Recreation at the Cotter

The Cotter Precinct is a vibrant and popular recreation space for residents and visitors alike and is also an area of historical significance for many Canberrans. Construction of Canberra’s new Cotter Dam is well underway and will continue into 2012. Dam building makes for spectacular viewing; and the Cotter is a mere 30 minute car trip away from the Canberra CBD.

For the best view of the dam worksite, walk the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail and follow the interpretive signage which provides a history of water in Canberra. A 16-metre wide, amphitheatre-style viewing platform finishes the Discovery Trail, providing a clear and direct view of the construction works as they occur. Following months of excavation to prepare the landscape for the new dam the real dam building has begun, with the construction team laying the concrete for the new 80 metre high wall. Canberra’s new Cotter Dam will result in an almost 20 fold increase to the Cotter Reservoir storage capacity and will allow us to take advantage of our most productive water supply catchment.

Around the corner from the Cotter Dam is Casuarina Sands, a popular recreation space which includes BBQ facilities, picnic tables, shaded areas, playground equipment, access to swimming, ample parking and disabled access. Cotter Avenue has been closed to the public since late 2009 due to its proximity to the construction works. ACTEW is upgrading this space to return to the community following the end of construction so stay tuned for details on this popular, revitalised recreation area. 

Please be aware, some recreational activities around and upstream of Cotter Dam are restricted as this is a protected drinking water catchment. Click here to visit the Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) website for further information. For alternative recreation options in the ACT and region visit the TAMS website at www.tams.gov.au 

Please note ACT Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) temporarily closed the Cotter Campground from October 2010 due to increased construction activities associated with the Enlarged Cotter Dam including construction activity which occurs 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The Cotter Campground will remain temporarily closed until further notice to ensure that the camper experience in that location is not impacted by this construction activity. For further information on the Cotter Campground closure and the various alternative camping areas across the region, please visit the TAMS website at www.tams.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

Angle Crossing recreational area is closed for public safety until completion of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer construction in mid 2012. ACTEW has upgraded Tharwa Sandwash as an alternative recreational area along this part of the Murrumbidgee River.