03 Jan Waroona Dam. Is this the ultimate day trip?
Is Waroona Dam the ultimate day trip location? Keep reading to find out why it should be on your radar for your next day trip.
Both in summer and winter this place offers some fun and adventure. 1 hr 20 mins drive south of Perth,Waroona Dam is located approx 10km’s from Waroona Town this is part of the Peel Region so its honestly just a stones throw away from Perth for a fun packed day trip.
Attractions
- Swimming
- Water sports
- Jet Skiing
- SUP/ Kayak
- 4wd
- Camping
- Fishing (trout)
- Picnic on the banks
- Photography
Known for its turquoise water, Waroona Dam is also called Lake Navarino. This reservoir’s main attraction is definitely water sports. It is zoned for jet skis and water skiing, so a very popular spot to bring the boat and enjoy a day of water skiing and wakeboarding. Due to the popularity of water sports don’t expect this to be a nice peaceful quiet location, the wake boats are quite noisy however everyone is just having a good time.
Apparently the trout fishing is good here so if you want to throw a line in you might just get something. Or if you have a fishing kayak, it could be a good place to bring it.
Most people bring a gazebo down and a portable bbq to just set up for the day and enjoy the location in the summer heat. Not everyone has a pool or enjoys the beach so if you are looking for a day trip out of perth in the school holidays Waroona Dam should be on your radar.
There are multiple walking and mountain bike tracks near by if you are looking for a bit of recreational fitness or if you are into 4wd’ing there are plenty of local tracks. In summer they are dry however in winter that will get very muddy and boggy.
Why visit Waroona Dam
Well, because it is a beautiful place to swim and cool down on a hot day, making it the ultimate day trip in summer. If you are not specifically there to go water skiing or wake boarding don’t forget to bring an inflatable tube or flamingo to make the most of the water on a hot day.
If you have a wake boat and love skiing then you have probably already familiar with Waroona Dam, as its one of the main places you can water ski and jetski, making it the ultimate day trip for the water lover. Its also a great place for kayaking and SUP boarding.
Apparently the fishing is quite good and the fresh water boasts large trout and perch. If you had a fishing kayak this could be a great place to throw a line in.
Waroona is known for being a 4WD playing ground. You can’t drive through Waroona without seeing a few suped up utes or 4wd’s covered in mud. However you don’t need a 4wd to visit the Dam. The main road surrounding the Dam is sealed and all the tracks leading to the banks are unsealed and can get a bit rough in areas however saw plenty of 2wd cars around the place.
There is a holiday park here called Lake Navarino Holiday Park which has accommodation for everyone. Camping (powered and unpowered) caravan sites, cabins, glamping etc. If you wanted to stay overnight it would be a nice little weekend away.
Personally I love getting out of the city into nature so this is a nice little escape from the big smoke to disconnect from reception.
Facilities
There are literally no facilities here. If nature calls you do have to drive to “Lake Navarino” Holiday Park (aka the local caravan park) to use a toilet. However toilets are a short drive away if needed and the holiday park also has a small cafe and shop for provisions.
Plenty of parking along the banks of the reservoir. Suitable for all vehicles.
When to visit
You can visit all year round. Swimming and water sports in summer and in the cooler months you might want to go 4wding and fishing.
Other Local attractions.
Waroona is a well established town. It is definitely worth a pit stop at the Pinjarra Bakery to grab some lunch or something sweet. In 2020 the Pinjarra Bakery won the best meat pie in Australia so it’s definitely not to be missed.
Drakesbrook Dam is another beautiful swimming place that has toilet and BBQ facilities. It’s just a swimming area so not suitable for motorised water sports. It’s a much more family friendly place for the kiddies.
Dwellingyup is a short drive from Waroona so if you are ready for a full jam packed day of fun you can always drive the long way home through the Dwellingup forest or you can always camp in Dwellingyup and enjoy Waroona Dam as a day trip.
Enjoy mother nature in all her glory, although I realise a Dam is man made, however situated in amongst the thick jarrah forest its still a lovely location to enjoy all year round. I think Waroona Dam is one of Perth’s ultimate day trips.
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