The Whispering Wall, Barossa Reservoir, South Australia
Posted by: 
howie_sf
S 34° 38.738 E 138° 50.828
54H E 302687 N 6164145
The acoustic phenomenon of the Barossa Reservoir "Whispering Wall" is a popular tourist attraction, particularly for families with young children who come to hear sounds and voices travelling magically along the curved length of the dam wall.
Waymark Code: WM8Q1Y
Location: South Australia, Australia
Date Posted: 04/30/2010
Views: 36
The acoustic phenomenon of the Barossa Reservoir "Whispering Wall" is a popular tourist attraction, particularly for families with young children who come to hear sounds and voices travelling magically along the curved length of the dam wall. The shape and location of the 144 metre long wall are responsible for its unusual acoustic properties.
Built between 1899 and 1903, at the time of its completion, the reservoir was hailed as an engineering marvel, and at a total of 36 metres, was the highest in Australia. The thin arch of the dam retaining wall, curved against the pressure of the water, was an innovation considered radical, and attracted 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 Whispering Wall
Stands strong and firm
For many years its waters held
Many a word it has heard
A lover’s promise
A villain’s curse
A child’s laughter
A bully’s boast
Yet careful you must be
What one end says
The other end hears
No secret does it hold dear
Entry Cost: Free
Opening Times:
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Sat: 8am to 5pm
Sun: 8am to 5pm
Public Holiday: 8am to 5pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Closed on days of total fire bans in the Mount Lofty Ranges district.
Facilities:
Car park
Coach Parking
Access With Assistance for the Disabled
Parking for the Disabled
Toilet facilities for the Disabled
Picnic Area
Public Toilet
Shaded Area
Sheltered Area
Viewing Platform