Hidden gem: A graffiti-covered concrete dam is the centrepiece of 10-minute bushwalk
NORTHMEAD dam is one of western Sydney’s hidden gems. The bushwalk to the graffiti-covered concrete centrepiece takes you past gums as high as your neck will crane.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
NORTHMEAD dam is one of western Sydney’s hidden gems.
The bushwalk in to the graffiti-covered concrete centrepiece takes you past red gums, blue gums and blackbutts as high as your neck will crane back and tree ferns nestle under their canopy.
There are rock overhangs on the other side of Darling Mills Creek, which the bushwalk track hugs as you head towards the dam.
Regardless of if there has been rain, the creek is almost always running.
When you get down the steep sealed entry, turn right to head towards the dam. A short walk along you’ll spot a creek crossing of rocks on your left.
If you head left at the T-junction after the entry, it’ll take you up to historic rifle range stairs that were once used by soldiers training for both world wars.
The walk to the dam continues. A panting, slightly overweight beagle passes by with his young owner at a pace. Birds call. Dogs bark in the distance and a man works in his shed up the hill, echoing into the valley.
A small group of hooded teens walk by, one with a cigarette in hand. The abundance of artwork on the concrete is a dead giveaway the area is a “hang out” for the next generation to whittle away time.
Located in Bidjigal Reserve, it is technically not a dam, but more a flood retarding basin for Sydney Water.
A puny “no graffiti” sign has been ignored. Colourful artwork on almost every concrete surface brings the space to life. Some of it creative, some not so much. As a whole, the space is a little surreal. It’d be a great place for a music video.
The dam is an easy 10-minute walk from the end of Ventura Rd, Northmead and about time from the top side via Loyalty Rd, North Rocks.
North Rocks is a steeper entry, so keep in mind it’ll be a harder slog back to the car.
The path is sealed from the North Rocks side, but if you are after more of a natural bushwalk, park the car in Ventura Rd and immerse yourself in Earth’s beauty.
A man-made bridge crossing halfway down will remind you that you are still in suburban Sydney.
Take a moment. Birds calling in the treetops are occasionally drowned out as planes pass by overhead. Now, stand still among those big gums, close your eyes and listen to the birds and the creek water trickling. Breathe in deeply and let the cool breeze wash across your face as your hands clasp the bridge top rail.
NITTY GRITTY OF THE WALK
● The Northmead entry has a steep sealed road at the start but it flattens out for the remaining walk so you can let the kids run ahead and explore safely, within sight.
● There are a couple of rocky crossings, where water runs through, that mixes up the walk.
● There is a graffiti tunnel that leads you to the graffiti-covered basin. It’s here you can see the water from the creek snake through the man-made structure. Follow the grates!
● After lots of rain, access to the bottom of the basin is limited, but there are two viewing platforms you can access if you walk in via North Rocks.
● The first diverts off the path as you come in via North Rocks. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the dam colliding with mother nature.
RESERVE’S HISTORY
Bidjigal Reserve is home to more than 370 native plants and over 140 native animals.
There are a network of tracks providing countless adventures for nature lovers and bush walkers.
The reserve has a strong connection to the Aboriginal community. The earliest record of people in the reserve is from a rock shelter where they left stone artefacts and animal bones.
It was used by the Bidjigal clan of the Darug people until 1790.
The smallpox epidemic killed most of the clan and many of their neighbours.
Many of the survivors continued to live a traditional life but within about 30 years, expansion of the European settlement made it impossible.
Australia’s largest owl, the powerful owl, breeds in the reserve.
Echidnas and sugar gliders frequent the bushland as well as wrens and thornbills.
Infamous 1820s bushranger Jack Donahoe, who carried out many robberies in the area, is reported to have used the gorge as a hide-out.