20 Feb Perth’s accidental infinity pool, Oakley Dam

Yes this is Perth’s accidental infinity pool, Oakley Dam. The perfect spot to cool off this summer. 

Today’s exploration of the Perth and Peel region took me to Marrinup State Forest to go for a hike and also to check out why Oakley Dam is an accidental infinity pool. You have to see it for yourself.

Getting to Oakley Dam, Marrinup State Forest.

From Perth this should take you approx 1hr 15mins. 

Oakley dam sits right up on the scarp overlooking the ALCOA mine, the foothills of Pinjarra and Mandurah. It is quite a view from the Dam. It is also quite an adventure driving through the Marrinup Forest.

There are 2 ways to access Oakley Dam. One being the “north entrance” which is definitely the quickest, easiest and most direct route. You only travel approx 2km along an unsealed road (Scarp Rd) and I would highly recommend this entrance if you only have a 2wd or a sedan. 

The “south entrance” will take longer as it takes you through the guts of the forest and the road does get rough in areas. However, this is a lovely drive and worth it if you have an SUV or 4wd. 

I would highly recommend a capable SUV or 4wd if you are going to explore this forest in winter as there will be areas of the road that get washed out or large pot holes will become dangerous for a small car. I have a Mitsubishi outlander that has a 4wd button (whatever that means) and it was fine but there are definitely some roads where I was questioning my car’s capabilities. Specifically Deer Rd and Marrinup Rd. I was actually half way down Marrinup Rd and decided to turn around and went another route because it was a little too rough for my SUV. So use your common sense. Don’t go up any tracks that are out of our cars or drivers capabilities.

 If you take the north entrance (north scarp rd + scarp road) you only travel along a 2km gravel road. There are portions of this road that you need to take slowly because the road is unsealed. You can absolutely get there in a 2wd but I would recommend taking it very easy on the bumps and avoiding any large rocks.

Marrinup State Forest

This state forest is truly stunning so allow time to explore the forest. It’s a classic aussie bush with the gum trees, eucalyptus and much much more. This forest is situated right bang smack between Pinjarra and Dwellingup. The forest offers loads of outdoor activities both in summer and winter. Mountain Biking, hiking, swimming, 4wding, bird watching you name it. There is also a campsite which im keen to try out because its so close to Perth it might be a good one nighter. 

Best time of year to visit

Both summer and winter offer a different experience of Oakley Dam. Summer being the most favorable time of year to visit Oakley Dam, so you can enjoy a refreshing dip. However, in winter the waters will rise and topple over the dam wall creating a waterfall or that perfect infinity pool edge. If you need some help with understanding Western Australia weather, you read our in depth blog post here. “When to Travel Around WA”.

Honestly anytime of year is fine, just depends on why you are visiting. If you are wanting a dip, I would go on a hot Spring day or in Summer. Maybe you want to see the waterfall over the infinity edge of the dam and get the infinity pool pics Winter and Spring would be the ideal time. Or perhaps you only have a 2wd the track might get a little washed out in winter making it more difficult for a small 2wd to access in winter.

Facilities

There are 3 picnic tables near the car park so you can enjoy this areas as a day visit. There is a long drop toilet, which was a welcomed find. However, bring your own toilet paper, just in case it’s out.

The paths are very rocky so you will need to go it on foot, no prams or wheelchairs would get through to the Dam. 

No water available so go prepared with food and water. 

There are also no bins provided so please PICK UP YOUR RUBBISH!!! It was annoying to see peoples rubbish around this beautiful dam.

Beware of the Leeches.

Leeches… yes. Unfortunately, there are leeches in this dam. I personally didn’t swim because I forgot my bathers, however I did hear a kid find one and another guy say he had one on his foot in which I proceeded to watch him pull it off. Not a deal breaker for me, but just something to note. There were more than 20 people down at the Dam so it didn’t deter anyone. 

What to do if you get a leech on you?

• Don’t panic, it wont kill you. Although they are gross.
• Pull your skin taught where the leech is attached and try to flick the leech off with your finger nail. Get your nail right in at the mount (where it is attached to your skin) before giving it a good flick. Or you can use a credit card or some other object to scrape the “mouth” from your skin.
• Wash the area with clean water.

The Marrinup State Forest is situated near Pinjarra and Dwellingup so definitely stop into the neighboring towns on your way to the park to soak in those relaxed country town vibes.

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