Manly Dam Reserve

Manly Dam Reserve encompasses 376 hectares of protected natural landscape surrounding a heritage-listed dam and 30-hectare reservoir, featuring diverse ecosystems with over 300 native plant species including endangered Duffy's Forest Ecological Community.

The concrete gravity dam was constructed in 1892 by the NSW Department of Public Works to provide water supply for Manly village, serving as the primary water source for over three decades before being decommissioned in 1933.

The reserve functions as Manly Warringah War Memorial Park, containing Aboriginal heritage sites with rock carvings and artifacts, while hosting annual commemorative ceremonies honoring military personnel from both world wars.

Visitors can access 9.72 kilometers of walking tracks and mountain bike circuits, designated swimming areas marked by buoys, and water skiing zones, with recreational fishing opportunities for stocked Australian Bass.

The dam wall underwent pioneering post-tensioning reinforcement between 1979 and 1981 using vertical steel tendons, a technique that received international recognition and established global precedents for dam safety practices.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -33.77580,151.24777

Latest update: July 25, 2025 19:46