The Whispering Wall

by Paula McManus (subscribe)

It's more than 110 years old, is world famous, incredibly unique and just a little bit magical - it's the Whispering Wall, just out of Williamstown in the Barossa Valley.



The Barossa Reservoir's Whispering Wall is an engineering feat; built between 1900 and 1903 as a back-up water supply for the growing population of Gawler. Early settlers had been using the water from a well in the South Para River, but quality concerns forced the construction of the dam at the site of the Yettie Creek Gorge.



The 9 storey high concave wall was once the highest dam wall in Australia and it's shape is the major drawcard to the area. Words spoken in a whisper can be heard clearly at the other side - approximately 140 metres away. It's hard to believe, but the wall really does whisper. Children and adults alike hold amazed conversations from side to side. It's as though a little bit of magic happens and the surprise on the faces of those who test it out is wonderful to see.



Voices can be heard clearly due to the parabola effect. The wall is one sector of a perfect circle and the soundwaves bounce in a series of straight jumps along it to the other end.

The whole area is also a protected area for native species. The area is covered in original scrub growth of pink gums and native pine trees. Trees bring birds, so it's a great spot to do some birdwatching.

The water in the reservoir comes via a tunnel from more than 2 kilometres away from a weir on the South Para River. It took one horse nine months to cut the path through - that poor horse never once saw the light of day while working.

There were nearly 400 people living at the dam construction site - the only building that remains today is the old caretakers cottage, which can be seen adjacent to the picnic area.



Facilities
Access With Assistance for the Disabled
Free carparking
Coach Parking
Parking for the Disabled
Picnic Area
Public Toilet
Shaded Area
Sheltered Area
Toilet facilities for the Disabled
Viewing Platform



Williamstown (population approx 1500) is a small South Australian town on the fringe of the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills.

It is approximately 1 hour/51km north east of Adelaide, with an elevation of 310m and an average rainfall of 682.7mm.
Williamstown was originally known as Victoria Creek. It has a summer average temperature of 31°C with temperatures often reaching mid 40's, and a winter average temperature of 15°C with it often dropping below freezing at night.

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Why? Tell me a secret

When: Every day, 8am to 5pm

Where: Barossa Reservoir Via Yettie Road, Williamstown (follow signposts from main street)

Cost: FREE!

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