Atkinsons Dam, officially Atkinson Dam and also called Lake Atkinson, is a Seqwater lake near Lowood in the Lockyer Valley with a free day-use area, a boat ramp and fishing. It is a boating and picnic lake, close to Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset, rather than a place for a long walk.
The dam was built across Buaraba Creek and completed in 1970, and it is mainly used for irrigation. Seqwater opens the lake to the public for recreation, so you can launch a boat, fish from the shore or cook a BBQ beside the water.
The day-use area
Everything you need is at the Lake Atkinson Day Use Area, off Atkinson Dam Road. There are picnic tables, shelters, free BBQs, public toilets, a car park and the boat ramp. Seqwater lists the area as accessible.
Bring your own drinking water, because the water supplied on site is only suitable for cleaning and washing hands. Seqwater also warns that snakes are present, especially in the warmer months, so keep back from any you see and do not handle them.
Boating and water sports
Motorised and non-motorised boats are both allowed on the lake. The boat ramp is at the day-use area, and boats should only be launched and retrieved at the signed recreation area, because most land around the lake is private. Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are allowed if you follow the rules: carry the right safety gear, use a boat that can safely tow skiers, have a licensed driver and follow the directional signs.
Boats must be registered and the driver licensed. Wear a lifejacket, keep a safe distance from paddlers, stay out of exclusion zones and slow down if you cannot see underwater hazards. Kayaks, canoes, rowing boats and sailing boats are also allowed. Overnight stays on the water are not permitted.
Fishing at Atkinsons Dam
Seqwater’s fishing page says a fishing permit is not required at Lake Atkinson, and you can fish from a boat or paddle craft or from the shore of the designated recreation area. Seqwater’s boating page, however, says boat anglers need a Stocked Impoundment Permit, so check Seqwater’s current rules before you fish from a boat. Queensland recreational fishing rules, including size and bag limits, apply.
Fishing on private land around the lake is not allowed. Take all fishing line and hooks home, because they injure wildlife.
Swimming at Lake Atkinson
Seqwater provides a designated swimming area at the day-use area, marked with buoys, but it is currently closed (see the notice above). When it is open there are no lifeguards, so supervise children at all times. Never dive where you cannot see the bottom, wear a lifejacket and do not swim after drinking alcohol. Still water can hide submerged obstacles and uneven ground.
Check the current notice before you pack the towels. Seqwater also publishes blue-green algae levels, which affect swimming, boating and fishing.
Is Atkinsons Dam dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed on a leash in the day-use area only. One person can lead up to two dogs, and dogs must stay out of the lake, the foreshore and the boat ramp, to protect the drinking water. Bring your own bags and use the bins. Assistance animals are exempt from these limits.
Camping near Atkinsons Dam
Seqwater says all camping at Lake Atkinson is run by private operators, and you book and ask questions directly with each campground. Camping is only allowed in designated camping areas.
Planning your visit
- How long: a morning or afternoon for a BBQ and a fish, or a day with the boat.
- Best time: the day-use area is open longer from September to April, but the days are hot, so aim for morning or late afternoon.
- What to bring: drinking water, sun protection, a lifejacket for everyone on the water and your own fishing gear.
- Cost: entry is free.
- Contact: Seqwater on 1300 737 928.
Check Seqwater’s recreation and safety notices before you go, and see the Atkinson Dam BBQs and picnics page for the current facilities.
Getting to Atkinsons Dam and parking
The day-use area is off Atkinson Dam Road, about 30 minutes by car from Lowood. From the Brisbane CBD it is about 95 km, or about 85 minutes by car without traffic. There is a car park at the day-use area, but Seqwater does not list how many spaces it has.
Seqwater does not list public transport to the lake, so plan to drive.
Nearby
- Fernvale – Sunday markets, the rail trail and bakeries on the way home.
- Gatton and Laidley – Lockyer Valley towns for museums and farm gates.
- Esk – a Somerset Region town with a rail trail and lakes.
- More lakes on the lakes and rivers page and more to see on the Lockyer Valley page.
You might also like
- Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam – the bigger lakes, with their own swimming, boating and camping rules.
- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – a long bike trail through the valley.
- Lake Annand (South Toowoomba)
Quick answers
Do you need a permit to fish at Atkinsons Dam?
Seqwater’s fishing page says no permit is needed at Lake Atkinson, but its boating page says boat anglers need a Stocked Impoundment Permit, so check Seqwater’s current rules. Queensland size and bag limits apply.
Can you swim at Atkinsons Dam?
There is a designated swimming area at the day-use area, but Seqwater has it temporarily closed because of low water (notice dated 26 Oct 2026, checked 15 Nov 2026). It has no lifeguards, so check the notice first.
Can you camp at Atkinsons Dam?
Camping at Lake Atkinson is run by private operators, and you book with them directly.
Are dogs allowed at Atkinsons Dam?
Yes, on a leash in the day-use area only, and never in the water.
Can you waterski or jet ski at Atkinsons Dam?
Yes. Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are all allowed if you meet the safety and licence rules.
What are the opening hours?
Every day, 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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