Gibbs Pool & Amphitheatre

On the shores of the Harvey Dam, you will find the beautifully landscaped Gibbs Pool and Amphitheatre.

Pack a lunch and make use of the free electric barbecues and shady gazebos. The fenced playground area will be a hit with the kids.

After lunch, stroll along the trails located around the dam to stretch your legs. If you’re feeling energetic, take the Dick Lofthouse Rotary Walk spillway path, which leads up to stairs that climb the 45-metre embankment to a scenic lookout spot.

If you enjoy fishing, why not bring a rod and cast off in the reservoir. The Water Corporation, along with Fisheries WA and Recfish West, has 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.

Located on the banks of Gibbs Pool, the Gibbs Pool Amphitheatre is a majestic outdoor event and concert shell popular for events.

History

Gibbs Pool was formerly known as the Intercepting Weir or Little Weir. It was officially opened as part of the Harvey Irrigation Scheme in 1916 and 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.

The Intercepting Weir,  located a short distance down the river, raised the water until it overflowed into the open irrigation channel which gravity-fed the water to the orchards.

Gibbs Pool became the local swimming pool and the swimming club held its first carnival there in 1934.

In 1936, a diving platform was installed and the surrounding area was terraced and gardens were cultivated. There was a large shed for picnic parties and a dressing room. Later, schools conducted swimming lessons and held carnivals at the pool.

These activities eventually moved to the Dr Topham Memorial Swimming Pool.