Harvey Dam is a large, impressive waterway with fantastic facilities and a stunning amphitheatre located only 2.5kms from Harvey.
It’s a great place to go canoeing, freshwater fishing, trail walking, riding or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
After many expansions, the dam is 56 gigalitres with a surface area at full storage of 553 hectares. Catchment area – 126 square kilometres.
Other features include walkways, landscaped recreational areas, free electric BBQs, playground facilities, shady gazebos, picnic tables and toilets.
Marroning, trout, and perch fishing are permitted only at the rear of the dam in the season with a permit.
The Harvey Dam is beautifully landscaped for everyone to enjoy. Pack a lunch and make use of the free electric barbecues and shady gazebos for a relaxed get-together with family and friends. The fenced playground area will be a hit with the kids.
After lunch, take a stroll along the trails located around the dam to stretch your legs. If you’re feeling energetic, take the spillway path which leads up to stairs that climb the 45-metre embankment to a scenic lookout spot.
If you enjoy fishing, bring a rod and cast off in the reservoir. The Water Corporation along with Fisheries WA and Recfish West, have worked to re-establish trout and marron in the dam, which allows licensed anglers and marroners the chance to try their luck during the designated seasons.
Grab a canoe, as no power boats are allowed.
Strictly ‘No Camping’ is allowed at Harvey Dam.
History
Harvey Weir prior to 1930
Harvey Irrigation Scheme, including the Big Weir, Intercepting Weir, Irrigation Channels, and the later Harvey River Diversion Drain project, was built to control the area’s flooding and also to provide water to the orchardists who required summer watering of their citrus trees.
It was WA’s first conservation of water and irrigation scheme for agricultural purposes.
Water was impounded at Harvey Weir (also known as Big Weir) and was released into the Harvey River in sufficient quantities for irrigation during the dry weather.
A short distance down the river, the Intercepting Weir (also known as Little Weir) raised the water until it overflowed into the open irrigation channel which gravity-fed the water to the orchards.
In 1912, work commenced on the construction of the Intercepting Weir on the Harvey River (now Gibbs Pool), and after much uncertainty, pending litigation and financial loss to Hayward and Harvey, the building of the Big Weir commenced a short distance up the river in 1914. It was officially opened by the then Governor, Sir Henry Barron, on June 21st 1916.
The Weir wall was raised in the early 1930s to increase the water storage capacity. This capacity was later supplemented by the building of the Stirling Dam, completed in 1948.
The Harvey (Big) Weir was submerged when the Harvey Dam was constructed in 2002.
Map of Big Weir location. Credit: inHerit
Image Gallery
Little Weir Opening 1916
Harvey Weir Expansion 1915. Credit Harvey Museum
Official Opening of the Weir.
1930s Harvey Weir Construction. Credit: Harvey Museum
Harvey Weir Construction c1916
Harvey Big Weir in 1912
Harvey Hike 1939 showing the weir with a raised wall. Credit: Nathan King
For the best and most accessible views of this 126 square kilometres catchment area head to the Harvey Dam Viewing Platform. From the viewing platform the Dam wall walk is accessible to wheelchairs and prams.
Fishing
Harvey Dam is inland fishing at its best. WaterCorp has successfully worked with Fisheries WA and Recfish West to re-establish trout and marron in the reservoir, allowing licensed anglers and marroners the chance to try their luck during the designated seasons. Remember – non motorised craft only.
