Glenmaggie Weir Wall

Located on the Macalaster River, Glenmaggie Weir forms the basis of a major irrigation supply for much of Gippsland, the first stage of the Glenmaggie Weir was built between 1919 and 1926.

Over the years the Weir has been modified, raised and had extra gates added along the top of the original wall, as population pressure increased, particularly from soldier settlers. These men came to the district post WW2 to take up land and farm within central Gippsland, and this water load required the added capacity. The postwar work took the weir volume potential from an original 132,000 megalitres, to its current capacity of 177,640.

A spectacular structure, the mass of concrete, gates along the top of the wall, and pumping station at its base form a stark contrast to the surrounding bushland. When looking from the downstream side, the mind boggles at the vast amount of water being held back by this wall.

The parklands near the Weir feature a large adventure playground, ample parking, picnic tables, BBQs and of course restroom facilities. These are largely mirrored at the far end of the lake, near the designated swimming area of Sandy Point in the south-east corner, on Sandy Point Rd.

Worth visiting is the information centre connected to the shelter area and playground, as there is a very well presented history of the Weir through its many phases, from planning to its first construction and subsequent improvements as the district’s demands on it, and improvements in structure and safety, have advanced over the past 100 years.