Lake Somerset, Wivenhoe and Manchester

North-west of Brisbane, the Brisbane and Stanley rivers and their tributaries feed a chain of large water storages that double as some of the region's favourite places to camp, paddle and picnic. Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe are big, open lakes with campgrounds, swimming areas and boating. Lake Manchester, much closer to the city, is a quieter place for paddling and walking, with no general public camping.

All three lakes are managed by Seqwater, the bulk water supplier for South East Queensland, and their first job is supplying drinking water. That is why the rules about camping, boating, swimming and fires are stricter than at many holiday destinations, and why they differ from lake to lake. This guide explains what each lake offers and the rules you need to know.

Rules that apply on Seqwater land

Seqwater's camping information for its lakes includes these safety rules:

• Camping is only permitted in designated camping areas and campgrounds.
• Overnight stays on the water are not permitted.
• Campfires are prohibited on Seqwater land unless specifically advised.
• Seqwater encourages visitors to learn basic first aid and carry a first aid kit and snake bite kit.

Seqwater also publishes recreation and safety notices for each lake, covering things like closures, weed alerts, marine zones and nesting catfish. Check them before every trip.

Lake Somerset

Lake Somerset is the reservoir behind Somerset Dam, on the Stanley River, about 115 km north-west of Brisbane. According to Wikipedia, the dam is 50 m high and 305 m long, and the reservoir holds about 904,000 megalitres at full capacity, though only part of that is used for water supply, with the rest held for flood mitigation. At full supply the lake covers about 4,350 hectares. The dam, lake and nearby village are named after Henry Plantagenet Somerset, a local grazier and member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Camping at Lake Somerset

Seqwater says there are multiple campgrounds near Lake Somerset, and all are run by private operators. These include Somerset Park Camp Grounds, which takes enquiries and bookings directly. Seqwater also lists camping at the Somerset Park day use area. Contact the operator for current sites, facilities, fees and rules on pets and generators.

Things to do

Seqwater lists a wide range of activities around Lake Somerset, including picnicking at Somerset Park, swimming in designated areas such as The Spit and Kirkleagh, wakeboarding, electric and fuel-powered boating, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing and stand-up paddling. Always swim only in designated areas and follow the rules for each zone.

Lake Wivenhoe

Lake Wivenhoe is the reservoir behind Wivenhoe Dam, on the Brisbane River, about 80 km by road from central Brisbane. It is South East Queensland's largest dam. According to Wikipedia, the earth and rock dam wall is 59 m high and 2,300 m long, and the reservoir holds about 1,165,000 megalitres at full capacity. The dam was planned in the early 1970s, and the 1974 Brisbane flood highlighted the need for flood protection. As well as water supply, the dam provides flood mitigation and supports hydroelectricity.

Camping at Lake Wivenhoe

Seqwater lists camping at Lumley Hill and Captain Logan on Lake Wivenhoe. Facilities, booking arrangements and conditions can change, so check Seqwater's website for current details before you plan a trip.

Things to do

Lake Wivenhoe is a popular spot for paddling, sailing, fishing and picnics. Seqwater has a marine zone on the lake and publishes rules for different areas. Check the current recreation notices and zone maps before you launch.

Lake Manchester

Lake Manchester is a much smaller and older lake, closer to the city. The dam, on Cabbage Tree Creek about 15 km north of Ipswich, was built between 1912 and 1916 and was originally called the Cabbage Tree Creek Dam. It was renamed in honour of E. J. T. Manchester, president of the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. According to Wikipedia, the reservoir holds about 26,217 megalitres and covers about 264 hectares when full.

No general public camping

Lake Manchester is not a general camping destination. Seqwater says remote camping at the Blue Gum Flats site is available only for schools and other groups. There are no facilities at the site, vehicle access is prohibited, and groups must email Seqwater with details of their request. Overnight stays may require portable toilet facilities.

Things to do

Lake Manchester is a lovely spot for a day of paddling, walking and picnicking. According to Seqwater's recreation map, canoeing and kayaking are allowed, but fuel and electric boating and swimming are not permitted. The surrounding area is also popular with walkers and mountain bikers on designated trails.

Fishing at the lakes

Somerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam are both part of Queensland's Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS). To fish in these lakes with a line, you need a stocked impoundment permit, which you can buy online before you go. The money raised helps pay for fish stocking. Check the current size and bag limits, and any closed seasons, before you cast a line. Lake Manchester is not listed as a SIPS location, but other fishing rules and Seqwater's recreation rules still apply, so check before you go.

Comparing the three lakes

Rules can change. Always check Seqwater's current information for each lake.

Tips for lake camping

• Book with the operator well ahead for school holidays and long weekends.
• Check Seqwater notices for closures, weed alerts and wildlife warnings.
• Bring a gas stove, since campfires are generally not allowed on Seqwater land.
• Pack lifejackets for paddling and supervise children near water.
• Bring shade and water in summer; open lakeside sites can be very hot.
• Pack a warm layer for winter nights in the valleys.

Where to stay nearby

Related guides

For a Scenic Rim alternative, read our Lake Moogerah camping guide. For cooking without a campfire, see camp stoves and gas safety.