Manly Dam

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (Manly Dam) is a unique place. It is surrounded by 375 hectares of bushland which provides a tranquil environment for visitors and important habitat for native animals.

Location and access

There are several entry points to Manly Dam, however only one you can drive through. This is located at:

King Street

(off Condamine Street)

Manly Vale

Gates to the King Street entrance open at 7am and close at:

• 8.30pm during daylight saving
• 7pm from the end of daylight saving until May
• 5.30pm from second Sunday in May until September
• 7pm from second Sunday in September until the start of daylight saving

Other access points to the dam are located in the surrounding suburbs of Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest, Manly Vale, North Balgowlah and off the Wakehurst Parkway. Click on the link for a map of access points (PDF, 266KB). For map and information of picnic areas see 'Picnic Areas' directly below.

Picnic areas

The park has four picnic areas with picnic tables and barbecues. Disabled access to picnic areas are available at Sections 1 and 4. It is not essential to book tables but recommended if you are planning a gathering for a large group or want a table undercover. To book call 9942 2545. Click on the link for a map of Manly Dam (PDF, 695KB) highlighting picnic areas. For more details on individual picnic areas click on the picture.

Activities

Visitors to Manly Dam can enjoy many activities including swimming, kayaking, fishing, bushwalking, mountain biking, bird watching and waterskiing. Click on the links for more on those activities.

 

 

Dogs and cats

Dogs are not allowed on the internal road network, picnic areas, carparks or in the lake. Dogs are allowed to be walked on a leash on bushwalking tracks which can be accessed via entry points in surrounding suburbs (see map - PDF, 266KB). Please place dog poo in dog litter bins where provided or take them with you. The nearest off-leash dog exercise areas are Flora & Ritchie Roberts Reserve at Curl Curl, Hinkler Reserve at Queenscliff, and Allambie Heights Oval (prior to 7am). Cats are prohibited from the Manly Dam reserve.

Flora

Manly Dam is rich in plant life, with over 300 species identified including sprays of flannel flowers, large gums, rare plants and six vegetation communities. However, the environment is vulnerable to invasive weeds. For more on Manly Dam's plant life and noxious weeds, click on the link.

 

Animals

Manly Dam catchment is home to a variety of native animals including seven mammals, over 80 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles and frogs, and three native fish. Unfortunately, it is also home to predators such as foxes and cats which prey on small animals. Click on the links to find out more about Manly Dam's native animals.

The Manly Dam Catchment

Manly Dam is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Sydney. The catchment surrounding the lake includes 375 hectares of bushland plus homes, commercial and industrial businesses, the Warringah Aquatic Centre, sportsfields, Wakehurst Golf Course and Couvret tennis courts. Click on the link for more on Manly Dam catchment.

How you can help the catchment

There are many simple things you can do at home, in your garden, in your street, and when visiting the reserve to help the Manly Dam catchment. Click on the link to find out more.

 

 

History of the dam

Manly Dam has a long history. Before European settlement, the Guringai people occupied the area. Evidence of this can been seen from rock paintings, shell middens and axe-grinding grooves. In 1892 Curl Curl Creek was dammed to create Manly Reservoir and provide drinking water for the growing population. For more on Manly Dam's history click on the link.

Swimming and kayaking

There is one section of the dam, between picnic areas 2 and 3, that is a dedicated waterskiing area. Swimming and other non-motorised water activities are not allowed here. Buoys and signs indicate swimming areas.

Fishing

Manly Dam is popular with novice fishers. Section 4 near the wetlands is thought to be the best fishing spot. The dam is stocked regularly with Australian bass, however other species that may be caught are silver perch, carp and redfin.

Water Skiing

A section of the lake is available for waterskiing through the Manly and Warringah Water Ski Club. Call 9913 8828 or 9451 7042 after 7pm for more information.

 

 

Caring for Manly Dam

For a copy of

Caring for the Manly Dam Catchment

visit Warringah Council's Civic Centre

or call 9942 2111