Lake Maroon is a dam in the Scenic Rim on Burnett Creek, south of Boonah, with a picnic area and playground on the dam wall, a boat ramp, and room for skiing, paddling and fishing. It is about 100 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD, so it suits a full day out or a weekend at one of the private campgrounds.
Seqwater manages the lake and opens the recreation areas to the public seven days a week. The dam itself is also called Maroon Dam, and the day use area is the easy place to start.
About the dam
Maroon Dam is 46.3 metres high and sits on Burnett Creek, a tributary of the Logan River. Construction ran from 1969 to 1973 and the reservoir was officially opened on 16 July 1975. The water supplies irrigation, and Seqwater keeps the catchment open so the public can use the lake for recreation.
Maroon Dam Day Use Area
The day use area is off Maroon Dam Road and has picnic tables, shelters, BBQs and toilets, with views over the lake. There is also a playground for the kids.
It is the only place at Lake Maroon where dogs are allowed, and they must stay on a leash at all times. Seqwater asks you not to let dogs into the lake, foreshore or boat ramp, because the lake is part of the water supply, and to pick up after them.
Boating, skiing and paddling
The boat ramp is at Slater Park, off Slater Park Road. Electric, motorised and sail boats and paddle craft are all permitted, and water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are allowed too. There is a 6-knot speed limit in the northern and southern parts of the lake.
Launch, retrieve and beach only at the signed recreation areas, because most of the land around the lake is private property. Overnight stays on the water are not permitted. Seqwater boating rules sit under Maritime Safety Queensland’s regulations, and you need the right safety gear and a licensed driver for towed sports.
Fishing at Lake Maroon
You can fish from a boat, paddle craft or the shore of the two recreation areas, Slater Park and the Maroon Dam Day Use Area. Do not cross private land to reach the water.
Anyone aged 18 or over who line fishes needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit, which Queensland Government sells online. Under 18s do not need one. The lake is stocked with Australian bass, golden perch, Mary River cod and silver perch. Permit prices are on the Queensland Government permit page.
Camping near Lake Maroon
You cannot camp at the day use area. Camping at Lake Maroon is only in designated camping areas run by private operators, so contact the campgrounds directly to book. The Seqwater Maroon Dam page links the recreation guide.
Is swimming allowed at Lake Maroon?
Seqwater does not list a designated swimming area at Lake Maroon. Check the recreation guide and the current algae levels before you consider getting in the water. For a Scenic Rim lake with a designated swimming spot, see Lake Moogerah.
Planning your visit
- How long: A picnic and a look around takes a couple of hours; boating or fishing fills a day.
- Cost: The day use area is free. Fishing needs a permit; camping is priced by the private campgrounds.
- Opening hours: 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April, 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. Check Seqwater’s alerts before you go.
- What to bring: Water, sun protection, rubbish bags, and a lead for the dog if it is coming along.
Getting there and parking
Lake Maroon is south of Boonah. It is about 100 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD, or about 25 minutes from Boonah, without traffic. The day use area is off Maroon Dam Road and the boat ramp is off Slater Park Road; see the Seqwater page for the map. Plan to drive.
Nearby
- Boonah – the closest town for supplies, markets and lookouts.
- Lake Moogerah – another Scenic Rim lake with swimming, camping and fishing.
- Mount Barney – walks and camping in the mountains nearby.
More like this: browse Lakes and rivers or the Scenic Rim.
You might also like
- Beaudesert – a bigger town on the way back towards Brisbane.
- Lamington National Park – rainforest walks within reach for a longer trip.
- Lake Wyaralong (Scenic Rim)
Quick answers
Can you camp at Lake Maroon?
Only at private campgrounds in designated camping areas. You cannot camp at the day use area, and overnight stays on the water are not allowed.
Do you need a permit to fish at Lake Maroon?
Yes. Anyone aged 18 or over needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit to line fish. Under 18s do not.
Can you water ski at Lake Maroon?
Yes. Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are permitted, with a 6-knot limit in the northern and southern parts of the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Maroon?
Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Maroon Dam Day Use Area only, and must not enter the lake, foreshore or boat ramp.
What time does Lake Maroon open?
5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April, and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August.
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