Niagara Dam – Freecamp Review

Another part of the campground, view from the dam walkway

Time to Read:

2–3 minutes

This campsite is only about an hour from our previous stop at Lake Ballard. The two campsites are relatively close together and offer similar features.

They are both located along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail.

  • Website: N/A
  • Fee Category: Free
  • Booking: No
  • Powered Sites: No
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Amenities: Yes – Toilets
  • Dump point: Yes
  • Pool: No
  • Fire Pits: Yes, fire-restrictions
  • Telstra: Flaky
  • Starlink: No Problems
  • Generator: Yes
A sign showing the Golden Quest Discovery Trail
A sign showing the Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Our Experience

We had no plans to stay here, but the presence of the dam wall meant we could get some shelter from the wind. It also has many of the same amenities as our previous campsite at Lake Ballard, all in similarly good condition.

There are flushing toilets, which were clean and well maintained, along with a working dump point.

There were a few other campers here during our stay, but since we were not in a hurry, we decided to stop for the night.

The campground itself is massive, with both upper and lower camping areas and plenty of flat spots to set up. It felt like a safe environment, mainly because it is remote enough that most people here are fellow travelers and campers.

I would imagine that after heavy rain this area could become less suitable for larger vans or motorhomes.

At the time of our visit there was no water in the dam, so I am not sure whether it is still in active use.

Niagara Dam

An oasis in the wilderness of the northern Goldfields, Niagara Dam is a top rest stop on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail – perfect for a picnic, a refreshing swim, or a night camping in a swag under the stars.

The dam is a 25-minute drive from Kookynie, one of the many gold rush ghost towns and landmarks on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail – an epic outback adventure that weaves its way from Coolgardie through the Goldfield’s landscape and history.

Named after the once-booming town of Niagara, the dam was built in 1898, during the gold rush, to provide water for the railway from Kalgoorlie to Menzies. However, after its arduous construction which involved transporting cement from Coolgardie via camel train, the dam was deemed obsolete, as plentiful groundwater had been discovered in nearby Kookynie.

Today, it makes a scenic stop-off for outback adventurers. Stop for a picnic and a leisurely stroll or dip, or set up camp for the night.

Western Australia – Walking on a Dream

Some Pics

Summary

Niagara Dam is an excellent option to consider if you are travelling through the area. The campground is huge, making it easy to find your own quiet spot away from other campers.

It is also a great stop for off-grid campers, with plenty of space and useful facilities for an overnight stay or a few days in the outback.


Thanks for reading Niagara Dam – Freecamp Review. Shadow, the van, and the two of us will catch you at the next campsite.

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