When the road up Bald Hill was blocked for residents of Stanwell Park last year, we either took the train to get to Helensburgh (12-minute trip) or had a 40-minute drive through Thirroul and up the Bulli Pass to get there. 

With our mail being redirected to the post box, we took the train to the ’Burgh each week to collect it. One day, we met some hikers who got off the train from Sydney and told us they were going to Helensburgh dam. When the road opened, we also went to this dam. 

To get to the dam, go just north of Helensburgh Public School to the sign that says Wilsons Creek reserve. The walk is rather rough for the first 500 metres. You will hear frogs croaking and see wild orchids. We met three mothers with babies on their backs walking back from the dam as we were walking down. When we got to the dam it was large and full of water. A beautiful spot to visit.

The dam formerly supplied water to the Metropolitan coal mine. It was constructed in 1902 in response to frequent droughts. Prior to the dam being built, the colliery had put in water pipes to Wilsons Creek. These were attached to the walls of the two railway tunnels. This was a temporary measure until the government approved the dam.
In 1928, a concrete plug was constructed in the southern entrance to the Metropolitan Tunnel to allow it to be used as a reservoir.

Before Helensburgh Pool opened, the dam was the local swimming spot. Sadly, there were several drownings there, including a mother and two children in December 1935. 

So, go for the walk, look at the dam, but think twice before swimming.