Chaffey Dam

Chaffey Dam is a prominent water storage facility located on the Peel River, approximately 43 kilometers southeast of Tamworth and 14 kilometers north of Nundle in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia . Constructed between 1976 and 1979, the dam serves multiple purposes, including water supply for Tamworth, irrigation, flood mitigation, and drought security .

Key Features

• Structure: The dam features a 55.8-meter-high and 430-meter-long rock-fill embankment with a clay core. It incorporates an uncontrolled morning glory spillway, a distinctive bell-shaped design, capable of discharging up to 903 cubic meters per second .
• Capacity: Originally holding 62,000 megaliters, the dam's capacity was increased to approximately 100,500 megaliters following an augmentation project completed in 2014 .
• Catchment and Surface Area: The dam has a catchment area of 420 square kilometers and a surface area of 542 hectares .

Recreation and Wildlife

Chaffey Dam is a popular destination for various recreational activities:

• Water Sports: The lake supports swimming, sailing, boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking .
• Fishing: Anglers can find species such as Murray cod, yellowbelly (golden perch), silver perch, catfish, and rainbow trout in the dam's waters .
• Camping: Campsites are available at the Chaffey Dam Camping Reserve and Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve, offering amenities like barbecue and toilet facilities .
• Wildlife: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including waterbirds like pelicans, plovers, cormorants, ibis, and wild ducks .

Access and Facilities

The dam grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round, with free entry . Parking at Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve is available for a fee . Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake, rock wall, and spillway from the dam's main lookout point .

Chaffey Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset for the region, providing essential water services and a range of recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting.