Whispering Wall
Experience a unique acoustic marvel at the Barossa Reservoir's 'Whispering Wall,' a historic dam where whispers travel over 140 meters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for testing whispers
Whispering Wall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for testing whispers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a unique acoustic marvel at the Barossa Reservoir's 'Whispering Wall,' a historic dam where whispers travel over 140 meters.
"Absolutely amazing how clearly you can hear from one side to the other. A perfect place to move away from all the busy things in life."
🎯 Test the Whisper Magic
Stand at opposite ends of the dam wall and whisper to hear the incredible acoustic effect.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
There are great picnic spots with lovely views. Enjoy lunch with a unique backdrop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Whispering Phenomenon
Dam Wall
Whisper from one end of the curved dam and be heard clearly at the other, over 140 meters away. It's an acoustic marvel!
Barossa Reservoir Dam
Dam Wall
An engineering marvel from 1899-1902, this high arch dam was once the highest in Australia.
Picnic and Scenic Views
Surrounding parkland
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding Barossa Valley landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Acoustics
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Test the Whisper Magic
Stand at opposite ends of the dam wall and whisper to hear the incredible acoustic effect.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
There are great picnic spots with lovely views. Enjoy lunch with a unique backdrop.
🚗 Combine with Barossa Valley
It's a great stop on a Barossa Valley road trip, but not a full-day destination on its own.
💧 Free Amenities Available
Enjoy free parking, toilets, and drinking water facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Test the Whisper Magic
Stand at opposite ends of the dam wall and whisper to hear the incredible acoustic effect.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
There are great picnic spots with lovely views. Enjoy lunch with a unique backdrop.
🚗 Combine with Barossa Valley
It's a great stop on a Barossa Valley road trip, but not a full-day destination on its own.
💧 Free Amenities Available
Enjoy free parking, toilets, and drinking water facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Whispering Wall for its unique acoustic phenomenon and the impressive engineering of the Barossa Reservoir dam. It's highlighted as a beautiful picnic spot with recent upgrades to facilities like toilets and parking. While enjoyable, many note it's best as a short stop or part of a larger Barossa Valley exploration rather than a full-day destination.
"The reservoir and dam, with a history of 128 years, are quite spectacular. The Whispering Wall is quite magical."
Lu Liu
"What a terrific experience…
And it really does work (the whispering wall)…
The area has recently undergone a makeover, new and clean toilets, plenty of parking, interesting and informative signage and nice spot to visit.
Highly recommended, either as a day-trip visit or on your ‘way through’"
PhotoCoffee Warnbro - Café Mead
"Barossa Reservoir is a reservoir in the SA was built between 1899 and 1902 to supply water to Gawler and other northern country areas. Built at a cost of almost A$170,000, the reservoir was hailed on completion as an engineering marvel, and with the reservoir wall rising to a height of 36 metres (118 ft), it was, at the time of its completion, the highest dam wall in Australia.
The thin arch of the dam retaining wall, curved against the pressure of the water, was an innovation considered radical, and attracted the Reservoir international attention. It was featured in the Scientific American and caused the American Engineers News to remark that its "boldness of design deserves to rank with the most famous dams in the world". The dam is notable for its parabola effect, where a voice can be heard clearly from one side to the other – over 140 metres (460 ft), end to end. This unusual acoustic phenomenon is a popular tourist attraction, and has earned the dam the title "Whispering Wall".
Place has drinking water facilities ( free)
Public toilets (free)
Ample parking area ( free)
Parking area for caravans (free)"
Joe Czechalikkal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whispering Wall is located at the Barossa Reservoir, about an hour's drive north of Adelaide. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the wider Barossa Valley wine region.
Public transport options directly to the Whispering Wall are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour of the Barossa Valley.
The drive from Adelaide to the Whispering Wall is approximately 60-70 kilometers, taking around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Absolutely! The Whispering Wall makes for an excellent day trip from Adelaide, especially when combined with other attractions in the Barossa Valley.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Whispering Wall, including designated areas for caravans. Parking is free of charge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Whispering Wall and the surrounding Barossa Reservoir area is free. You can enjoy the acoustic phenomenon and picnic spots without any admission fee.
The Whispering Wall is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee for the Barossa Reservoir or the Whispering Wall. It's a public recreational area.
While the area is generally accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Some social media posts show visits during sunset, but always prioritize safety.
Visitors are generally free to walk along the dam wall and experience the acoustics. However, always be mindful of safety barriers and signage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The dam wall is built in a parabolic curve. This shape focuses sound waves, allowing a whisper at one end to be clearly heard at the other, over 140 meters away. It's a fascinating acoustic phenomenon. +1
The main attraction is experiencing the 'whispering' effect. It's also a beautiful spot for picnics, photography, and enjoying the scenic views of the reservoir.
Yes, children often find the whispering effect fascinating. It's a safe and engaging spot for families, provided they are supervised near the water.
Recent upgrades include new, clean public toilets, ample parking, and informative signage. There are also free drinking water facilities.
Swimming is generally not permitted in the Barossa Reservoir as it is a water supply source. Stick to enjoying the views and the dam wall itself.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Whispering Wall. However, the nearby town of Williamstown offers cafes and bakeries, such as BakerST Bakery, for refreshments.
Yes, the Whispering Wall is a popular picnic spot. You are encouraged to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the designated picnic areas.
The closest town with dining options is Williamstown, which is a short drive away. You can also find numerous wineries and restaurants in the broader Barossa Valley region.
No, there are no on-site vendors. It's best to come prepared with your own food and drinks or plan to stop in a nearby town.
While not explicitly mentioned, picnic areas are available. It's advisable to check local council information for any specific BBQ facility availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique curve of the dam wall, the vastness of the reservoir, and the fun of people testing the whispering effect. Drone shots can offer stunning perspectives.
Drone photography is generally permitted, but always check current regulations and be mindful of other visitors and any potential flight restrictions.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for landscape shots of the reservoir and dam. Midday can be good for capturing the fun of the whispering effect.
The entire length of the dam wall provides excellent vantage points. The surrounding parkland also offers scenic perspectives of the reservoir.
Try capturing people at opposite ends of the wall, perhaps with one person cupping their ear, to visually represent the acoustic phenomenon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks as there are no facilities on-site. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water's edge. The picnic areas offer a pleasant spot for a family lunch with a view.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with stops at local wineries, bakeries in nearby Williamstown, or other scenic points in the Barossa Valley to create a full and enjoyable day out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best times for photos are during the golden hours for landscape shots. Consider using a drone for aerial perspectives, but always check regulations. The surrounding area also provides lovely backdrops for portraits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Barossa Reservoir Dam
This bold design is what gives the dam its unique acoustic properties. The parabolic shape of the wall is crucial to the 'whispering' phenomenon, allowing sound to travel efficiently across the reservoir. The dam's construction was vital for supplying water to Gawler and other northern country areas, highlighting its significant historical and practical importance to the region.
Visitors can learn more about the dam's history through informative signage installed around the site. It's a chance to appreciate not just a tourist attraction, but a piece of South Australian heritage and engineering prowess.
Experiencing the Whispering Wall's Acoustics
To experience this, simply have one person stand at one end of the curved wall and whisper, while another person stands at the opposite end and listens. It's a simple yet captivating interaction that often elicits smiles and amazement. Many visitors find it to be a surprisingly magical and memorable part of their trip.
It's recommended to visit when there are fewer people around to fully appreciate the effect without background noise. Weekday mornings are often ideal for this. The experience is free and provides a unique, interactive element to your visit.
A Perfect Barossa Valley Stopover
Therefore, it's highly recommended to incorporate the Whispering Wall into a broader itinerary for the Barossa Valley. This region is world-renowned for its wineries, gourmet food, and picturesque landscapes. You can easily combine a visit to the dam with wine tasting at nearby vineyards, exploring charming towns like Tanunda or Angaston, or visiting other scenic lookouts.
+1Consider it a delightful 'add-on' to your Barossa adventure, offering a quirky and memorable experience before or after indulging in the region's more extensive offerings.
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