Blowering Dam, NSW

The world water speed record was broken at Blowering Dam, NSW, in 1978. Now, Blowering Dam in the Snowy Mountains is more popular for fishing and camping.

Blowering Dam is a major reservoir on the Tumut River, near Tumut in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. It is three times bigger than Sydney Harbour, and has multiple uses. These include flood mitigation, hydro electric power and irrigation. It’s part of the vast Snowy Mountains Scheme.

However, in October 1978, Blowering Dam played host to a remarkable feat. That’s when Ken Warby took his jet-powered hydroplane, Spirit of Australia, along the Blowering Dam lake as fast as he possibly could.

Blowering Dam in the Snowy Mountains, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

World water speed record at Blowering Dam

The Spirit of Australia was clocked at 275.97 knots – which is 511.09km/h. Ken Warby had broken the world water speed record. More than four decades later, Warby still holds the record. Given that he designed and built the Spirit of Australia himself, and several competitors have died trying to break the record since, it’s a remarkable achievement.

Things to do at Blowering Dam

These days, life around Blowering Dam is much more sedately-paced, although the lake is still used for watersports. It’s a very popular spot for fishing, with good stocks of trout, silver perch and Murray cod.

Other things to do at Blowering Dam include following the 5km return Blowering Cliffs walking track. This walk heads from the lake to Blowering Falls, and is pretty steep in places.

Alternatively, just walk across the dam wall, for spectacular views of the lake and the Kosciuszko National Park’s alpine bushland.

Blowering Dam camping

You can also go camping. The two main Blowering Dam camping options are the Pines and the Humes Crossing campground. Both of them are in the Kosciuszko National Park, on the eastern side of the lake.

Facilities are basic, but there are picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and a boat ramp. There are no charges for camping at the Pines or Humes Crossing, but there is a $6 booking fee. Visit the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service website for more detailed information.

More New South Wales travel

Go fishing, birdwatching or swimming at Yarramundi Reserve on the Grose River

Go walking in the Macquarie Pass National Park on the drive from Bowral to Wollongong.

Stop for wine tasting at Clonakilla on the Yass to Canberra drive.

Try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Illawarra near Wollongong.

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