Dumaresq Dam Reserve

Dumaresq Dam was built between 1896 and 1898 and was Armidale's water supply until 1968 when Malpas Dam was completed. It is now a recreation reserve.

As a swimming spot, it is fantastic. Swimming a circuit will give you a bit more than one kilometre to think.

Dumaresq Dam is circled by a pleasant 2.5-kilometre walking track that passes below the dam wall. It is an easy walk, though rock-hopping is required for one section. A new mountain biking track links to nearby Mount Duval. Both the woodland and the dam offer excellent opportunities for bird watching, and for anglers, the dam is stocked with trout, and occasionally bass.

Water temperature drops below 20 degrees in April or May. For cold-water lovers, the temperature in winter is around 5 degrees, and there are occasional chances for a snow swim.

Dumaresq Dam Reserve is home to 27 endangered species, including 2 critically endangered species. No dogs allowed.