Company Dam

DOWNLOAD THE COMPANY DAM BROCHURE HERE – includes the walking / cycling trail map.

Company Dam is just over 2km north west of Grenfell via Bradley St and Newtown Rd. Turn right into Company Dam or continue on Newtown Rd. There are signposted walking and cycling trails through Tumbledown Red Gum and Cypress Pine woodlands.

Completed in June 1867 by the Grenfell Water Company, Company Dam was originally constructed to supply water to gold claims and crushers in the area. The dam had an estimated capacity of 10 million gallons (37.85 megalitres). At that time it was claimed to be one of the largest dams for mining in the colony.

As the mining era came to a close the dam fell into disrepair. The arrival of the railway in Grenfell in 1901 led to a new purpose for the dam, to supply water to the steam engines. The Railway Department took the dam. The area is now Crown Land.

Nowadays, Company Dam, or ‘Comps Dam’ to the locals, is utilised year round as a recreational area popular for walking, running, cycling and canoeing. Company Dam is home to a large number of birds, with over 50 different species recorded. Since 2004 the site has been used for Birding NSW’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Area Survey and is a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). The Peaceful Dove, Rainbow Bee- eater, Speckled Warbler, Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo, Black-fronted Dotterel, Bronzewing, Striped Honeyeater, E. Yellow Robin, Red-browed Finch, Brown and Inland Thornbill can be viewed here. A great bird watching site with a combination of many small woodland birds and water birds on and around the dam.

There are many species of plants including lilies, bush peas, heath plants, daisies, native grasses, as well as a number of orchids, the most prolific being the Green-comb Spider Orchid.

Using the area and safety tips:

• Be safe be seen—wear bright reflective clothing. Wear sensible apparel for the climate, a hat and protect skin from the sun. Wear glasses to protect your eyes from glare, dust, dirt, insects etc. Wear your helmet and appropriate safety gear.
• Check the weather before leaving home.
• Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Plan your ride/walk and avoid going out alone. Let someone know before you leave. Advise friends/family where you are going and a time you expect to return. There is limited phone reception on some tracks.
• Always carry drinking water.
• Use a bike that is your size, fits the purpose and ride within your abilities.
• Keep to the marked tracks and stay off closed trails.
• Share the trail and respect others such as horse riders, walkers, and cyclists. Keep a safe distance from others.
• Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
• Do not disturb plants or animals.
• Carry a bag for rubbish.

If you see a hazard please report it to Weddin Shire Council on 02 6343 1212

In case of an emergency call 000.