It is a remarkable spectacle and a testament to great engineering.
You might have heard about it on TV but without seeing and hearing it for yourself you have missed a remarkable event of nature that is only seen after heavy rains like those we have all experienced.
Drive to Albury and then follow the signs towards Tallangatta. You will eventually see the turn-off to Dartmouth and can’t go wrong. It will take about two and a half hours to get there from Benalla.
Around a bend you will suddenly see the spillway water cascading over 10 terraces into the Mitta Mitta River right in front of you. So close, the spray could dampen you. The sound is remarkable. You won’t doubt your decision to go.
Don’t delay; each day the volume of water over the spillway is less, unless replenished by more rain.
Lake Dartmouth is filled by numerous High Country creeks and rivers.
Do not leave before crossing the dam wall to the viewing area where you will see the lake and actual spillway. On the way up you will see a side view of water over the terraces.
To get there, take the first right turn as you start to leave.
Information boards and plaques in the viewing area above reveal that the dam was built between 1972 and 1979, sadly at the cost of five lives.
Water from the dam eventually joins the Murray and is apportioned by the Murray Darling Basin Authority to NSW, Victoria and South Australia, under complicated arrangements, for a range of purposes including environmental and economic.
After leaving the dam area, retrace your route to the turn-off to Mitta Mitta, a pretty little village with a few houses, bridge over the river, general store, Butchers Hook Craft Shop (only open 10am to 1pm), a campsite and a fabulous pub beside the river.
The pub, the Laurel Hotel, is open seven days but in these times it is best to ring first and book (02 6072 3541). It is popular with everyone, including bike riders and touring car groups.
The food is delicious. I can recommend the mushroom pie and blackboard specials.
If you don’t want to go to Mitta Mitta there is another pub and café in Eskdale, which you probably noted is breathtakingly pretty on your way to Dartmouth.
Coming home at present I would recommend staying on the Omeo Hwy to Tallangatta, because it is beside the river. Although the river flats are still flooded it looks beautiful — every colour green in a Derwent pencil case.
Everyone has mown their lawns — their gardens and Paulownia trees are in full spring colour.
You can then continue home beside Lake Hume, which has water where you might not have seen it before, or turn off to Yackandandah and Beechworth. I visit these towns using any excuse.
You are guaranteed a wonderful day trip.
– Suzie Pearce
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