Walka Water Works Maitland
Once the main water supply for the Lower Hunter Valley, the Walka Water Works at Maitland is now a public reserve. With free public access, it has barbecues, picnics areas, a playground, walking trails and a 7 1/4-inch gauge miniature railway that operates passenger rides each Sunday.
History of the Water Works
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley’s increasing population during the late 1800’s led to a requirement for a permanent water supply. The Walka site near Maitland was selected for the water works, with construction completed in 1887. Not only was drinking and washing water guaranteed, but it enabled sewerage to be installed, improving the health of the urban population.
As the population continued to grow, additional water sources were developed, such as Chichester Dam. As a result, Walka became a back-up supply from 1923 to 1940. In 1947 the station closed and the pumps and equipment sold for scrap.
Although re-commissioned as a power station in 1956 it finally closed in 1976.
A Public Reserve
Featuring an Italianate architecturally designed structure with an ornate brickwork the pumphouse is the centrepiece of the reserve. With the machinery sold for scrap the interior is empty, but you can admire the outside. We walked around the building and chimney stack before walking to the dam.
Near the dam, a small 7 1/4-inch miniature railway operates on Sundays, taking a small loop before returning to its station. It’s very popular with kids and the young at heart when running. Check to see it its operating before you go to avoid disappointment.
Several walking tracks weave around the dam, providing great opportunities to see some of the 300 species of birds that visit during the year. Still intact, the dam wall forms a large lake that is also home to turtles, some of which we saw sunning themselves on the rocks.
A great place for families to visit for a picnic or barbecue as well as learn about some of Maitland’s industrial past.
