Tucked away in the leafy suburb of The Gap, is the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir at Walkabout Creek. Previously known as the Enoggera Dam, this expanse of water has been part of the local landscape since 1866. Managed by SEQ Water, the dam is open for recreational use – making it a wonderful place for Brisbane families to visit.
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Things to do at Enoggera Reservoir
Located in the southern section of D’Aguilar National Park and only 12kms north of the Brisbane CBD, the Enoggera Reservoir and the adjacent Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre offer an oasis for families and friends looking for a fun day out in a beautiful natural setting.
You can enjoy a picnic along the dam’s sandy shore, swim in the calm waters, bring your canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle, or walk the track around the dam’s perimeter. At this beautiful location, you may even spot a platypus, turtle, kingfisher, or water bird.
A short walk from the Walkabout Creek carpark leads you to a grassy foreshore sloping gently down to a designated swimming beach (this is separated from the non-motorised water sports area of the dam); the lawn is dotted with tall trees and is a perfect spot for picnicking or lazing by the water.
With limited picnic tables, but no barbecues, many families simply bring a blanket and set up for the day. Public toilets are located at the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre.
Walking at Enoggera Reservoir
The 400m pram and wheelchair-accessible hillside track links this popular swimming area to the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre’s Events Lawn, toilets, and the Mountain Bike Skills course. Here, 4 purpose-built bike tracks (2 for beginners and 2 for the more technically savvy) cater for all ages and abilities. There are also trails heading off into the D’Aguilar National Park or around the reservoir if you want a longer ride.
The waterside track leads you back from the Events Lawn to the swimming area along the reservoir’s edge. With a timber boardwalk and concrete paths, it is a relaxed, short stroll – perfect for the little ones. You can stop along the way at the Dinosaur Dig Sandpit, a free activity with a trove of prehistoric relics and fossils treasures to uncover.
The Araucaria Track takes hikers on a 5km loop around Enoggera Reservoir. At 2 hours’ walking time, this family-friendly trail follows the reservoir bank before circling back through a giant hoop pine forest. There is abundant birdlife and a chance to spot freshwater turtles amongst the lily pads. Note: the first half of this walk is uphill, while the return slopes back down.
Please note that pets are not permitted here, as it is a National Park.
Swimming options
After all that walking, the perfect place to be is in the water. The swimming area at Enoggera Reservoir has a sand entrance and is roped off with yellow pontoons to provide a child-friendly area to swim or float on inflatables. Please note the area is NOT patrolled and so supervision of your children is essential.
Outside of the designated swimming area, recreationalists make the most of this park, and on any given day you will see paddle boarders and kayakers out beyond the ropes exploring the area’s natural and incredibly tranquil beauty. On the holidays, weekends, and summer months, this peaceful pocket transforms into a playground and can get quite busy; bursting with a joyful holiday atmosphere.
There is access from the carpark for watercraft and, if you donโt have your own, kayaks, paddleboards, mountain bikes, and mini Segways are available to hire from Walkabout Creek Adventures. No motorised watercraft are allowed on the reservoir.
From time to time, the Enoggera Reservoir is closed to swimming and recreational water sports due to poor water quality and other dangers. Before visiting, check out the Park Alerts on the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre website.
More fun for families at nearby Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
Right next to the Enoggera Reservoir is the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.
Situated within the space is –
- Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre – local National Parks’ information and host to regular ranger shows for families
- Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre – nocturnal and native animal displays (admission fee applies)
- Walkabout Creek Cafe – situated on a large deck overlooking the reservoir
- Walkabout Creek Functions Centre – perfect for weddings and special events
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is an informative and interactive experience for the whole family. Sweeping panoramic displays on entry give a birdโs eye view of the neighbouring National Park.
There are lots of animals that live within the centre, and visitors can get up close and see quolls, snakes, freshwater crocodiles, birds, snakes, and fish in their viewing-friendly habitats. Join the Park Rangers at one of the regular Discovery Shows to get to know the resident reptiles a little better. Outside amongst the bushland, you can wander leisurely through the open-air enclosures.
The Walabout Creek Cafรฉ on site features a comprehensive menu for morning and afternoon tea or lunch and, on weekends, it extends to offer a delicious breakfast option. You can enjoy your coffee and scones out on the veranda with views over the reservoir, or take your own picnic to enjoy by the waterโs edge.
Getting to Enoggera Reservoir
The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is 12 km from Brisbane CBD on Mt Nebo Road in the Gap. There is parking on-site, although it can get busy during peak times and in the summer months. The Information Centre and Wildlife Centre are wheelchair friendly, with Enoggera Reservoir being reached by following the paths behind the centre down to the water’s edge.
Enoggera Reservoir is open from 6am until 6pm and is unpatrolled. Being a National Park, no domesticated animals are permitted within the area.
If taking the bus, take route 385 from the City to The Gap ‘Park and Ride’ and walk the path adjacent to the reservoir. The entrance to Walkabout Creek will be on your right and is well-signed.
For more information, visit https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/walkabout-creek.html.
Enoggera Reservoir is located at 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap.
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