by Cecelia Hopkins (
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Cecelia's articles are illustrated by Allan who enjoys photography. Cecelia is also the author of: "Silver Springtime", "All for Love", "Mystic Evermore" and the new release: "Faith and Love". https://creativearts2009-picturefiles.blogspot.com/
Across the dam wall - Photo by Allan
Mount Bold Reservoir can be accessed from Mount Bold Road, off of Kangarilla Road. The gates are open from 9 am until 4 pm seven days a week, every day except Christmas day, Easter and fire ban days. It is also closed during emergencies and "pre-release" periods when water will be released from the dam to prevent flooding.
When I was younger, it was possible to climb the steps down to the swing bridge, and also up onto the hill. These hiking paths are now blocked off, either for visitor safety or to maintain the cleanliness of the catchment area. However, the view from the lookout is still excellent.
View of the dam - Photo by Allan
The water level is very concerning, however. This dam serves the south eastern-suburbs and you can see a line in the ground that shows where water has reached during years with good rainfall. The dam is currently very low because of the series of dry years that we have experienced. The surrounding ground is also very dry looking.
According to signage at the site, the reservoir took six years to construct (1932 to 1938). It spans the Onkaparinga River system and is an amazing feat of engineering. It also makes one wonder what the state will do when reservoirs built almost a century ago are no longer sufficient for our needs.
Lookout access road - Photo by Allan
