Old Dam Trail

The trail of the Old Dam allows you to discover the East branch of the Dumbéa River and the history of the water supply of Nouméa and its agglomeration. This trail also allows you to discover a part of the Dumbéa Provincial Park.

D Departure (GPS: 656 002 – 7 551 589; alt. 66m): head east. Cross the third bridge and follow the track in good condition towards the north-west (shortly after the curve to the left, going up, there is a water point on the right of the track). Turn right towards the north-east and reach an open area.

1 Intersection (GPS: 656 279 – 7 551 944; alt. 121m): continue straight ahead, avoiding a ramp on the left. Cross a small bridge and climb along the right track. Join an intersection in the curve on the left. Turn right towards the south-west. Follow the track south/south-east. Continue about
140 m and turn right.

2 Former base camp (GPS: 656 386 – 7 551 602; alt. 138m): cross the remains of a concrete slab (the camp dates from 1952 to 1954, when the current dam was built). The trail continues west and climbs the side of a small ridge. Once you've arrived on the ridge, turn left towards the south-east to
come out at a small stone platform.

3 Rest area (GPS: 656 372 – 7 551 450; alt. 159m): it is a pleasant place to relax and observe (information panel). Continue along the edge of the ridge to the south-east (viewpoint over the old dam).

4 Summit (GPS: 656 401 – 7 551 397; alt. 164m): the rocky path tumbles in zigzags in a small dry forest and leads to a good dirt track.

5 Intersection (GPS: 656 353 – 7 551 255; alt. 107 m): turn left. Follow the track south-east. Go past a wide and steep intersection in red earth embankments, then descend towards the river (north-east).

6 Apron (GPS: 656 518 – 7 551 238; alt. 85 m): (site of the old gauge: an instrument which graphically records the variations in the water level as a function of time; some beautiful water holes; 270m upstream is the old dam), turn right to continue above along the right bank of the river in a downstream direction.

7 Viaduct (GPS: 656 240 – 7 551 291; alt. 63m) (it is partially destroyed): continue following the river towards the north-west, then turn right to go up the track. Turn left at the first intersection, then join point 5.

5 Intersection: continue straight ahead to reach a small platform of red earth. Turn right north-east, then left, and finally right. Come out on the main track at the level of point 1.

1 Intersection: turn left to reach the start.

© Text by Jean Francis Clair