What is Prostitutes Reservoir?

Prostitutes Reservoir is a small, historic dam constructed in the late 19th century, located approximately 10 kilometers north of the village of Carcoar, New South Wales. It was built primarily to supply water to the goldfields and burgeoning settlements in the surrounding region during the peak of the gold rush era. Today, it functions as a water storage facility managed by WaterNSW and is also a site of local historical interest and recreational use.

Constructed around 1871, the reservoir is an earth and rock-filled embankment dam. It impounds the waters of the Belubula River, creating a relatively small but significant water body for the area. The dam wall itself is a testament to the engineering efforts of the time, built to withstand the variable climate of the region. While not a large-scale reservoir by modern standards, its historical significance lies in its role supporting the gold mining industry and early pastoral development in the Carcoar district. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, granite outcrops typical of the Central West, and native eucalyptus woodlands, offering a picturesque, if somewhat isolated, setting.

Where Exactly is Prostitutes Reservoir Located?

Prostitutes Reservoir is situated about 10 km north of Carcoar, NSW, accessible via Prostitutes Reservoir Road branching off the Mid-Western Highway (Route 70). Its GPS coordinates are approximately -33.5733° latitude and 149.1533° longitude. The reservoir lies within the catchment of the Belubula River, a significant tributary of the Lachlan River system.

Getting there requires driving along rural roads, often unsealed, especially the final stretch leading directly to the reservoir. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive northwest from the historic town of Blayney and about a 45-minute drive south from the major regional centre of Orange. The closest significant landmark is the village of Carcoar, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved 19th-century architecture. While signposted, the remoteness means visitors should rely on detailed maps or GPS. The surrounding area is primarily farmland interspersed with patches of remnant bushland, offering a peaceful and rustic Australian countryside experience.

How Did Prostitutes Reservoir Get Its Name? (Theories & Legends)

The origin of the name “Prostitutes Reservoir” is the subject of enduring local folklore, with several competing theories, none definitively proven by historical records. The name appears on early maps and documents, confirming its long-standing usage, but the precise reason remains elusive and debated.

What is the “Workers’ Camp” Theory?

The most widely accepted theory suggests the name derived from the presence of sex workers near the camp of laborers constructing the dam in the early 1870s. Major public works projects like dam construction attracted large, predominantly male workforces living in temporary, often rough, campsites. Historically, such camps frequently drew individuals and businesses catering to the workers’ needs and desires, including brothels or individual sex workers. It’s plausible that the area around the construction camp gained a reputation or nickname related to this activity, which then became permanently attached to the reservoir itself once completed. This theory aligns with patterns seen at other remote construction sites during that era.

What is the “Drought & Livestock” Theory?

A less common, more literal theory proposes that during severe droughts, starving livestock (cows or ewes) became so emaciated they lost their condition, and locals crudely referred to them as looking like “prostitutes.” The story goes that these weakened animals congregated near the dwindling water supply of the reservoir. While drought has certainly affected the region, there’s little direct evidence linking this specific phenomenon to the naming. This theory is often considered a later folk etymology attempt to explain the unusual name without referencing the sex trade.

Was it Named After a Specific Person or Event?

There is no credible historical evidence linking the name to a specific individual known as “The Prostitute” or to a singular, dramatic event involving sex workers at the site. While colourful local stories might circulate about particular incidents, these lack documentation in official records, council minutes, or newspapers from the construction period. The name seems more likely to have arisen from the general social conditions around the camp rather than one specific event or person. The persistence of such specific stories, however, highlights the name’s power to generate local legend.

When Was Prostitutes Reservoir Built and Why?

Construction on Prostitutes Reservoir (originally known as Carcoar Dam or Carcoar Reservoir) began around 1870 and was completed in 1871. This places its construction firmly in the midst of the Australian gold rushes, a period of intense population growth and economic activity in regional NSW.

The primary driver for its construction was the urgent need for a reliable water supply for the Carcoar goldfields and the growing town itself. Water was essential for gold processing techniques like sluicing and puddling, as well as for the basic needs of miners and residents. The Belubula River catchment offered a suitable location. Building the dam was a significant engineering undertaking for the time, involving manual labor, horse-drawn equipment, and rudimentary explosives. Its completion provided crucial water security, supporting not just mining but also the development of agriculture in the surrounding district, solidifying Carcoar’s importance as a regional centre during the late 19th century.

Who Manages Prostitutes Reservoir Today?

Prostitutes Reservoir is currently owned and managed by WaterNSW, the New South Wales government statutory corporation responsible for managing the state’s major water storage, supply, and some river systems. WaterNSW oversees the dam’s safety, maintenance, water licensing, and environmental monitoring.

Local stakeholders, including the Blayney Shire Council (within which the reservoir resides) and local landholders, also have interests in its management, particularly concerning land access, local tourism potential, and catchment health. Recreational use, while permitted, falls under general state regulations for public lands and fisheries managed by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). WaterNSW conducts regular inspections to ensure the dam’s structural integrity and manages water releases according to the needs of licensed users and environmental flows downstream in the Belubula River system.

Can You Visit Prostitutes Reservoir? (Access & Activities)

Yes, Prostitutes Reservoir is accessible to the public, primarily via Prostitutes Reservoir Road, though visitors should be prepared for unsealed sections and limited facilities. Access is generally open, but conditions can vary, especially after rain when unsealed roads may become difficult or impassable for conventional vehicles.

What Can You Do There?

Activities are generally low-key and nature-focused due to the basic facilities and remote setting. Popular activities include:

• Fishing: The reservoir is stocked intermittently with native fish species like Golden Perch (Yellowbelly) by NSW DPI. A valid NSW fishing license is required.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife Observation: The area supports various waterbirds (cormorants, herons, ducks) and native wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and reptiles.
• Picnicking: Informal spots exist around the foreshore, but there are no dedicated picnic tables, shelters, or maintained BBQ facilities. Visitors must bring everything they need and practice strict “leave no trace” principles.
• Photography & Sightseeing: The reservoir and surrounding granite landscapes offer scenic views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
• Limited Bushwalking: There are no formal walking tracks. Any exploration involves navigating uneven terrain and potentially thick bushland.

Important Considerations: There are no toilet facilities, no designated camping areas (and camping may be restricted), and no potable water available. Mobile phone reception is often poor or non-existent. Visitors must be self-sufficient, carry sufficient water, wear appropriate footwear, be aware of snakes (especially in warmer months), and notify someone of their travel plans due to the isolation. Always check current conditions with Blayney Shire Council or WaterNSW before visiting.

Is Prostitutes Reservoir Safe to Visit?

Visiting Prostitutes Reservoir is generally safe from a crime perspective due to its remoteness, but visitors must take significant precautions regarding the natural environment, access, and lack of facilities.

The primary safety concerns involve:

• Access Roads: Unsealed roads can become slippery, muddy, or deeply rutted, especially after rain. 4WD vehicles are recommended, and 2WD vehicles should proceed with extreme caution. Avoid driving in wet conditions.
• Remote Location & Lack of Communication: Poor mobile reception means help cannot be easily summoned in an emergency. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
• No Facilities: The absence of toilets, drinking water, shelters, or emergency services necessitates thorough preparation.
• Natural Hazards: Be aware of snakes (venomous species are present), uneven ground, submerged objects if entering the water, and potential for falling branches.
• Water Safety: There are no lifeguards. Swimming is not a common activity and can be hazardous due to unknown depths, potential snags, and water quality variations.
• Bushfire Risk: Be aware of the fire danger rating, especially in summer. Access roads could become impassable during a fire.

Practicing common sense, thorough preparation, and respecting the remote environment are crucial for a safe visit.

Is the Name “Prostitutes Reservoir” Offensive or Controversial?

The name “Prostitutes Reservoir” is undoubtedly provocative and generates mixed reactions, ranging from amusement and curiosity to offense and calls for change, though formal controversy or renaming efforts have been minimal.

Arguments surrounding the name include:

• Historical Accuracy vs. Offense: Proponents of keeping the name argue it reflects a genuine, if unsavoury, aspect of local history surrounding the dam’s construction. Changing it, they feel, would whitewash the past.
• Potential for Stigmatization: Some residents or potential visitors might find the name crude or embarrassing for the area, potentially deterring tourism or investment.
• Impact on Women: Critics argue the name perpetuates negative stereotypes and is disrespectful, particularly to women, by highlighting a profession often associated with exploitation and reducing the site’s identity to this single, salacious aspect.
• Trivialization: Others feel it trivializes the historical significance of the engineering feat and the reservoir’s role in regional development.

Despite these viewpoints, there hasn’t been a significant, organized movement to officially rename the reservoir. It remains on maps and official documents as Prostitutes Reservoir. The name’s uniqueness, historical roots, and the lack of consensus on an alternative have contributed to its persistence. The debate often simmers beneath the surface, resurfacing periodically in local discussions or media features.

What Wildlife Can Be Found Around Prostitutes Reservoir?

The reservoir and its surrounding bushland provide habitat for a range of native Australian fauna, particularly birdlife, reptiles, and mammals adapted to the Central West NSW environment.

Common sightings include:

• Birds: Waterbirds are prominent: Australian Wood Ducks, Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal, Australasian Grebes, Little Pied Cormorants, White-faced Herons, and occasionally pelicans. Bush birds include Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Magpies, Kookaburras, Willy Wagtails, various honeyeaters (e.g., Red Wattlebird, Noisy Miner), and birds of prey like Whistling Kites and Nankeen Kestrels.
• Mammals: Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Swamp Wallabies are frequently seen, especially at dawn and dusk. Possums (Brushtail and Ringtail) are nocturnal residents. Echidnas might be encountered foraging. Foxes and feral cats are present predators.
• Reptiles: Numerous lizard species, including Eastern Water Dragons near the water, Skinks (like Garden Skinks), and Dragons (like Jacky Dragons). Snakes are common, including venomous species like the Eastern Brown Snake and Red-bellied Black Snake, and non-venomous types like the Common Tree Snake. Extreme caution is advised, especially in warmer months.
• Fish: Stocked Golden Perch (Yellowbelly) are the main target for anglers. Native species like Carp Gudgeon and possibly Eel-tailed Catfish or Murray Cod (though less common) may also be present.

The health of this wildlife depends heavily on water levels, vegetation cover, and the impact of introduced predators and herbivores. Maintaining riparian zones and minimizing disturbance are key conservation considerations for the area managed by WaterNSW.

How Does Prostitutes Reservoir Compare to Other Regional Dams?

Prostitutes Reservoir is significantly smaller and less developed for recreation than major regional dams like Carcoar Dam (Lake Rowlands) or Ben Chifley Dam, but holds greater historical significance related to the local gold rush era.

Key comparisons:

• Size & Capacity: Prostitutes Reservoir is very small compared to nearby dams. Carcoar Dam (Lake Rowlands), just downstream, is a much larger modern storage built in the 1970s. Ben Chifley Dam near Bathurst is larger still and a major urban water supply. Prostitutes’ small scale reflects its early origins and localised purpose.
• Historical Significance: Prostitutes Reservoir predates dams like Carcoar and Ben Chifley by nearly a century. Its construction directly supported the 1870s goldfields, giving it a unique historical niche that the larger, modern dams lack.
• Recreational Facilities: Unlike Carcoar Dam (which has boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping grounds) or Ben Chifley Dam (with extensive parks, playgrounds, and walking trails), Prostitutes Reservoir has virtually no developed facilities. Recreation is informal and self-reliant.
• Name Recognition: While the larger dams are crucial infrastructure, Prostitutes Reservoir arguably has higher name recognition due to its unique and provocative moniker, sparking curiosity far beyond its functional importance.
• Purpose: While all store water, Prostitutes was built for goldfields/mining and local town supply. Modern dams like Carcoar and Ben Chifley serve broader irrigation, urban water supply (including Bathurst and Orange), and flood mitigation roles.

Prostitutes Reservoir’s value lies in its historical story and its role as a quieter, more natural (though basic) spot compared to the busier, amenity-rich larger reservoirs.

Are There Any Ghost Stories or Paranormal Legends Associated with Prostitutes Reservoir?

While the provocative name naturally fuels speculation about hauntings, there are no widely known or documented specific ghost stories or paranormal legends uniquely tied to Prostitutes Reservoir itself in popular folklore or paranormal investigation circles.

The reservoir’s remoteness and unusual name create an atmosphere ripe for ghost story invention. People might speculate about restless spirits of sex workers who met unfortunate ends near the construction camp, or drowned workers. However, these appear to be modern suppositions rather than established local legends passed down through generations. Unlike some historically grim sites associated with mining disasters or asylums that have developed concrete ghost lore, Prostitutes Reservoir’s potential hauntings remain firmly in the realm of imaginative “what ifs” sparked by its name. The primary legends associated with it focus on the historical origin of that name, not on subsequent supernatural activity. The eeriness often felt there is more likely attributable to its isolation, the stark beauty of the Australian bush, and the power of suggestion from the name itself, rather than any catalogued paranormal phenomena.

What is the Future of Prostitutes Reservoir?

The future of Prostitutes Reservoir likely involves continued management by WaterNSW for water storage, with its historical significance and unique name ensuring ongoing local interest and niche tourism appeal, though major development is improbable.

Key aspects of its future include:

• Water Management: It will remain a functional, though minor, part of the regional water infrastructure managed by WaterNSW, primarily for licensed stock and domestic use downstream.
• Historical Recognition: Efforts may continue to formally recognize its historical importance, potentially through improved on-site interpretation signage detailing its construction and the name theories, linking it to Carcoar’s rich gold rush history.
• Limited Tourism: Its appeal will remain niche – attracting history buffs, the curious drawn by the name, and locals seeking quiet fishing or nature spots. Significant investment in facilities like toilets, picnic shelters, or formal camping is unlikely due to its size, remoteness, and management priorities focused on water rather than recreation.
• Name Preservation: Despite occasional murmurs, a formal name change seems improbable. The name is too entrenched historically and its uniqueness is a double-edged sword – potentially off-putting to some, but a definite point of interest for others.
• Environmental Stewardship: Maintaining water quality and catchment health will be ongoing priorities for WaterNSW and local landholders to protect the aquatic ecosystem.

Prostitutes Reservoir will likely persist as a small, functional dam with a big story, its intriguing name guaranteeing it a unique place on the map and in the lore of the Central West of NSW.