10 awesome Seqwater sites to enjoy the outdoors this Easter

13 Apr 2022

Looking for things to do these Easter holidays? South East Queensland is home to some amazing lake, park and dam locations that offer great environments for friends and families to enjoy a variety of fun outdoor activities. Even though the extreme weather event from earlier this year has forced some popular sites to remain closed, here are some of the best spots that are available to visit across the region.

1. Spend a day on the water at Lake Somerset

Located south of Kilcoy, the wide waters of Lake Somerset provide an ideal setting for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding. Public boat ramps are located at several sites including The Spit, Kirkleagh and in the 6 knot zone at Westvale Road. When taking part in on-water activities, remember boats and jet skis should always be travelling in an anticlockwise pattern to minimise the risk of collision. Our lakes can get quite busy, so don’t forget you can also enjoy high octane water activities at lakes Moogerah, Maroon, Dyer and Atkinson. Recreation guide here.

A wide angled photo of white boat pulls two people on an inflatable towards right of screen

2. Swimming at Ewen Maddock Dam

Situated in leafy Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast, Ewen Maddock Dam’s recreatin facilities had a facelift during the recent dam upgrade. As well as new shelters, tables and benches, there is an improved beach area at Maddock Park. With BBQ facilities, playground and connected concrete pathways, it’s the perfect spot for a dip if the weather’s warm, or a BBQ overlooking the lake’s calm waters. Though the waters may be calm, always swim in the designated swimming area (marked with buoys on the water) and supervise children as the swimming area is unpatrolled. Recreation guide here.

The shoreline of a calm lake with a strip of sandy beach and green grass

3. Fishing at Lake Borumba

Travel just over an hour inland from the Sunshine Coast and you reach Lake Borumba. It’s a serene, picturesque part of South East Queensland, and a fishing mecca. The lake is one of Queensland’s many stocked impoundments and the list of available species include Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch, saratoga, catfish and Mary River cod. Remember that being a “stocked dam” a permit is required to fish these waters at all times. Permits are available online from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) as weekly or yearly passes. If you’re fishing from a boat, make sure you have a licence to operate. Recreation guide here.

4. Watching the sunset at Lake Moogerah

Just an hour's drive from Brisbane city, within the Scenic Rim region, Lake Moogerah is one of the best spots to catch an amazing sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts a beautiful orange glow across the landscape and reflects on Lake Moogerah. Set up camp during the day and watch the spectacle at dusk. Remember to camp in designated camping areas as unauthorised camping can lead to heightened fire danger and increased risk to water quality. Day use areas are open until 6:30pm. Recreation guide here.

Twinkling stars shine over a calm lake with a hint of orange sunset in the background

5. Take your dog to Hinze Dam

Just an hour south of Brisbane’s CBD, nestled in the Gold Coat Hinterland is the picturesque Hinze Dam. We welcome pooches (on leashes of course) at certain areas at Hinze Dam, so you can take your furry friend for a picnic at Pocket Park, or the aptly named Picnic Parkland and or watch the water cascade over the stepped spillway at Spillway Lookout. To protect our drinking water, please stick to the designated dog on leash areas and keep your dog away from the lake, foreshore area or and boat ramps. Recreation guide here.

6. Hiking at Lake Wivenhoe

There are a range of recreational activities and facilities available at Lake Wivenhoe, about 80 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. South East Queensland’s largest lake offers a variety of recreation activities, but this long weekend check out the multi-use trails at Lake Wivenhoe. They offer mountain bike riders, horse riders, walkers and trail runners spectacular views of the lake. The 16km trail network has been divided into four trails. Be sure to view the trail map before you begin and make sure you are aware of the length of your selected trails. Entrance to the Wivenhoe Hill trails is located off Fig Tree Road, via the Hay Road exit on the Brisbane Valley Highway. Recreation guide here.

A high level view of lake Wivenhoe with clouds in the distant

7. Paddling at Lake Samsonvale

Fancy a more leisurely pursuit, taking in the crisp Autumn air and hearing gently lapping water at your bow? Try kayaking or canoeing at Lake Samsonvale, also known as North Pine Dam. Just 45 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, it’s the perfect place for a lazy Sunday afternoon paddle. With plenty of post-paddle picnic spots to choose from, Lake Samsonvale a is great spot for a day trip. Boating access at Lake Samsonvale is shared, with public paddling and club boating permitted in a designated zones for everyone’s safety. Be sure to launch your paddlecraft from the allocated launch point at Forgan Cove, off Forgan Road and check out Seqwater’s website or download the Seqwater app for more information. Recreation guide here.

A paddler is a white canoe, and a kayaker in an orange canoe paddling on Lake Samsonvale

8. Picnic at Lake Wyaralong

Wyaralong may be the newest lake to South East Queensland, completed in 2011, but it’s already a popular recreation spot and when you see the views, you will understand why! Meebun Recreation Area (located off Beaudesert-Boonah Road) has great facilities for a picnic, including picnic tables, shelters, and barbeques. There is also a playground to keep the kids amused as well as the Lake Wyaralong Sculpture Park, home to a growing collection of large scale sculptures, which also make for a pleasant post-picnic stroll and even better, it’s just 30minutes west of Beaudesert. Recreation guide here.

Shoreline of a calm lake, with grassy reeds on the left

9. Take the bike out to Cooloolabin Dam

It might be off the beaten track a little, but this local gem has lovely trails for walking and mountain biking. Cooloolabin Dam, 90 minutes north of Brisbane CBD, and 30 minutes west of Maroochydore may not be a household name but it’s a great location for picnicking, walking, mountain bike riding and fishing. With other popular mountain bike spots still undergoing repairs from last month’s heavy rainfall, check out the bike tracks at Cooloolabin. You’ll find them on the peninsula close to the recreation area. In addition, the recreation area serves as the head of a trail through adjacent Mapleton National Park. On multi-use trails, mountain bike riders give way to pedestrians. For your safety, and for the safety of others, please obey all signage on the trails, including give way instructions. Recreation guide here.

A close up shot of a mountain bike rider, with his back wheel and pedals in focus

10. Birdwatching at Lake Macdonald

Grab your binoculars and a comfy seat and head to Lake Macdonald, near Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast. Jabiru Park, located off Grange Road at Lake Macdonald, is a natural setting, allowing visitors to watch the wildlife from the bird hide. It's important to keep in mind that these areas form part of our drinking water supply catchment and a habitat with a variety of wildlife living in them, so remember to carry a first aid kit, keep your pets at home and take your rubbish with you. Recreation guide here.