Lake Moogerah

Stunning Lake Moogerah is an ideal day trip from Brisbane - a popular spot for boating, swimming, hiking, BBQs and picnics.  Just over an hour's drive away, it’s also a favourite location for photographers, astronomers and astrophotographers.

Some of the highlights of a day trip here:

Haigh Park - If you love to have a BBQ or picnic with a view, then you’ll love Lake Moogerah.  With a stunning outlook over the lake towards Mt Greville, Mt Alford and the Main Range National Park in the distance to the west, it’s the perfect location to enjoy lunch or a sunset dinner.

Haigh Park has a number of gas BBQs, all positioned to enjoy the amazing views. There are picnic tables under shelters near the BBQs. For kids, there is plenty of room to run around and play or kick the footy and a playground area and trees to play in. There are toilets and taps with non-potable water. Dogs are permitted at Haigh Park, but need to be kept on a leash, and aren’t allowed in the water due to potential impact on water quality.

Lookout – On the hill behind the shop, there’s a lookout with beautiful views that looks down on the dam wall and across the lake.

Walks - The Mt Edwards Summit Trail is approximately 3km and is a steep, challenging hike. Allow 2-3 hours return. 

Dam Wall - The walk across the dam wall is a very short but enjoyable walk. Kids will enjoy watching the boats on the lake and spotting turtles surfacing  near the wall. You can often see pelicans and ducks swimming and hawks flying overhead. The view over the lake is sensational and in the other direction, the view down to Reynolds Creek below the dam wall is mesmerising, especially when water is being released from the dam into the creek. The access gate is open between 6am and 6pm, the gate is locked outside these hours.

Reynolds Creek Gorge - On Reynolds Creek below the dam wall there is a recreation area with BBQs, toilets, picnic tables and shelters and a great swimming spot.  The creek sits in a gorge between Mt Edwards and Little Mt Edwards and it is the perfect shady spot to cool off with a swim on a hot summer’s afternoon.  It’s also a popular spot for fishing. Access to this area is open from 6am to 6pm, the gate is locked outside these hours.

Boating - Lake Moogerah is a popular spot for motor boats, skiing, jetskiing, SUP, canoeing and kayaking. There are two public boat ramps and waters are well signed. Launching, retrieving and beaching on land around the lake is not allowed except at signed recreation areas, because the lake is mostly surrounded by private land.

Fishing - Fishing is allowed in boat or shore in recreation areas.  Established lake fishery varieties include Australian Bass, silver and golden perch, mary river cod, eels, freshwater catfish, as well as bony bream and shrimp.

By Kate Bennie.