Top 5 Places to Waterski and Wakeboard in Queensland
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Top Places in QLD for Water Sports
There is much more to see and do in Queensland besides lying on the beach soaking up the sun. Queensland is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers in Australia which also happen to be great for watersport enthusiasts.
Put the boat in, grab a rope and start ripping up the wake. What makes waterskiing and wakeboarding so special in Queensland is the warmth; no freezing mornings or full-length wetsuits, just the warm sun shining on your skin while you make endless memories behind the boat. Here are the top destinations, places to eat, stay and experience within the sunshine state.
1. Borumba Dam
A personal favourite of ours, Borumba Dam, is just south of Gympie but feels like you're out in the middle of whoop-whoop. Located near Imbil in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Borumba dam has more than 480 hectares or water to explore. As well as wakeboarding, Borumba dam is an ideal location for jetskiing, waterskiing, and tube riding with no boating restrictions and even small boats available for hire from the Borumba Dam camping area park office. If you’re planning on hitting the dam remember to check the Seqwater website at www.seqwater.com.au for updates on blue green algae (in the warmer month, algal blooms can make watersports a health hazard).
It is a popular destination for locals but generally relatively quiet due to its hidden location. Camping is available just on the shores, allowing you to launch the boat early in the morning and spend the entire day on the water. Lake temperatures are generally warm enough year-round for swimming and enjoying lake life. The dam is stocked with fish making it popular for fishing and the surrounding Imbil State Forest is ideal for bush walking, hiking and mountain biking. Amenities in the area are limited, so make sure you stock up in Gympie on the way in, don't forget the marshmallows!
Where to Eat at Borumba Dam
The Rattler Café – Relaxed Dining Set Up
The Rattler Café is relaxed, casual dining complete with a beautiful seating area outside. With basic food options available for the whole family, it is the ultimate place to grab a bite to eat before your day on the water or after the sunset to unwind.
The Green Bowl Edifice – International, Mediterranean and Contemporary Dishes
The Green Bowl Edifice located at the Imbil Bowls Club overlooking the creek offers delicious international, Mediterranean, and contemporary dishes ready for you to indulge in for lunch and dinner. You'll find a large bar area and pool table within the beautiful old building with generous servings of food. With all drinks and food at reasonable prices, you don't want to miss out on The Green Bowl Edifice.
Where to stay at Borumba Dam
Miranda Downs Stylish Country Cabin – Private Get-Away
If you love the countryside and need a secluded get-away with your partner, the Miranda Downs Stylish Country Cabin is for you. Located on a private 120 acres in Imbil, it is designed with a rustic and country theme. With stunning views across the Mary Valley, the best thing about the cabin is you can bring your beloved dog. With a large, fenced space for your furry friend, they will have the best time making memories with you.
Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds – Direct Access to the Water
With direct access to the water, Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds is the ultimate place to stay during the summer. You are surrounded by Imbil State Forest and Yabba State Forest, offering an extensive trail network to explore. Lake Borumba camping grounds have modern amenities providing hot showers, an outdoor camp kitchen, free kayaks, and a volleyball area for your enjoyment - it is the perfect place to switch off and relax.
Things to do near Borumba Dam
Kayak and Bike Bush Adventures – Ride On-Mary
If you have the afternoon off from the lake and want a change of scenery, head to Mary River and kayak down the beautiful river. It winds through patches of rainforest, eucalypt forest, and open farmland. If kayaking isn't your thing, grab a mountain bike and set off on an adventure through the Mary Valley. Road, forest, downhill, single track, cross country, whatever your terrain preference is, you'll find it all at Mary Valley.
Conondale National Park – Hike Through the Serene Forest
Hiking through Conondale National Park is nothing short of spectacular, with an extensive area of unspoiled mountain scenery. From a short stroll along crystal clear streams to intense hikes, such as Mount Allan fire tower, or if you're really up for the challenge, complete the four-day 56-kilometer Conondale Range Great Walk. All providing magnificent views - set out on an unforgettable adventure.
2. Lake Somerset
In QLD's southeast lies Lake Somerset. Situated just under two hours outside of Brisbane, Somerset is easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend. Lake Somerset is a fantastic spot to pitch a tent for a week and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Somerset is also a superb spot to get your confidence up with wide-open spaces for waterskiing and wakeboarding. The size of the lake means space isn't an issue for super fun adventures year-round. Motorised and non-motorised watercraft are allowed on the lake meaning you can spend all day waterskiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Before heading to the lake remember to check Seqwater’s recreation and safety notices. If you plan on swimming, there are designated swimming areas at Kirkleagh and The Spit.
The recreation area also has barbeques and picnic areas to feed the family after a big day on the water. The campground is close by and offers a beautiful view of the sunset behind the lake.
Where to Eat at Lake Somerset
Coff & Co Bakery – Takeaway Options
Need to stop for a quick bite to eat and grab a caffeine fix? Coff & Co Bakery is the place to go. With a yummy selection of pies, sandwiches, bread, and sweets, you'll find your favourite takeaway option. Across the road is a beautiful park overlooking the lake, the perfect spot to soak up the sun and devour your breakfast or lunch.
Esk Grand Hotel – True Country Pub Experience
Esk Grand Hotel is an authentic country pub experience with good old fashion country hospitality. Indulge in classic pub meals made from the freshest ingredients. With a beer garden, indoor and alfresco dining, the Esk Grand Hotel is an incredible place to wind down the night with family and friends before another big day on the lake.
What to do Near Lake Somerset
Brisbane Rail Trail – Walk, Bike, or Horse Ride
The Brisbane Rail Trail spans over 160 kilometers from Wulkuraka, on the outskirts of Ipswich, to Yarraman. Grab your runners, bike, or even horse as you trek along the path. You can choose to go as little or as far as you desire while soaking up the scenic landscapes of Southeast Queensland.
Visit Spectacular Wineries - Wine Trail
Set out on a day adventure and visit some incredible wineries around Somerset. With award-winning regional wines and opportunities to experience wine tasting at cellar doors, it is the perfect opportunity to test out many new tipples. Visit Woongooroo Estate or Mount England Estate for the ultimate experience.
Where to Stay Near Lake Somerset
Somerset Sunset – Exclusive Accommodation
Looking over the northern end of Lake Somerset, Somerset Sunset is a beautiful accommodation option for those wanting a nice place to relax and rejuvenate while on holiday. Somerset Sunset allows you to book the entire accommodation venue providing 6 Queen(s), 1 double and 13 single beds. Somerset Sunset can host various functions and weddings, lovely if you're looking for a country vibe. They are also home to goats, chickens, and ducks, a great place to bring the kids to feed the animals. Somerset Sunset has a heated pool available for use for those lazy days you need to unwind.
NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park – Direct Water Access
The Lake Somerset Holiday Park is a popular spot for tourists and families as it's directly on Lake Somerset. You can choose between camping, caravan sites, glamping options, and cabins. Being Australia's most popular freshwater fishing destination, Lake Somerset Holiday Park is the ultimate spot to stay for avid fishers. Bring your boat and indulge in any water sport you can think of, then as the sun drops, spend your time beside a campfire reminiscing on an incredible day.
3. Lake Kurwongbah
Lake Kurwongbah is a secluded body of water located north of Lake Samsonvale. It is a peaceful location with reduced boats on the lake. If you want to waterski, you need to be affiliated with Lake Kurwongbah Water Ski Zone and Waterski Queensland. If you take waterskiing seriously and want to improve your confidence, it is the ultimate spot due to reduced boats and waves. However, the public can use Lake Kurwongbah freely for kayaking and canoeing. It's also a beautiful spot for a picnic with public facilities available and casting a line to catch some fish – you will need a permit for fishing on Lake Kurwongbah. You can book permits through the Queensland Government Fisheries Department.
Where to Eat Near Lake Kurwongbah
The Heritage Restaurant & Bar – Pub Classics with Live Entertainment
The Heritage Restaurant & Bar is a beautiful destination with divine pub classics and a vast selection of alcoholic beverages and known to have friendly staff and impeccable service. The Heritage Restaurant & Bar is on the beautiful grounds of Old Petrie Town. With live entertainment, enjoy the relaxing environment and reenergise yourself before heading back out to the lake.
Flinders Food & Café – Morning Coffee Fix
Flinders Food & Café provides delicious food and coffee for you to enjoy. Known for their popular burgers and roast pork roll, and other tasty selections including healthier options, Flinders Food & Café is your new go-to. Grab your early morning coffee fix before heading out to Lake Kurwongbah for a day filled with adventures.
Where to Stay Near Lake Kurwongbah
The Kallangur Motel – Cheap Accommodation
The Kallangur Motel is situated in the heart of Kallangur, with a selection of 18 budget rooms ranging from standard to premium. The rooms provide kitchen utilities and an outside area with a pool and BBQ patio for your convenience. The Kallangur Motel is the perfect place to end your day and reset before another big day on the lake perfecting your waterskiing.
Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel – Looking Over Lake Eden
Located a short distance from Lake Kurwongbah, situated in Queensland's North Lakes, looking over Lake Eden lies Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel. Offering a beautiful family-friendly hotel set up, take advantage of some of the amenities provided, including room service, a pool, and lounge, all located on the site. With local shops and cafes nearby, it is the perfect hotel for you and your family to enjoy.
What to do near Lake Kurwongbah
Pine Rivers Heritage Museum – Explore the Regions Historic Character
Pine Rivers Heritage Museum explores the district's historic character. Learn about early timber-getters and industries, experience an 1890s school classroom, and glimpse life before electricity in an original farm worker's cottage. Stimulate your mind and get involved with the town's history. Pine Rivers Heritage Museum runs multiple events throughout the year. Keep a lookout for what's on next time you head into the town.
Visit North Pine River – Family-Friendly Outing
A short drive from Lake Kurwongbah, you'll find the North Pine River. Various parks surround the river, providing the perfect opportunity to crack open some cheese and biscuits and have a picnic. There are outdoor facilities for the family to enjoy including, a cricket pitch, mini skate park, basketball area, a koala habitat, and a fenced, off-leash dog park. Bring the kids along for a day full of fun at North Pine River.
4. Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park
Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park is the ultimate destination for water-ski enthusiasts. Located behind Woodford, it is just one hour from the Brisbane International Airport. Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park is surrounded by 160 acres of natural bush and pine forest. The park offers a purpose-built International standard lake that features a full and half slalom course, ski jump, and a wakeskate slider park. You will need to book to use the facilities at the park, but it is worth it with ultimate privacy and protection from other boats.
Where to Stay Near Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park
Lakeside Campsites – Directly on Woodford Water Ski Park
Pitch a tent and camp alongside Woodford Water Ski Park. The site has space for 50 tents with amenities nearby. The lakeside campsite is surrounded by nature as the hosts try to keep the place as natural as possible. What makes the campsite even better is you're allowed to bring your dog so that they can join in on the fun as well.
Lake Side Cottage - 3-Bedroom Residence
The lakeside cottage is a 3-bedroom residence (sleeps 6), with a large living and kitchen area and a fire pit and BBQ. Directly located on Woodford Water Ski Park, you can wake up with the sun and start carving up the water. The beautiful cottage is perfect for families learning to develop their water-skiing technique further with access to the slalom course and calm water.
Where to Eat Near Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park
Cutters Rest Bistro – Classic Australian Pub
Cutters Rest Bistro is a classic Australian pub and bar providing you with your favourite dishes and drinks. Steaks are a popular selection at Cutters Rest Bistro, along with their Parma's. Known to have an excellent quality of food and presentation, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Cutters Rest Bistro is worth a stop by.
The Woodford Hotel - Village Garden Bar & Grill
The Woodford Hotel offers welcoming country hospitality and great meals. You will also find three bars located within The Woodford Hotel, the public bar where you can grab a drink with some mates, the gaming bar, for some excitement and to try your luck, or the bistro bar where you can grab a meal and a cold beverage to go alongside.
What to do Near Bushy Brown's Adventure Ski Park
Woodford 'Durundur' Heritage Railway
Take the afternoon off from water-skiing and check out Woodford's 'Durundur' Heritage Railway. The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society has an incredible collection of two-foot gauge steam, diesel and petrol locomotives and rolling stock. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month, train rides are available from Margaret Street to Storey Brook and back.
Visit Stony Creek's Swimming Hole
Visit Stony's Creek for a blissful afternoon, taking a dip in the natural swimming hole. Located on the outer border of Bellthorpe National Park, Stony Creek is a favourite with locals. With a flat pathway from the car park, which prams and wheelchairs can access, anyone can visit the natural swimming hole.
5. Lake Maroon
Lake Maroon is a popular destination for water sports, with the huge Maroon Dam providing endless space for wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding and tubing. Located one hour's drive from the centre of Brisbane, Lake Maroon is located in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Boonah. The lake provides a recreation area next to the dam wall where you can have a barbeque, picnic, canoe, fish, participate in jet skiing and watersports.
Where to Stay Near Lake Maroon
Lake Maroon Camping Ground - Located South Side of Maroon Dam
Lake Maroon Camping Ground is located on the south side of Maroon Dam. A popular destination for water lovers due to the easy access directly to the water. The camping sites provide space for tents, cabins, caravans and cater to large groups. Lake Maroon Camping Ground offers scenic spots with mountain, lake, and bushland views – the kids will undoubtedly love this incredible ground.
Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park – Powered and Unpowered Sites
Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park is located a short drive from Lake Maroon. Set on 100 acres of high hilltops and gentle river flats, this camping ground is surrounded by National Park. Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park provides powered and unpowered sites, with wide-open spaces - fish, explore, bike ride and hike during the day, then sit by the campfire enjoying marshmallows and hot chocolate at night.
Where to Eat Near Lake Maroon
Kooroomba Vineyards Restaurant – Beautiful Winery
Kooroomba Vineyards Restaurant is located a 30-minute drive from Lake Maroon. The property consists of a cellar door, restaurant and lavender shop, which overlooks a six-hectare vineyard and a magnificent lavender field. Spend the afternoon away from the lake and indulge in 5-star food curated from local produce.
The Story Tree – Popular Cafe
The Story Tree is a café nearby Lake Maroon, offering your morning caffeine fix and delicious cakes. With your classic breakfast favourites on the menu, The Story Tree is a friendly café with excellent service and welcoming staff. A small shop is attached to the café, so you can browse through various items while waiting for your food.
What to do at Lake Maroon
Fishing at Lake Maroon
Fishing is a popular activity early in the morning or at dusk at Lake Maroon. Grab all your fishing gear and mates and head out for the day, finding secluded spots catching the best fish you'll find anywhere in the region.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Get your sunscreen and hat on for an adventure with the kids canoeing and kayaking around Lake Maroon. Paddling through the lake surrounded by the national park, spotting marine and terrestrial wildlife. Canoeing and kayaking is an excellent way to get your fitness up and stay healthy, a fun way to discover Lake Maroon.
Set off on a summer adventure through Queensland's magnificent bodies of water. Soak in the lake life and live it up during summer, making unforgettable memories. Want to travel outside of Queensland? Check out our blogs the best places to wakeboard and waterski in NSW or Victoria's top-secret water sport spots to hang this summer.
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