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Best Places To SUP
5 Great Lakes & Dams In South East Queensland For Stand Up Paddle Boarding
By Ride The Tide
Let’s Explore!
Change up your scenery and routine destination and take your stand up paddle board inland to some of South East Queensland's great Lakes and Dams. For years, many of these lakes have played home for other water activities including boating and kayaking, but that doesn't mean you can't take your SUP to these picturesque locations and enjoy them too!
Different to beach locations, there is more of a country vibe, extra activities available or allowed for you to try and most places have extra facilities like BBQ's, camping and picnic areas to enjoy a full day of taking in the scenery. Here are just a few of the popular Lakes and Dams on offer in South East Queensland.
Lake Maroon
Lake Maroon is 25 kms south of Boonah within the foothills of the McPherson Range. It is very popular for all water sports including fishing and canoeing. But why not take your stand up paddle board! Picnic grounds with tables and chairs and barbecues are available with stunning views to the lake and mountains. A great day out at any time of the year. There is abundant birdlife including black swans, pelican, and king parrots.
Lake Moogerah
Moogerah is a local Aboriginal word meaning "place of thunder storms" and is a picturesque destination. It is an beautiful Lake perfect for Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Other activities include water skiing, jet skiing, bird watching, fishing and kayaking. Picnic and BBQ facilities are available and a café also operates at Lake Moogerah. Over 38 different species of birds have been recorded in this area and the lake and recreation facilities boasts stunning views to the lake and mountains which are open to the public from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm, seven days a week.
Somerset Dam
Somerset Dam is the place to take your stand up paddle board. Only an hour from Brisbane, Somerset Dam is neatly cradled and protected by a ring of surrounding hills. With 45ha of lakeside beauty on the northern shores of Somerset Dam conditions here are perfect for taking your paddle board.
There are plenty of other activities available with access to mini-golf, sports equipment for loan, a sporting oval and a playground. The lake itself is the true playground for young and old with swimming, boating and waterskiing being quite popular as well. While local experts say it is one of the best fishing spots in the region.
It is one of the Brisbane's most important water catchments and is a perfect base for touring the surrounding towns and countryside and ideal for short breaks or longer vacations alike. Secure a nice lake-front camping spot so you can enjoy the rich colours of sundown, then catch the sun-up over the water from your lakeside perch. This popular spot gets very popular on weekends and school holidays, so be wary of the motorised watercraft that can travel at high speeds.
Lake Baroon
Nestled in a secluded valley, Lake Baroon can be found in a beautiful pocket of subtropical rainforest on the volcanically formed Blackall Range near Maleny in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland. This great SUP getaway is an idyllic destination reached by a scenic drive up the Blackall Range escarpment.
Well worth a visit with your paddle board for a great day of paddling and enjoying the recreational areas including gazebos, BBQs, children's playground and amenities. The tree-hidden resort 'Secrets on the Lake' welcomes visitors to its in-house cafe which overlooks the lake.
Wyaralong Dam
Wyaralong Dam is located north-west of Beaudesert on the Teviot Brook, nestled at the base of Mt Joyce. Wyaralong Dam has recently been confirmed as motor-boat free (only electric boats allowed), so it's the safest waterway for family expeditions with your stand up paddle board. There are two entry points at the moment, but more are planned.
So what are you waiting for?! Pack up the car with your paddle boards and go explore!