Lake Wyaralong: Picnics, Paddling, Trails and Camping

Lake Wyaralong is a lake in the Scenic Rim, about 80 minutes by car from Brisbane, with a lakeside picnic area, a playground, paddling and electric boating, and one of the bigger trail networks in the region. It sits at the base of Mt Joyce, north-west of Beaudesert, and is run by Seqwater.

It is the newest dam in South East Queensland, completed in 2011, and it is open to the public seven days a week. Most day visitors head for the Meebun Day Use Area, off Beaudesert-Boonah Road.

The Meebun Day Use Area

Meebun is the main base for a day at Lake Wyaralong. It has picnic tables, shelters, barbecues, a playground and public toilets. It is also where the boat ramp and the kayak and canoe launch points are, and where the shoreline fishing access starts.

The area is served by tank water only, so bring your own drinking water.

The Lake Wyaralong Sculpture Park, a collection of large-scale sculptures, makes a pleasant stroll after a picnic, and on OpenStreetMap it sits right beside the Meebun area.

Paddling and boating at Lake Wyaralong

Paddle craft, sailing craft, rowing boats and electric-powered boats are all allowed on the lake. You do not need a boating permit to use it. Boats must be electric powered only.

Launch only from the designated point at Meebun. Much of the land around the lake is private property, so do not launch, retrieve or beach a boat anywhere other than a signed recreation area. Wear a lifejacket, stay out of the exclusion zones near the dam wall, and keep a safe distance from other lake users.

Seqwater’s list of activities at the lake covers paddling, sailing, rowing, boating and fishing. Swimming is not on it, and Seqwater’s lake pages do not say either way whether you can swim. Visit Scenic Rim’s lakes guide lists swimming among the popular activities here, so ring Seqwater on 1300 737 928 or check its recreation notices before you plan a swim.

Fishing at Lake Wyaralong

You can fish from the shore at the designated recreation area, or from a boat or paddle craft. A Stocked Impoundment Permit is required and must be bought before you fish. Permits come through the Queensland Government’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme, and Seqwater links the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website for where to buy one. Fishing on private land around the lake is not allowed, and fishing line and hooks must be taken away with you.

Walking and mountain biking trails

The trail network was built for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. There are more than 40 km of multi-use tracks, including 25 km of mountain bike single-track from beginner green trails up to double black diamond. The double black diamond trails are for very experienced riders and are open during events.

Walks range from short strolls around the dam wall and water’s edge to a harder hike to the top of Mt Joyce. Distances on the trail map are one-way trail lengths, not return trips.

On shared trails, walkers give way to horse riders, and mountain bike riders give way to walkers and horse riders. Private vehicles are not allowed on the trail network.

Seqwater currently lists a temporary closure of one section of the Shoreline trail, so check its alert page before you plan a loop.

Camping at Lake Wyaralong

There are two camping areas. The Ngumbi Camp Site (Mt Joyce Base Camp) is a remote site in the middle of the park with open camping areas, a toilet, a simple shelter shed and water tanks. There is no vehicle access, so you walk, ride in along the trails or come across the lake by boat.

The Lilybrook Recreation Area (Western Trail Access) is set up mainly for horse riders, with toilets, cold showers, picnic tables and a shelter. Camping there is for events only, on a cleared area for large groups, and event organisers email Seqwater with their request.

Seqwater’s recreation guide says to book camping by emailing [email protected]. Fees are not listed on the pages, so ask when you book. Open fires are not allowed, and you cannot stay overnight on the water.

Planning your visit

• Hours: Seqwater’s recreation guide gives 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August, seven days a week. Check Seqwater’s notices before you go.
• Cost: The Seqwater pages list no entry fee. A fishing permit is separate.
• Dogs: Seqwater asks visitors to leave pets at home, because dogs can disturb wildlife.
• Weeds: Clean and dry boats, paddles and gear before you leave, to stop water weeds spreading.
• What to bring: Drinking water, a first aid kit, sun protection and a lifejacket if you are on the water.
• Closures: The lake and trails can close after heavy rain, so look at Seqwater’s alerts the day you go.

Getting there and parking

Lake Wyaralong is about 80 minutes by car from Brisbane, about 30 minutes from Boonah and about 20 minutes from Beaudesert. The Meebun Day Use Area is off Beaudesert-Boonah Road, and the official Seqwater Wyaralong page links the recreation guide with a map. There is no public transport to the lake, so you need a car.

Nearby

• Boonah – markets, lookouts and a country town lunch stop.
• Beaudesert – the nearest town, with cafes, pubs and supermarkets.
• Kooralbyn Valley – more of the Scenic Rim to add to the day.
• All lakes and rivers and more Scenic Rim days out.

You might also like

• Lake Moogerah – another Scenic Rim lake, with swimming, camping and a dam wall walk.
• Lake Maroon – picnics, boating and camping near Boonah.
• Lake Annand (South Toowoomba)

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