Prospect Reservoir

The reservoir has a rich history dating back to its construction between 1880 and 1888 as Australia’s first earth fill embankment dam. Part of the pioneering Upper Nepean Scheme, it was designed to ensure a steady water supply to a growing Sydney by diverting water from the Nepean River and its tributaries. The impressive embankment, standing 26 metres high and stretching 2.2 kilometres, is constructed with a central clay core flanked by compacted earth shoulders. Remarkably, the reservoir once processed over 80% of Sydney’s drinking water and continues to serve the city in times of high demand.
Stroll along the walking and cycling tracks that weave through the precinct, offering unimpeded views of the dam and its surrounding landscape. Visit Prospect History Cottage where you can also spot original heritage buildings, historic structures, and old machinery still standing from the dam’s construction era — silent witnesses to the engineering legacy of the late 19th century.