Brown Lake (Bummiera) is a freshwater lake on North Stradbroke Island, just outside Dunwich, with tea-coloured water, pale sand and bush all around. It is one of the best-known spots on the island for a swim and a picnic, and it is free to visit.
The brown colour is natural: the lake is fed by rain, and tannins from the melaleuca and tea-tree bushland stain the water. If you are searching for Brown Lake on Stradbroke, this guide covers the swim, the facilities, the road in and how to get across to the island.
Swimming at Brown Lake
Swimming is the main reason people come. The water is stained brown by tannins, and the shore is pale sand. Keep children close and stay within your depth.
Brown Lake is a place of deep cultural importance to the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Owners of Minjerribah, who know it as Bummiera. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum in Dunwich is the place the island’s tourism site suggests for learning more about the area’s heritage.
Picnics, barbecues and toilets
There are picnic tables, wood-fired barbecues, composting toilets and a car park. Take your rubbish home with you.
There are bushwalking trails near the lake, and you may see native wildlife and, in season, wildflowers. For a longer walk to a second lake, see Blue Lake National Park, where swimming is not allowed.
Making a day of it in Dunwich
Dunwich (Goompi) is where the ferries land, and it makes an easy base for the day. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum is there if you want to read more about the island’s past before you head out to the lake.
From Dunwich you can carry on to Point Lookout for the beaches and the Gorge Walk. The North Stradbroke Island guide covers the rest of the island.
Is Brown Lake dog friendly?
No. Dogs are not allowed at Brown Lake, or anywhere in Naree Budjong Djara National Park, according to the island’s tourism site. If you are bringing a dog to the island, the North Stradbroke Island guide lists the places they can go.
About the park around the lake
Naree Budjong Djara means “My Mother Earth” to the Quandamooka People, and the national park is non-smoking. Brown Lake is one of its best-known stops, alongside the Kaboora (Blue Lake) walk and the Neembeeba lookout walk. See the island tourism page for the park for the full picture.
Looking after the lake
Because Brown Lake sits inside a national park and means so much to the Quandamooka People, treat it gently. Keep to the car park and tracks, take every bit of rubbish home, and keep noise down so the wildlife stays around.
Planning your visit
- Best time: warm days suit a swim, and wildflowers are seasonal.
- Cost: free.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, swimmers, towels and picnic food.
- Who it suits: the island’s tourism site lists it as family friendly.
Getting there and parking
You reach North Stradbroke Island by ferry from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, about 30 km and 40 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. Vehicle ferries land at Dunwich in 45 to 50 minutes, and passenger water taxis take about 25 minutes. See the North Stradbroke Island guide for ferry operators, bookings and parking at Cleveland.
The lake is just outside Dunwich on Brown Lake Drive. The road is unsealed, and a 4WD is not required. There is a car park at the lake.
For help planning, call the Redlands Coast Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or see Visit Brisbane.
Nearby
- Blue Lake National Park – the island’s other famous freshwater lake, reached by a sandy walking track.
- North Stradbroke Island – ferries and the rest of the island.
- More freshwater swims: lakes and rivers across South East Queensland, and everything on North Stradbroke Island.
You might also like
- Point Lookout – the Gorge Walk, whale watching and ocean beaches.
- Cylinder Beach – a patrolled swimming beach at Point Lookout.
- Moreton Island – another sand island in Moreton Bay.
Quick answers
Can you swim in Brown Lake?
Yes. Swimming is the main activity at Brown Lake. Keep children close and stay within your depth.
Where is Brown Lake on North Stradbroke Island?
It is just outside Dunwich on Brown Lake Drive, inside Naree Budjong Djara National Park.
Do you need a 4WD to get to Brown Lake?
No. Brown Lake Drive is unsealed, but a 4WD is not required.
Why is Brown Lake brown?
It is a rainwater lake, and tannins from the surrounding melaleuca and tea-tree bushland colour the water.
Are there toilets and barbecues at Brown Lake?
Yes. There are composting toilets, picnic tables, wood-fired barbecues and a car park.
Does it cost anything to visit Brown Lake?
No, it is free.
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