In 1930 , a proposal was made to dam the valley for irrigation for nearby towns and agricultural growth , but World War II eventually broke out and funds dried up . But by 1966 , money was sourced and the current location was approved , with work commencing in 1968 . The project took five years to complete and over the years the dam size has increased with a higher wall and nine flood gates .
Before the valley was flooded , two small towns were abandoned : Boggy Camp and Dasey Town . Stockyards , a cemetery and buildings now lay deep underwater . A little morbid , but it ’ s not until the dam suffers severe droughts that the relics rise from the deep .
In 1994 , the dam registered an extremely low two per cent water level . It was possible to see some of the many cemetery headstones , the mine tower and old fence lines .
STUNNING CAMPING
Most people head to Copeton for the stunning camping spots and watersports where you can fish , sail , or just swim in this vast waterway , and with around 45 square kilometres of water to explore , it ’ s not hard to find a quiet cove .
Choices for camping are pretty darn good , too , with kilometres of free-camping through to paid sites if you stay at the Inland Water Holiday Park , located on the northern side of the dam along Auburn Vale Road from Inverell .
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