Lake Moogerah camping

Lake Moogerah is one of the most scenic places to camp in South East Queensland. The lake sits in the Fassifern Valley in the Scenic Rim, ringed by the volcanic peaks of Moogerah Peaks National Park and backed by the long wall of the Main Range. On a still morning, the reflections of Mount Greville and Mount Edwards on the water are worth the drive alone.

For campers, Lake Moogerah offers a lakeside caravan park with unpowered and powered sites, water sports, fishing, bushwalking on nearby peaks and easy day trips to Boonah and the rest of the Scenic Rim. It is within about an hour and a half's drive of Brisbane, making it a popular weekend escape. This guide covers what you need to know to plan a stay. Details such as fees and facilities change, so always check with the operator and Seqwater before you go.

About the lake

Lake Moogerah is the reservoir behind Moogerah Dam, on Reynolds Creek. According to Wikipedia's summary, the name Moogerah comes from an Aboriginal word meaning thunder. The dam lies about 60 km south-west of Ipswich. Aratula is the nearest town, about 11 km away, and Boonah is the nearest major centre.

Construction of the dam began in 1959, and it was completed in 1961 as part of the Warrill Valley Water Supply Scheme. The concrete arch dam is 38 m high and 219 m long, and its full supply volume is 83,765 megalitres. At capacity, the lake covers about 827 hectares. Seqwater, which has managed the dam since 2008, describes Moogerah as an un-gated dam: when it reaches 100 per cent capacity, water flows over the spillway. The water is used mainly for irrigation in the Reynolds Creek and Warrill Valley districts.

Lake levels vary with rainfall. During droughts, the lake can drop well below capacity, which changes the look of the shoreline and can affect boat ramps and swimming areas. Seqwater publishes current dam levels online.

Camping at Lake Moogerah

The main camping option beside the lake is Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, a privately managed park at Muller Park Road. According to the park:

• It offers unpowered camping sites and a limited number of powered caravan sites.
• Unpowered sites are unallocated, so you choose your spot within the designated camping area after checking in.
• Powered caravan sites mostly include a concrete slab for an annexe and are close to the amenities block and camp kitchen.
• The camp kitchen includes electric barbecues, microwaves, a fridge and freezer, sinks and tables.
• A two-night minimum stay applies during peak seasons.

Book directly with the park and check its rules on pets, fires, generators and noise before you arrive. Lakeside sites are especially popular during school holidays and long weekends.

Things to do

On the water

Lake Moogerah is popular for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling, sailing and water skiing. Seqwater manages recreation on the lake and publishes recreation and safety notices, such as warnings about nesting catfish or swooping birds. Check the current notices before you go, follow any marine zones and speed limits, and always wear a lifejacket when paddling.

Fishing

Moogerah Dam is part of Queensland's Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), which means you need a stocked impoundment permit to fish in the lake with a line. Permits fund the stocking of fish in the scheme's dams. Buy your permit online before you go, carry proof of it, and check the current size and bag limits for the species you are targeting. Fishing rules apply to everyone over the minimum age set by the scheme, so check whether children in your group need a permit.

Bushwalking in Moogerah Peaks National Park

The lake is surrounded by the volcanic peaks of Moogerah Peaks National Park, including Mount Greville, Mount Edwards, Mount Moon and Mount French. Wikipedia notes that the dam wall provides access to Mount Edwards. Walks on these peaks range from moderate to challenging, with steep, rocky sections. Check the QPWS park page for current track information, carry plenty of water and avoid climbing in hot weather.

Exploring the Scenic Rim

Boonah, Aratula and the surrounding Fassifern Valley are known for farm produce, cafes and country scenery. Main Range National Park, with Cunninghams Gap and Spicers Gap, is a short drive west.

Getting there

From Brisbane, most people drive south-west via Ipswich and the Cunningham Highway towards Aratula, the nearest town to the dam, then follow local roads to the lake. Others come via Boonah, the nearest major centre, which is a good place to stock up on supplies and fuel. There is no regular public transport to the lake, so you will need your own vehicle. Roads to the caravan park are suitable for cars and caravans, but check conditions after heavy rain.

Allow extra time if you are towing, and plan to arrive with plenty of daylight left to set up.

When to go

Autumn and spring are often the most comfortable seasons, with mild days and cool nights.

Summer is peak season for water sports, but it can be hot, with afternoon storms. Bring shade, plenty of water and a well-insulated esky.

Winter brings clear, crisp days and cold nights. The Fassifern Valley can be frosty, so pack a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures and an insulated mat. Winter is a lovely time to walk the peaks.

Tips for camping at Lake Moogerah

• Book ahead for school holidays and long weekends.
• Check Seqwater notices for the lake before you go.
• Bring water and supplies. Aratula and Boonah are the nearest towns for supplies.
• Keep food secure from birds and other wildlife.
• Check the wind. Open lakeside sites can be breezy, so use all your guy ropes.
• Pack for cold nights in winter, even if the days are warm.
• Check fire bans and the park's rules before lighting any fire. Seqwater says campfires are prohibited on its land unless specifically advised.

Where to stay nearby

If some of your group would rather not camp, there is other accommodation around Boonah, Aratula and the Scenic Rim.

Related guides

Looking for more lakeside camping? See Lake Somerset, Wivenhoe and Manchester. Before you go, read our esky and food safety guide.