Warragamba is located within the Wollondilly Shire on Gundungurra land. It is famously the home of Warragamba Dam which supplies drinking water to over 5 million people across the Sydney and the lower Blue Mountains. Visit for a day and marvel at the sheer size of this engineering feat, and with so many hidden gems, you’re bound to learn something new along the way.
Warragamba is an easy and scenic drive from both north and south directions, making for a pleasant road trip. If you’re approaching the town from the south along Silverdale Road, stop at Horse & Harpy for a coffee and muffin.
If you’re approaching from the north along Farnsworth Road, you can grab a coffee and home-style meal from Dam Break Café in the Warragamba township. This lovely local café also serves old fashioned burgers and milkshakes perfect to energise you for the day.
Next, head down Production Avenue to enter Warragamba Dam and find a spot in the visitors carpark. Immediately, you’ll notice just how well manicured these grounds are, with lovely gardens full of native Australian flora.
Opened in 1960, Warragamba Dam remains one of the world’s largest domestic water supply dams with Lake Burragorang four times the size of Sydney Harbour.
Begin at the viewing platform next to the visitor centre for the best view of the lake and dam wall. Take your time reading the information panels and soaking in the majestic landscape.
Once you’ve taken it all in, enter the WaterNSW Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre and start by exploring the ‘Water For Life’ exhibition. You’ll find a curated collection of items from the construction of the dam and plenty of interactive activities. Learn something new and begin to understand just how important this work of engineering genius is to Sydney.
Warragamba Dam is the largest of the other historic dams within the area, which you can explore via the Dams of the Dilly itinerary trail available online, or through the touchscreen Visit Wollondilly Kiosk. This interactive tool highlights just how much there is to do in The Dilly, as this area is affectionately known by the locals.
On weekends, the dam wall is open to the public, and you can embark on a number of self-guided walks that vary in distance and include educational signs to learn even more about the dam.
Since the 1960s, the area has been a popular picnic destination. With many benches, tables, and BBQ areas, Haviland Park and the Warragamba Dam Recreation Reserve are designed for groups to spend an afternoon in. Be sure to pack a picnic blanket and food, or head to the village to grab a bite. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to be surrounded by the native bushland of Warragamba.
And if you do want to stay a little longer, there’s the Warragamba RV site with free 48 hour parking for self-contained RVs. This spot is peacefully set in a park area within walking distance from the village and includes BBQ facilities and potable water.
It took 12 years and 1 800 workers to build Warragamba Dam, and so the township of Warragamba was established next to the area for these workers and their families. Now, it is still home to over 1 200 people and the village centre is full of charm.
Along Fourteenth Street, you’ll find Nick’s Deli and Grocery. As a local store, there is fresh fruit and vegetables and a great selection of cold meats, cheeses, and delicious antipasto from the old-school style deli. Pick up some goods for your picnic, or to take back home.
Across the road you’ll find the Warragamba Town Hall and a war memorial which add to the quaint character of this lovely little village.
If you have children, Livvi’s Place is an excellent all-abilities playground with unique equipment including an in-ground trampoline, water play, and seated flying fox.
Make sure to also check out the lookout at the end of Eighteenth Street. From here, you enjoy another perspective of the dam wall, and it’s just as magnificent.
Also on Eighteenth Street, you'll find Warragamba Workers & Sporting Club, another great option for a family meal.
Finally, you’ll be ready to treat yourself for dinner, and there’s certainly no going home before you try Pietro Italian Ristorante, an authentic award-winning Italian Restaurant. Relax at a table and enjoy their sweet house red wine. Choose from their generous menu of gourmet pizzas, pastas, and traditional mains pairing the meal with a great salad, and of course, some more red wine.
We loved their Roast Pumpkin Ravioli with Rose Sauce and their Napoli Meatballs which were cooked to perfection. There’s a dish for everyone, and you’ll taste the love and care that the team puts into every dish.
Of course, you’ll also need to finish your day off with something sweet. Pietro has you covered with gelato, affogato, and liqueurs.
The Wollondilly Shire has many hidden gems like Warragamba, filled with history, character, and beauty. A day out to Warragamba Dam will show you just how stunning and unique Western Sydney really is.
This article is proudly sponsored by Love The Dilly
