Cooby Dam is a drinking-water dam north of Toowoomba with a lakeside picnic and boating area at Loveday Cove. There is a playground, free gas barbecues, a 4.4 km bush walk and quiet water for sailing, canoeing and fishing, all about 30 minutes’ drive from Toowoomba.
The dam holds back Cooby Creek and supplies the Toowoomba region. It is not a swimming lake and there is no camping, so it suits a picnic, a paddle, a fish or a bush walk, and not much more. That is part of its appeal.
About the dam
Construction began in 1938 and the dam was completed in 1942. It is a rock-fill wall 32 m high and 207 m long, and the lake behind it covers about 301 hectares with a maximum depth of 12.5 m.
The lake supplies drinking water for the Toowoomba region.
Loveday Cove picnic area and playground
Loveday Cove is the main visitor area. It has picnic tables and shelters, a children’s playground, free gas barbecues, accessible toilet blocks.
It is also where boats go in. The Darling Downs Sailing Club is based on the lake.
Boating at Cooby Dam
Only electric motors are allowed, so the water stays quiet. You can also row, sail, canoe or windsurf, and there is a boat ramp at Loveday Cove. Petrol outboards are not allowed at Loveday Cove, and the water access is set up for sailing boats, canoes and electric-only boats, so it suits small craft. The Darling Downs Sailing Club is the local club if you want to ask about sailing.
Fishing at Cooby Dam
You need a Stocked Impoundment Permit to fish here. The dam is stocked with golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch. Anyone 18 or over needs the permit when line fishing; permits are about $13.60 a week or $64.58 a year and are available online through the state fisheries department or from most tackle shops. The fishery is managed by the Toowoomba and District Fish Stocking Association and Toowoomba Regional Council. Carry your permit (digital or paper) and show it if the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol asks. Queensland bag limits apply to what you keep, so check the size and possession limits for each species before you cast a line.
Lakeside Walk
The Lakeside Walk is Grade 3 and 4,422 m one way, taking about 90 minutes. It is mostly easy with one moderate climb in the middle. If you stay quiet you may see koalas, possums, echidnas and wallabies, and there are plenty of bush birds and waterbirds. Leave pets at home. The council’s Cooby Dam page has a downloadable trail map.
The dam wall picnic area
A second picnic spot on the dam wall, reached from Pipeline Road, has lake views and an accessible walking track but no boat access. It is closed from time to time, so check the council’s status page before you go.
Make a day of it
Cooby Dam is a short drive from Toowoomba, so it pairs well with the city’s own sights. Head back towards town for Queens Park, the Japanese Gardens or the Cobb and Co Museum. For a longer country drive, Jondaryan Woolshed is about 45 minutes by car from the dam.
Planning your visit
- How long: One to two hours for a picnic.
- Hours: 6 am to 8 pm September to April, 7 am to 6 pm May to August. The park is locked at night.
- What to bring: Water, sun protection, your own food (no kiosk is listed), and a fishing permit if you plan to fish.
- Rules: No swimming, no camping, no alcohol and no pets.
- Accessibility: The toilet blocks have disabled access.
Getting there and parking
Loveday Cove is at Cooby Dam Road, Meringandan. The council says to reach it from the New England Highway, turning at Highfields onto Highfields Road and following the signs. It is about 30 minutes by car from the Toowoomba CBD and about 2 hours 5 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. See the council’s Cooby Dam page for details.
Nearby
- Lake Perseverance – another Toowoomba-region lake with picnics.
- Picnic Point – lookout, walks and playgrounds on the Toowoomba range.
- Queens Park – botanic gardens and playgrounds in town.
- Japanese Gardens Toowoomba – a calm garden in the city.
- Cobb and Co Museum and Toowoomba Railway Station – history in the city.
- More: Lakes and rivers and Toowoomba.
You might also like
- Jondaryan Woolshed – a heritage woolshed and museum west of Toowoomba, with a caravan park.
- Lake Annand (South Toowoomba)
- Cressbrook Dam (Biarra)
Quick answers
Can you swim at Cooby Dam?
No. Toowoomba Regional Council says swimming at Loveday Cove is expressly prohibited.
Can you camp at Cooby Dam?
No. Camping facilities are not available, and the park is locked at night. For a caravan park, Jondaryan Woolshed is about 45 minutes away.
Can you fish at Cooby Dam?
Yes, with a Stocked Impoundment Permit if you are 18 or over. The dam is stocked with golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch.
Are dogs allowed at Cooby Dam?
No. It is a flora and fauna reserve and council asks visitors to leave pets at home.
Are there barbecues and toilets?
Yes. Loveday Cove has free gas barbecues, picnic shelters and accessible toilet blocks.
What time does Cooby Dam open?
6 am to 8 pm from September to April and 7 am to 6 pm from May to August.
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