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Brogo Dam
Bega, New South Wales

Brogo Dam is a peaceful swimming spot, situated in the tranquil surrounds of the Wadbilliga National Park. Floating out in the middle of the lake, if you close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the bush, it is hard to imagine that the rest of the world still exists.

Swimming at Brogo Dam

Above: The view from the dam wall looking towards the boat ramp (Order this image)

Access to the lake is a bit limited. I found the boat ramp the best place to swim, as there are very few boats coming and going most of the time. With a four-wheel drive you can also access other parts of the lake.

It surprised me just how warm the water was at the lake. From the boat ramp you can swim out for an imposing view of the dam wall. It is best however to keep your distance from the wall itself.

The march flies can be overwhelming here at certain times of the year. Come prepared with insect repellent and fly swatters because they bite hard. I have visited once when you could not breathe without swallowing one and once when they were nowhere to be seen.

The dam is used for water supply to both irrigators and nearby towns, so make sure you take your rubbish with you. Much of this area was burnt by bushfire in early 2013, so no guarantees that the water is as clean as I experienced.

Here is a video that I took when visiting Brogo Dam. It's tongue in cheek, but don't let my bad acting put you off from visiting as it's a beautiful, peaceful swim.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Brogo Dam Road, 30 km north west of Bega, 410 km (approx. 6 hr drive) south of Sydney and 260 km (approx. 3 hr 40 min drive) south east of Canberra.
Latitude:-36.492168 Longitude:149.741051
Getting there: Turn off the Princes Hwy at Warrigul Range Rd and follow the signs to the dam. When you reach the dam, drive to the boat ramp.

Facilities: Toilets, tables, lawn, parking, canoe hire, boat ramp
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Concrete entry at boat ramp
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No camping. Boat speed limits apply on the water. No other prohibitions stated on site or on the managing authority's website at the time of visiting. The foreshore around the lake is technically not in the Wadbilliga National Park, but if head inland, away from the reservoir, the national park's rules will apply.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water
Opening times: Open during daylight hours
Wheelchair access: Boat ramp is steep but wheelchair accessible
Managing authority: Water NSW
Nearby attractions: The Bega Cheese Factory in Bega or for swimming, Mumbulla Creek Falls on the other side of the highway.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the boat ramp where I swam. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Comments:

Here is one personal account of swimming at Brogo Dam:

"I have been to Brogo Dam before. It is a beautiful place to swim and fish." - W.Hodge, Victoria 1/3/2015

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

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