North Dandalup Dam
Please note: We are upgrading the North Dandalup Dam embankment along Scarp Road. Work will begin on Monday 29 January 2024 and is expected to take four months to complete. The recreational facilities will remain open but there will be reduced parking. For the safety of our workers and the community, please take care in the area. Learn more.
Visitor information
Opening hours
December – April hours:
Every day until 6pm.
May – November hours:
Every day until 5pm.
While we aim to ensure our dam sites open by 8:30am each day, opening hours may vary. The dam may also be closed at times due to maintenance or extreme weather.
Please note that the toilets are locked when the dam closes each day.
For the latest information on opening times, or assistance during your visit to the dam, please contact 13 13 75.
To stay up-to-date on bushfire warnings and other local emergencies, visit Emergency WA.
Things to do at North Dandalup Dam
Map of the facilities
Enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch
The lovely grassed area by the lake is perfect for enjoying a picnic. The lake is south of the North Dandalup Dam wall, bordered by picturesque forest trees.
You can also use the free gas barbecues to make your own hot lunch.
Please note that the picnic areas can’t be booked and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are planning a large gathering or event at the dam, you'll need to let us know in advance. Please contact our team on 13 13 75.
Take a scenic walk
Walk across the two saddle dams to absorb the distant views of Mandurah, Peel Inlet, and the Indian Ocean, or take a stroll across the old Pipehead Dam wall.
Safety information
North Dandalup Dam is a protected drinking water source. Please follow these simple rules to protect yourself and our water supply.
- Keep to the permitted pathways, roads, and recreational areas as shown by the signage.
- Don’t climb walls, fences, bridges, pipework, or other operational infrastructure.
- Keep emergency and operational access gates and roadways clear.
- Don’t operate taps, valves or controls.
Learn more about how we work to manage water quality.
Location and directions
North Dandalup Dam is located in the Darling Scarp, just over an hour’s drive south from the Perth CBD.
Follow the directions below to the dam or get directions from your location in Google Maps.
- From Perth, take Kwinana Freeway, or Tonkin or Albany Highway to Armadale.
- Follow South Western Highway for 45km to Hines Road, North Dandalup.
- Turn left and continue for 6km until you reach the dam.
Picnic area
Pipehead Dam lake
Footbridge across the lake
Toilets
Barbecues
Planning your visit
To keep our water sources clean and safe to drink, swimming is not permitted in the reservoir or in the streams flowing into it.
Swimming in the lake is also not permitted as harmful microorganisms may be present in the water.
If the water exceeds a certain temperature and it goes up your nose while swimming, there's a risk of contracting amoebic meningitis. This is a potentially deadly brain infection.
For more information about the risks of amoebic meningitis and how to protect yourself, please visit the Department of Health website.
- Bring enough food and water to stay hydrated while exploring the dam and its surrounds.
- Be prepared for uneven ground or walking hazards by wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the scenery!
There are ambulant toilets available in the upper toilet blocks near the Intake Tower and recreational grassed area.
Please see the map of the facilities for more accessibility information.