More than 2.7 million people visit Seqwater’s recreation areas each year for a range of activities including camping, bushwalking, boating and fishing. Easter is a traditionally busy period with locals and travellers visiting Seqwater’s 21 lakes and recreation sites across the region including:

• The Sunshine Coast: home to the picturesque Lake Baroon, Cooloolabin, Ewen Maddock, Lake Macdonald and Wappa Dam with beautiful recreation areas with views over lakes and natural areas  

• The Gold Coast: nestled in the scenic Gold Coast hinterland, Hinze Dam features four different mountain bike trails for all experience levels, waterside parks, cafe and picnic areas 

• The Scenic Rim: home to Moogerah, Maroon and Wyaralong dams with picnic and recreation areas offering a range of outdoor activities including fishing, rowing and water skiing 

• The Moreton Region: Lake Samsonvale is the perfect escape from the city and just north of Brisbane with scenic picnic spots or head out on the water for paddle on a kayak 

• Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson Dams offer more than 12 recreation areas for outdoor activities for everyone and stunning views of the regions two largest dams. Somerset is the ideal location for water skiers and personal watercrafts. 

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Easter long weekend, Seqwater is urging locals and visitors about the importance of water safety, particularly after Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Widespread recent rain across the catchments may impact water conditions with inflows carrying hazards into many lakes and this is expected to continue for the next few weeks. 

Some recreational trails are currently closed due to the high rainfall and trail damage. Seqwater rangers are working hard to assess and repair areas affected by these weather events.  

Those undertaking activities such as fishing, boating, jet skiing, sailing or paddleboarding are encouraged to know the safety rules, which are available on the Seqwater website, before heading out. 

Seqwater Executive General Manager Operations, Fiore Zulli said our lakes and recreation areas offer ideal locations and first-class facilities for people to bring their family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors by getting out on the water, walking and or riding a trail, or just enjoying a picnic in the sunshine. 

“I urge visitors to remember our five simple tips to ensure a great, safe day out. Always wear a life jacket, swim in the designated areas, keep an eye on the kids, look out for hidden hazards, keep a safe distance and speed when boating and jet skiing and be sure to check the weather and lake conditions,” Mr Zulli said. 

“Please check the Seqwater recreation and safety notices on our website prior to visiting our sites. 

“Recent wet weather and heavy rainfall in our catchments has also increased the risk of floating debris and submerged hazards. The rainfall has created poor water clarity, and we urge everyone on the water to have a dedicated spotter so you can avoid these risks.    

“While Seqwater Catchment Compliance officers and Rangers patrol our lake and natural areas, they can’t be everywhere all the time, so it’s important that visitors are safe on the water so that everyone can make it home at the end of the day.  

“April is a fantastic time to enjoy our lakes and recreation sites, and I encourage everyone to be safe, for fun’s sake,” he said.