by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
Prospect Reservoir was built in 1886 to provide water for Sydney, although super-ceded by Warragamba Dam it is an emergency Sydney supply hence not used for swimming and water activities.
Over the years I have spent lots of happy times at family bbqs and picnics here. As children we used to slide down the (now off limits) grass embankments. The reservoir grounds were closed in 2013 due to work on the dam wall and the closure caused usage to decline and the grounds to deteriorate. The picnic area reopened to the public in July 2015 but is definitely under-utilised.
Aerial view of the catchment photo from Water NSW
The grounds of the reservoir are extensive, scenic and peaceful. There are many shady, scenic places for a picnic, a small playground for children and plenty of open areas. It is also a great place for cycling and you can access off-road cycle ways to Blacktown, Liverpool, Parramatta and beyond from here.
Great picnic areas
The reservoir is also an area of historic significance and there are a few interesting older buildings, disused machinery and information plaques in the grounds.
View of the catchment
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday the Prospect History Cottage is open from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Located in a workers cottage on the grounds it holds a collection of photographs and stories regarding the early settlement of Prospect and the building of the reservoir.
Cycle way scenery
Bring your own supplies as there are no food facilities in the grounds, nearby there are a couple of shopping centres in Prospect and St Martins Village and the Historic Cricketers Arms Hotel is less than 5 minutes drive away.
