Approximately 2 kilometres from the cache site is Burragorang Lookout which is located in the Burragorang Conservation Area
Burragorang Lookout overlooks the convergence of where the Nattai River meets the Wollondilly River. Prior to the flooding of Burragorang Valley to build Warragamba Dam in the late 1950’s, the area below the lookout was known as Central Burragorang. The area to the south was known as Upper Burragorang where the Tonalli River flows into the Wollondilly. Yerranderrie, an old mining silver town is located in the mountain at the back of the Tonalli River. Lower Burragorang was an area to the north which led to the Warragamba Gorge.
Prior to the building of the dam up to 500 men were employed to clear the timber and vegetation so that the drowning trees would not effect the quality of the water.
Homes and buildings, including the guesthouses that many Sydney folk visited for their holidays were also demolished. From little churchyard cemeteries at Lagoon Flats, Cox’s River and Upper Burragorang remains of earlier inhabitants were transferred to cemeteries at The Oaks, Old Oaks and Camden.
Farmers and their families relocated to local areas but still retained great memories of their time in the valley. Several books have been published by former residents of the valley about their life prior to the flooding.
Part of a short poem composed at that time by Claude N Lee was:
“The water’s over Nattai Bridge
The last mail has been run
And lonely Kiaramba Ridge
Glows in the setting sun”
Warragamba Dam was officially opened on 14th October 1960 by the Honourable R J Heffron
Premier of NSW.
A back to Burragorang reunion is usually held in March-April of each year at Wollondilly Heritage Centre at The Oaks.
For a spectacular view of the Burragorang Valley proceed through the Burragorang State Conservation Park access gates for approximately 2 kilometres to the lookout. Toilet and table facilities are available there. The gates are open daily between 8am-5pm
The cache is a small container with enough room enough for swaps.
Congrats to The Boos for FTF Friday 25/8/16.