Grahamstown Dam
To protect drinking water quality, public access is not permitted onto Grahamstown Dam or its catchment, but there is an adjacent picnic facility that is open to the community.
Public access to dams and catchments
We aim to keep our region’s water as fresh as possible, but to ensure that we are producing the best quality for the Lower Hunter, we’re going to need the community’s help.
Here you can learn about our public access restrictions before visiting our dams and drinking water catchments.
Public access to our storage dams
To protect drinking water quality, public access is not permitted onto either Grahamstown or Chichester Dams.
Picnic facilities at Finnan Park (at Grahamstown Dam) are open to the public.
Chichester Dam - Public access open
As of Monday 25 March 2024, public access to Chichester Dam is open.
Accessible areas include the dam wall, the middle carpark and picnic facilities next to the dam wall, and the upper picnic area.
The lower car park and picnic area will remain closed.
Some work to finish our recent project to improve the performance and reliability of our water infrastructure will continue, but this will not impact visitors’ access.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete the work.
Chichester Dam
To protect drinking water quality, public access is not permitted onto Chichester Dam or its catchment, but there are two picnic areas within the site that are open to the community.
Public access to our groundwater catchments
Tomago Sandbeds
The Tomago Sandbeds fall under Hunter Water owned land and the Tilligerry State Conservation Area (SCA), which is known as a ‘Special Area’ in the Hunter Water Act - view our access restrictions map. The reserve is jointly managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Hunter Water, and is closed to the public in order to protect groundwater quality and water extraction infrastructure.
Tomaree Sandbeds
The Tomaree Sandbeds are almost completely covered by Tomaree National Park and managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in consultation with us. Access is permissible in some areas (See the National Parks website for more details). Restrictions include no horse riding, or vehicle access off designated public vehicular trails.
Report illegal activity or access
If you have witnessed illegal activity, for example dumping of rubbish, burnt out vehicles, or unauthorised access to our land we want to know.
Penalties for non-compliance and further information
Fines of up to $11,000 for individuals and $22,000 for corporations can apply for not complying with these restrictions.
Regular patrols and surveillance of Special Areas are undertaken by Hunter Water, NSW Police, Dungog Shire Council, Port Stephens Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.