Lake Parramatta Dam, Hunts Creek
Constructed to a height of 11m in 1856 and raised to 14m in 1898, this fine dam supplied water to Parramatta until 1916; it was part of one of the earliest urban water projects in Australia.
It is the first large dam and the first arch dam to be constructed in Australia, and is believed to be the only masonry arch dam in Australia. It is also believed to be the eleventh single arch dam in the world; one for the first two designed mathematically; and the only masonry dam in the world to combine the use of Roman and Portland cements in the one structure.
Three important colonial engineers were involved in the design and construction of Lake Parramatta Dam: it is probable that it was designed by Percy Simpson, although E.O. Moriarty was also involved, and was also responsible for site supervision; and the dam was extended in height by C.W. Darley in 1898 The contractor for stage 1 of the dam was William Randle, a prominent contactor of the day.
Lake Parramatta Dam location map.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | 9 November 1997 |
| Heritage Significance | Lake Parramatta Dam is the first large dam and the first arch dam to be constructed in Australia. It is believed to be the eleventh single arch dam in the world and one for the first two designed mathematically. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet | Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | None Installed. |
