ben Chifley Dam for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent picnic facilities, and the opportunity for free camping. The dam wall walk is a popular activity for its views and exercise. Some note the absence of swimming, but overall, it's considered a well-maintained and enjoyable natural spot.

"What a great spot. Plenty of picnic tables, BBQs and undercover areas. Feeling energetic? Walk along the dam wall then down the steps to the spillway. Great views and a great workout!"

NSW Creeks and Rivers

"Free camp only 21 min from town. View of dam and water with toilets walking distance outside camp. No swimming allowed but has running water at taps in camp area. Bob Carr on plaque next to Ben Chifley memorial who built a desalinisation plant and expanded capacity."

Neil Bridgewater

"What an amazing place to free camp.
Good facilities. Very well presented.
Please follow the rules and leave no trace.
It helps all of us."

Lindsay Eden

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Great picnic facilities
Free camping

What People Dislike

No swimming allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ben Chifley Dam is located approximately 22km from Bathurst, NSW. You can drive there via the Mitchell Highway and then follow local signage. The drive is scenic and takes about 20-30 minutes. Instagram

Public transport options to Ben Chifley Dam are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others. Reddit

The roads leading to Ben Chifley Dam are generally well-maintained, especially the main routes from Bathurst. However, always check local road conditions before you travel, especially after heavy rain. Reddit

While the dam area is generally accessible, it's advisable to check specific opening hours or any restrictions for nighttime access, especially if planning to use facilities like BBQs or camping areas. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at Ben Chifley Dam, particularly near the picnic areas and the dam wall. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Ben Chifley Dam is generally free. This makes it a popular and accessible destination for picnics and day trips. Reddit

Ben Chifley Dam is typically open to visitors during daylight hours. Specific facility operating times, like BBQs, may vary. Reddit

No, booking in advance is not usually required for day visits to Ben Chifley Dam. It's a public access area. Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Ensure you take all rubbish with you. Alcohol policies may apply, so check local regulations. Reddit

Absolutely! Ben Chifley Dam is an ideal spot for a day trip, offering picnic facilities, scenic views, and opportunities for light recreation. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

No, swimming is not permitted at Ben Chifley Dam. Visitors can enjoy the views and other activities. Reddit

You can enjoy picnicking, walking along the dam wall, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water. There are also BBQs available. InstagramReddit

Yes, toilet facilities are available at Ben Chifley Dam, particularly near the camping and picnic areas. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check local council regulations regarding pets in park and dam areas. Always keep dogs on a leash if permitted. Reddit

You might spot various birdlife, including ducks, and potentially other local fauna in the surrounding natural areas. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no cafes or restaurants directly at Ben Chifley Dam. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics. Reddit

Yes, there are BBQ facilities available for public use at Ben Chifley Dam. Remember to bring your own cooking essentials. Reddit

For a wider range of dining options, you would need to travel back to Bathurst, which offers various cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. Reddit

Yes, running water is available at taps in the camping area, which can be used for drinking and general purposes. Reddit

Pack picnic essentials like food, drinks, plates, cutlery, and any cooking supplies for the BBQs. Don't forget rubbish bags to ensure a 'leave no trace' experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dam wall offers great vantage points for wide shots. The surrounding landscape and water reflections are also picturesque. Consider the spillway for dramatic angles. Instagram

Yes, Ben Chifley Dam provides beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and golden. Instagram

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. Early mornings can also be peaceful and offer soft light. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the dam operators for any restrictions on drone flights before you fly. Instagram

The combination of the imposing dam structure, the vast water body, and the natural surroundings offers unique photographic potential. Film photography enthusiasts have also captured its essence. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ben Chifley Dam is a great spot for families looking for a relaxed day out. The picnic areas with BBQs and undercover shelters are perfect for a family meal. While swimming isn't permitted, kids can enjoy exploring the open spaces and watching the ducks. Instagram The dam wall walk can be a fun adventure, but supervise children closely on the steps. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no food vendors on site. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the free camping area at Ben Chifley Dam is a major draw. It provides a basic but pleasant overnight stay with access to toilets and running water. Reddit The fact that entry to the dam itself is free also makes it an excellent destination for a cost-effective day trip, perfect for picnics and enjoying the scenery without spending a fortune. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Ben Chifley Dam a rewarding location. The dam wall itself offers dramatic architectural shots, while the water and surrounding landscape provide opportunities for serene nature photography. Instagram The golden hours of sunrise and sunset are particularly recommended for capturing beautiful light and reflections on the water. Experiment with different angles from the dam wall and the spillway for unique compositions. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Dam Wall and Spillway

A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to walk along the impressive Ben Chifley Dam wall. This provides expansive views of the reservoir and the surrounding countryside. For those feeling adventurous, there are steps leading down to the spillway, offering a different perspective and a good workout. Redditors often mention this as a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Remember that the steps can be steep, so wear appropriate footwear. The dam wall itself is a feat of engineering, and understanding its purpose can add to the appreciation of the visit. It's a fantastic spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram

Free Camping Experience

Ben Chifley Dam offers a popular free camping area, making it an attractive option for budget travelers and those seeking a peaceful overnight experience. Facilities include toilets and running water, which are highly appreciated by campers. Reddit

Travelers emphasize the importance of 'leave no trace' principles when using the free camping facilities. This means packing out all rubbish and respecting the natural environment to ensure the area remains pristine for future visitors. The proximity to Bathurst also makes it a convenient base for exploring the region. Reddit

Picnic and Recreation

The dam is well-equipped for day visitors, featuring numerous picnic tables, BBQs, and undercover areas. This makes it an ideal location for family outings, gatherings with friends, or a quiet lunch amidst nature. InstagramReddit

While swimming is not allowed, the serene environment encourages relaxation and appreciation of the natural beauty. Fishing is also mentioned as a possible activity, adding another dimension to the recreational offerings. Reddit

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