Niagara Dam Wildflowers

Niagara Dam is an oasis in a dry land.

Niagara Dam

Niagara Dam

Niagara Dam Reflections

Niagara Dam Reflections

Designed by CY O’Connor and constructed in 1897-98, the concrete dam wall is 225 metres across and 18 metres high. It was built to service the nearby mining town of Niagara, and the steam trains on the railway line from Menzies to Leonora. However, by the time the dam was completed, artesian water had been discovered at Kookynie, and the town of Niagara was deserted because the gold had run out.

Niagara Dam Danger

Niagara Dam Danger

I’m sure a swim here would bring welcome relief in Summer, but for me the main attraction was the variety of the wildflowers …

Native Australian wildflower; waxy, pink; Eremophila (Emu Bush)

Eremophila (Emu Bush)

Native Hop Bush; Native Australian wildflower; waxy, pink

Native Hop Bush

Various types of Mulla Mulla

Australian native wildflowers; varieties of Mulla Mulla - white and purple

Various types of Mulla Mulla

Ptilotus Exaltatus (Pink Mulla Mulla) Native Australian wildflower

Ptilotus Exaltatus Pink Mulla Mulla

Solanum Lasiophyllum Native Australian wildflower; seed heads

Flannel Bush (Solanum Lasiophyllum)

Solanum Lasiophyllum (Flannel Bush) Native Australian wildflower; mauve petals; golden stamen; grey furry leaves

Solanum Lasiophyllum (Flannel Bush) Native Australian wildflower

Plant Bokeh

Plant Bokeh

Native Australian wildflowers; wattle; golden yellow

Wattle and Bokeh

Native Australian wildflower; wattle; golden yellow against red dust

Wattle and Dust