Tired of city life? Want to go somewhere peaceful and quiet? Go on to Lake Moogerah. Surrounded by water, trees and all nature. Ideal for family vacations or even in groups. You can have barbecues and picnics. Might want to try fishing? Or go swimming with the kids? Then this place is perfect. It is a place one with nature.
Lake Moogerah is a famous destination for boating, fishing, water sports and even having a picnic on the grassy land. Also, there are various caravan park accommodations, hotels and motels accessible near the area. There’s a caravan park near the lake and also several good campsites nearby.
Here is an overview of the campgrounds in Lake Moogerah:
- Frog Buttress Camp
- Frog Buttress – Mount French Vehicle Camp
Are you interested in going? Read this article first before you go.
How Do I Get To Lake Moogerah?
If you are from Brisbane, take the Ipswich Motorway until you reach the Cunningham Highway. After that, follow this route:
- Turn left at Fassifern onto the Boonah Fassifern Road.
- Finally, turn right onto Lake Moogerah Road.
If you are from the Gold Coast:
- Take the Nerang North exit or the Oxenford exit off the Pacific Highway.
- Follow the signs going to Beaudesert.
- The estimated time to reach the beautiful lake is one hour (about 65 km).
What Should I Know About Lake Moogerah?
The Moogerah Dam is an arch-shaped dam that is located on the Reynolds Creek which is located in the south-eastern region of Queensland in Australia.
The essential functions of the Moogerah Dam are the following: the primary purpose is for irrigation of the Reynolds Creek and second is for supplying drinkable water to Warrill Creek and for the farmers of Warrill Valley. The enclosed lake is now called the Lake Moogerah. The word “Moogerah” originated from the Aboriginal word, “Moojirah” which means “the home of the thunderstorm.”
The amenities located near the dam and lake composes of the caravan parks, the camping sites and other exciting outdoor activities. This area is frequently used by different church groups, school camps, sports clubs, youth groups and other clubs. It is also perfect for events, especially weddings, yoga retreats, family reunions, Christmas functions and much more.
The lake is famous for fishers since it is abundant in different species of fish. It is abundant in Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Mary River Cod, Silver Perch, and Saratoga. It also has its main bait fishes which are: bony bream and shrimps.
The most abundant in Lake Moogerah is the bass, but the golden perch is popular as well. These two species are enormous and fatty. It is caught by any method that you can with a bass. You can find these fishes in the southern part of the lake.
How Are the Campgrounds at Lake Moogerah?
Lake Moogerah provides a range of choices to stay, and there are a lot of benefits to camping there, from sleeping in a roomy cabin that overlooks the campground and lake, sleeping under the stars in a variety of campsites.
Spectacular views of the mountains surround you, so staying near the shores of the beautiful lake, you’ll find the most suitable accommodation for you to let you relax and enjoy the stunning scenery that nature has to offer.
Frog Buttress Camp
A small camping area is set in lush eucalypt forest with grassy understorey that is close to all walking tracks, toilets, day-use area, and other facilities. Some picnic tables are provided at critical sites within the camping area. Book sites well in advance for Easter, June/July and September holiday periods.
Some things to know about the campsite:
- Location: 100 m away from the car park
- Access: By foot only
- Number of sites: 14
- Maximum capacity: 30 people
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, picnic tables, gas BBQ spots
- Booking: Book online or thru the visitor centre
Frog Buttress – Mount French Vehicle Camp
Two vehicle-based campsites are located next to the Mount French section car park. Also, you should book sites well in advance for Easter, June/July and September holiday periods.
Some things to know about the campsite:
- Location: Near Mt French car park
- Access: By conventional vehicles including campervans and mobile homes
- Number of sites: 2
- Maximum capacity: n/a
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, picnic tables, gas BBQ spots
- Booking: Book online or thru the visitor centre
If you want to know more about the campgrounds in the area, you can visit their website.
Where Can I Take A Bushwalk in Lake Moogerah?
There are two short walking tracks located in Mount French section. The other parts of the park have several rough bush tracks of varying difficulty, which are best suited to experienced bushwalkers only. Less experienced walkers should walk with a qualified person and take food and water.
Mount French Section
This section covers the North peak—Mee-bor-rum (468m) and South peaks—Punchargin (598m) of Mount French. Access to the south summit (Punchargin) is restricted as it is private property. On Mee-bor-rum, two short tracks make it easier for you to explore the park’s many features, and neither requires an in-depth bushwalking experience. Also, some sections of these tracks are suitable for wheelchairs with assistance.
North Cliff Track
Distance: 720m
Time: Allow about 15min walking time
This track leads to Logan’s lookout with breathtaking, panoramic views of the whole Fassifern Valley, with the Main Range escarpment to the western portion and Flinders Peak and beyond to the eastern side. Also, this track is suitable for wheelchairs with assistance.
Mee-bor-rum Circuit
Distance: 840m
Time: Allow about 25min walking time
This circuit track passes through heathland and will take you to the East Cliff lookout with views of Lamington, Tamborine, and Mt Barney. However, care must be taken while you’re at the lookout as it is a natural feature and has no handrails to ensure safety. Further along the way, a circular platform with seating gives you views of the heathland and the southern section of Mount French.
Mount Edwards Section
The steep, forest-covered slopes of Mount Edwards (634m) and the nearby Little Mount Edwards (363m) are divided by Reynolds Creek, which flows between the two mountains through a gorge of sloping rock layers.
Mount Edwards Summit Trail
Distance: 6km
Time: Allow about 3.5hr walking time
Mount Edwards can be reached from the Lake Moogerah picnic area at the farthest end of the Moogerah Connection Road. From the picnic area, you need to walk across the dam wall and head to the park entrance. By doing so, you will have a chance to see the sweeping views to the north over the Fassifern Valley after a very steep walk. Also, the summit trail is suitable for bushwalkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Mount Greville Section
Distance: Measured in time only
Time: Allow about 5hr return
This small, rugged part of the park covers the peak and slopes of Mount Greville (767m), which juts out sharply above the surrounding hilly terrain. With its rocky faces and wooded ridges, this mountain is an attractive landmark. Two deep, narrow, steep gorges, called the Palm and Waterfall Gorges, cut into its south-eastern portion. Mount Greville section is enclosed by private property except for the car park and designated route.
Also, this route is suitable only for experienced bushwalkers.
What Are the Other Things That I Can Do in Lake Moogerah?
Lake Moogerah is popular for its famous water activities which include the following:
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Fishing (a permit is required)
- Kayaking
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
It also has other land activities which do not require you to get in the water if you don’t want to get wet. The following activities are:
- Barbecue/grilling
- Bushwalking
- Camping (only on private and safe grounds)
- Picnics
- Rock climbing
- Scenic drives
What Is the Best Time to Go to Lake Moogerah?
There isn’t a perfect time to go to this place as you’ll have something to discover depending on the time you visit. But as with any other weekend destinations, it can get a bit crowded during the summer months or school holidays. Also, water activities are more popular during these times.
On the other hand, if you go in the middle of winter, the lake’s serene atmosphere is perfect for meditation and having conversations over a campfire.
What Do Other Tourists Say About Lake Moogerah?
“If you are a photographer, the sunset in the lake is definitely worth the visit. Indeed, it turned on the show for our visit. We had a powered site. Unfortunately, it was a path for other campers, as they walked to the toilets/showers, through our caravan site.
The toilets/showers were average. Normally there are two blocks across from each other, but one was closed for “renovations”. They are just old and exhausted, with limited facilities. I think it was only 3-4 toilets and showers. The waterway was very busy with boats, jet skis, kayaks etc. Very family-friendly, there was lots of space, but come summer; I think it would be a very crowded place.” -Chriskx (via TripAdvisor)
Related Questions
Can You Swim in Lake Moogerah?
The Moogerah Dam, which is located on Reynolds Creek, is a well-known site for families and friends to go swimming and do some other water sports available.
Are Dogs Allowed at Lake Moogerah?
Dogs are allowed in Haigh Park at Moogerah Dam. Although they’re not allowed on the grounds of the Caravan Park at Lake Moogerah, they must be leashed and most certainly not allowed to come into the water.
Is There Redclaw In Moogerah Dam?
Yes, there are red claws present in the lake. If you carefully hunt for it, you’ll be able to catch some.
