Serpentine Dam

Values

The place has aesthetic value for its landscaping and contribution to setting.

The place has associations with the design and construction of dams by the state government to service rural agricultural areas.

The landscaping elements of the place appear to have high aesthetic and design significance and were designed by well-known landscape architect John Oldham.

Physical Description

The place is located in Serpentine National Park in the Darling Ranges.

The place is a rolled earth dam with a spillway, and control tower.

The site also comprises a single storey, brick and colour bond roof tearoom building looking out over the dam.

Also incorporated are a playground, seating area and landscaped grounds including a former fountain now a circular rose garden.

History

Up until the late 1960s all government dams, with the exception of the 1891 Victoria Dam, which was built privately, were designed and constructed by the Public Works Department.

Harvey Weir was first dam constructed for agricultural purposes in 1916. After it was enlarged in 1930, a number of other dams were built to serve the southwest agricultural area.

The Serpentine Dame was built in 1961 and included a substantial curved concrete wall and observation platform, spillway and tainter gates.

‘This feat is largely attributable to John Oldham who in a significant step in his own career, was given the responsibility of Landscape Architect for the project. Oldham’s impact spans logistical influence regarding large scale earth works as well as a high level of detailed design documentation (stone and planting), much of which is still intact today [2000]. A parterre garden featuring a Serpent paving design is perhaps one of the earliest attempts at referencing Aboriginal culture through landscape design.’

In 2000, plans were released for the upgrade of the Serpentine Dam. As part of these works in 2001/2002 the curved concrete wall, observation platform and tainter gates were demolished, and the spillway was enlarged.

In 2003, the tearoom appears to be vacant and partially demolished.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High
Authenticity- Moderate

Condition

Poor/ Moderate

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.