Lake Samsonvale (also called North Pine Dam) is a big dam lake in the Moreton Bay region, next to Joyner, Whiteside, Petrie and Lawnton. You can picnic at its signed recreation areas, let the kids loose on a playground, fish from the shore or paddle in a marked zone. It is about 40 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD.
The lake is also a drinking water supply, so the rules are strict. Seqwater, which manages the lake, says there is no swimming, no camping and no dogs, and opens it seven days a week. Those rules come from its Lake Samsonvale recreation guide, so check Seqwater’s current rules and notices before you go.
About the lake
The dam was built in 1976 and is part of the Water Grid. It is mainly a drinking water supply. The dam wall is 580 m long and 40 m high, with five steel gates to release water.
Seqwater is one of the few bulk water providers in Australia that manages an open catchment, which is why the community can enjoy the lake at all. In return, visitors are asked to leave facilities as they found them, put litter in the bins and stay out of the water.
Picnics and playgrounds at Lake Samsonvale
Seqwater lists six picnic areas: Bullocky Rest, Forgan Cove and Forgan Park (all off Forgan Road, Joyner), Kobble Creek (Mt Samson Road, Kobble Creek), McGavin View (Vores Road, Whiteside) and Tukuwompa Park (Forgan Road, Joyner). Many have picnic tables, shelters and free barbecues.
The playgrounds are at Bullocky Rest and McGavin View. A walking trail links the picnic areas at Bullocky Rest and Forgan Cove.
Fishing at Lake Samsonvale
Shoreline fishing is allowed at Bullocky Rest, Forgan Cove, Forgan Park, Kobble Creek, McGavin View and Tukuwompa Park. You must hold a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIPS) before you fish; buy one from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or one of its outlets. Fishing from paddle craft is allowed in the paddling zone.
Much of the land around the lake is private. Do not go onto private land to fish, and take all rubbish, especially fishing line and hooks, with you.
Paddling
Canoes and kayaks can use the public paddling zone (Zone 2) seven days a week. Paddle craft can only be launched from the launch point at Forgan Cove, off Forgan Road. Paddle craft with electric or fuel motors are not allowed. Public sailing and motorised boating are not allowed; only members and guests of the Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Association and the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association can use their own zones.
Walking and riding trails
More than five kilometres of multi-use trails start at the end of Postman’s Track road. Seqwater lists walking, running, mountain biking and horse riding. Vehicles, motorbikes and domestic animals (other than horses) are not allowed on the trails.
Water access zones
Seqwater splits the water into zones. Zone 2 is for paddle craft only. Zone 3 is for members of the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association, and Zone 4 is for members of the Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Association. Zones 1 and 5 have no access. Do not launch, retrieve or beach a boat on land around the lake except at signed recreation areas.
Staying safe and protecting the water
Seqwater asks visitors to check its recreation and safety notices before leaving home, to wear a life jacket and to know what is allowed where. To stop invasive weeds such as water hyacinth, salvinia and cabomba spreading, clean and dry anything that touched the water, empty water out of equipment before you move it, and never release plants, fish or other animals into the lake.
Planning your visit
- Hours: Seqwater’s recreation guide lists 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. Check Seqwater’s current rules before you go.
- Swimming: not allowed, according to Seqwater’s recreation guide.
- Camping: not allowed, according to the same guide.
- Dogs: Seqwater’s guide says dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed, so leave pets at home and check Seqwater’s current rules.
- Fishing permit: a Stocked Impoundment Permit is needed before you fish.
- Closures: check Seqwater’s recreation and safety notices before you leave.
Getting there and parking
Most visitors drive. Bullocky Rest is about 40 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD. The main areas are off Forgan Road, Joyner, with others at Vores Road, Whiteside and Mt Samson Road, Kobble Creek. See the Seqwater recreation area page and the Lake Samsonvale recreation guide for maps and notices.
Nearby
- Booroobin – another Moreton Bay day out.
- Old Petrie Town – markets, museums and heritage buildings in Petrie.
- North Lakes – Lake Eden, playgrounds and parks.
More lakes: lakes and rivers and Moreton Bay day trips.
You might also like
- Lake Wivenhoe – a bigger dam lake with boating and camping.
- Somerset Dam – swimming, boating and fishing.
- Mount Mee – lookout and walks.
Quick answers
Can you swim at Lake Samsonvale?
No. Seqwater’s recreation guide says there is no swimming at the lake. Check Seqwater’s current rules before you go.
Can you camp at Lake Samsonvale?
No. Seqwater’s recreation guide says camping is not allowed.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Samsonvale?
No. Seqwater’s recreation guide says dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed at the lake.
Can you fish at Lake Samsonvale?
Yes, from the shore at the designated recreation areas, with a Stocked Impoundment Permit.
Can you kayak at Lake Samsonvale?
Yes, in the designated paddling zone, launching from Forgan Cove. Motors are not allowed on paddle craft.
What time does Lake Samsonvale open?
Seqwater’s recreation guide lists 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April, and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. Check Seqwater’s current rules for any change.
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