Karalee Dam

Karalee Dam is a heritage-listed natural rock formation that was originally built to provide water to steam trains during railway development in the Goldfields region.

It is now a popular recreational location and picnic spot. With bushwalking tracks, picnic and BBQ facilities, and the opportunity to see native wildflowers and wildlife, Karalee Dam Southern Cross has something for everyone.

Constructed between 1896 and 1897, Karalee Dam was chosen for its granite outcrop, which naturally collected rainwater, making it an ideal location for a catchment area. The dam wall is made of granite slabs cut from the top of the rock and laid by hand. The site was designed to maximise the catchment, delivery, and storage of rainwater, and played a crucial role in the railway development in the region. The semi-circular aqueduct of steel, which was hand riveted at each joint, still stands and allows water to flow from the rock into the dam.

Karalee Dam is a popular spot to have a picnic, with BBQ facilities and large camping grounds that include fire pits for campers to cook on. There are also bushwalking tracks available to explore the area. For nature lovers, there is the opportunity to see native wildflowers and wildlife.

Karalee Dam is located off the Great Eastern Highway, 50km east of Southern Cross, heading towards Kalgoorlie. To reach the dam, turn left at the 418 peg and continue on gravel for 4.2 km. It is important to note that this is not an all-weather track and to drive with care.

It's well worth the journey to visit Karalee Dam. Its significance to railway development in the region, combined