Wivenhoe Dam, located approximately one hour north-west of Brisbane, offers a range of recreational options for the whole family. Aside from swimming, kayaking and canoeing, there is also expansive picnic areas and two locations with playgrounds.
Fun for families at Lake Wivenhoe
Wivenhoe Dam is the perfect place to take your Brisbane Kids for a day out, with the opportunity for both land and water-based activities in the relaxed, natural environment.
There are small beach areas that the kids can play on and get their feet wet, as well as lots of grassy areas to run around, kick a football or lay out a picnic blanket.
There are two playgrounds in the park area, at Logan Inlet and Cormorant Bay. There are also walking tracks.
On the way, it is worth checking out the Fernvale Bakery, well known and award winning, and on Sundays, the Fernvale markets for some fresh local produce! Esk also hosts a weekly market on Saturday mornings.
The best part about heading to Lake Wivenhoe is the huge amount of room for your Brisbane Kids to be able to run around and inhale some beautiful fresh air.
Swimming and recreation at Lake Wivenhoe
Lake Wivenhoe has two designated swimming areas at Billies Bay and Logan Inlet. Previously closed to the public, Billies Bay and Hays Landing (on the eastern side of Lake Wivenhoe) are now open and offer families the opportunity for barbecues, picnics, swimming, fishing, paddling and sailing.
You will cross a bridge and resurfaced road to get to the site. Once you are there, you will notice a double-lane boat ramp as well as swimming and picnic facilities.
Swimming in Lake Wivenhoe outside of these designated swimming areas is prohibited as boats and other dangers can be in the water.
Facilities at Lake Wivenhoe
There are large toilet blocks at many of recreational sites that include disabled toilet facilities. There is also an abundance of covered tables, benches and barbecues at several recreational places around the lake.
The toilets are very well looked after and there is plenty of parking for cars and buses.
Please note that the park and playground areas are quite open and there’s obviously a lot of water in the area, so if you would prefer to head somewhere where the kids can’t possibly run away, check out our list of Fenced Brisbane Parks. Seqwater has a detailed map of the Lake Wivenhoe area, showing where all the facilities are.
The Spillway at Wivenhoe Dam
It’s worth going to the spillway lookout if you travel out this way. Even when the spillway gates aren’t open, water flows through for a hydro scheme at up to 18 cubic metres per second, which is only a fraction of the flow compared to the flows when the gates are open but is still an impressive amount of water.
When all the gates are open, the dam can release up to 4,200 cubic metres of water per second.
It’s also worth driving along the spillway on the Brisbane Valley Highway towards the Logan’s Inlet areas and Esk. Our Brisbane Kids were astonished by the drop in the water level from the dam on one side and the valley on the other.
Lake Wivenhoe is open seven days a week, 5.30am until 6.30pm (September to April) and 6am until 5.30pm (May to August). Fishing permits are required before fishing from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. If you wish to holiday at Lake Wivenhoe, a private campground is located at Logan Inlet.
Australia
Philippa
Do you know if you can fish there?
melissa
You can however you need to pay for a fishing permit through south east dams website.