Chaffey Dam, NSW: Camping, fishing and watersports
Chaffey Dam near Tamworth in New South Wales offers fishing, camping, watersports and fab views from the Morning Glory Spillway.
Chaffey Dam near Nundle in the New England region of New South Wales is a popular recreation spot.
Like many man-made lakes in Australia, such as Boondooma Dam in Queensland, Chaffey Dam wasn’t constructed for leisure purposes. When it was completed in 1979, the idea was to provide water for the growing city of Tamworth, and make a consistent water source for irrigation and stock use.
How big is Chaffey Dam?
Chaffey Dam holds up to 100,500ml of water, which is the equivalent of approximately 40,000 Olympic swimming pools. The dam itself is 62 metres high, and the lake has a surface area of 524 hectares.
The foreshore of the lake is popular for picnics and barbecues, but it’s anglers that tend to enjoy Chaffey Dam the most. The lake is well-stocked with fish, including rainbow trout, Murray Cod, silver perch and catfish.
Parking and camping at Chaffey Dam
Entry to the grounds of the dam is free, but there is a $5 fee to park your car at the Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve.
Bowling Alley Point is also home to Chaffey Dam’s campground. Camping at Chaffey Dam is fairly basic, although Bowling Alley Point has toilets and barbecues.
Watersports and lookout at Chaffey Dam
Other things to do at Chaffey Dam include watersports. It’s a popular spot for jetskiing and waterskiing, although you are going to need your own boat. This pretty much rules it out for overseas visitors.
Overseas visitors dropping by on the drive from Sydney to Tamworth might have to make do with a walk. So head out along the Morning Glory Spillway. This is the Chaffey Dam’s main lookout, made of semi-precious jasper.
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