Soaring Above the Water: A Drone’s-Eye View of Southeast Queensland’s Dams
We’re passionate about revealing the hidden beauty of Southeast Queensland from a perspective few get to see.
While our stunning beaches and cityscapes often steal the spotlight, there’s another, more serene network of landscapes that form the lifeblood of our region: our dams and reservoirs.
From mist-kissed mornings over mirror-still reservoirs to golden-hour reflections dancing across vast water surfaces, Southeast Queensland (SEQ) is home to a stunning network of dams and weirs that not only supply vital water to over three million people—but also serve as breathtaking natural sanctuaries.
These are not just concrete walls and water holdings; they are recreational hubs, vital ecosystems, and breathtaking feats of engineering set against a backdrop of rugged natural beauty.
In this blog, we take you on a virtual aerial journey across some of SEQ’s most iconic water storages—captured through the lens of a drone.
Prepare to be amazed by the hidden geometry, lush surroundings, and quiet grandeur of these essential landmarks.
*The Giants of the West: Wivenhoe & Somerset*
*Somerset Dam*
Perched on the Stanley River northwest of Brisbane, Somerset Dam is one of the region’s largest reservoirs.
From above, its sprawling 4,360-hectare surface shimmers like liquid silver, framed by rolling green hills and scattered farm paddocks.
The dam wall cuts a clean arc across the landscape, while the adjacent Lake Somerset holiday parks and marinas reveal a vibrant recreational heartbeat.
Drone footage here captures everything from early-morning kayakers slicing through glassy water to the dramatic spillway during high-flow events.
*Wivenhoe Dam*
Just downstream lies its colossal sibling.
Wivenhoe Dam is SEQ’s largest water storage—and a dual-purpose giant built for both water supply and flood mitigation.
This is where you truly grasp the scale of our water infrastructure. As the drone ascends, the vast expanse of water unfolds, resembling an inland sea. The intricate fingers of the lake, the spillway architecture, and the sheer size are humbling from the air.
An aerial view emphasizes its massive scale: over 100 km of shoreline weaving through forested valleys and rocky outcrops.
In drier months, the receding waterline exposes intricate patterns in the earth, while full capacity transforms the area into a vast inland sea.
Watch for ospreys nesting along the shorelines and the occasional wallaby grazing near the spillway.
*Lake Manchester*
Nestled in the D’Aguilar Range west of Brisbane, Lake Manchester offers a more secluded escape.
Seen from the sky, its narrow, winding shape hugs the contours of steep ridgelines cloaked in subtropical rainforest.
With limited public access to the shoreline (it’s a protected water supply catchment), the drone provides one of the few ways to appreciate its pristine, untouched beauty.
Mist often lingers in the treetops at dawn, giving the lake an almost mythical aura.
*The Recreational Havens: North Pine, Wyaralong & Maroon*
*North Pine Dam (Lake Samsonvale)*
North of Brisbane, North Pine Dam—locally known as Lake Samsonvale—is both a water source and recreation hotspot.
The sweeping curves of its shoreline, the bustling sailing clubs, and the mountain bike trails snaking through the surrounding forests are all visible.
It’s a perfect example of a multi-use reservoir, serving both practical and recreational needs with style.
The drone sees it all—tranquil one moment, bustling the next.
*Maroon Dam*
South of Boonah lies the picturesque Maroon Dam, a favorite among water skiers, anglers and campers.
From above, its turquoise waters contrast vividly with red soil and eucalypt forests.
The dam’s compact size belies its popularity, and drone sweeps often capture the rhythmic dance of fishing boats casting lines near submerged tree stumps—an angler’s paradise revealed in stunning clarity.
*Wyaralong Dam*
One of SEQ’s newest dams (completed in 2011), Wyaralong serves Beaudesert and surrounding areas.
Aerial captures of Wyaralong Dam often highlight its serene waters, the surrounding natural environment and the popular recreational parkland for grammar school rowers that has sprung up around it.
The dam's design and the lush greenery around it create a visually stunning landscape, making it a popular subject for drone enthusiasts.
*The Urban & Coastal Contributors*
*Mount Crosby Weir*
The Mount Crosby Weir and associated treatment plants represent the crucial, final step in our water's journey.
While a different kind of structure, the weir and the intricate network of channels and lagoons make for fascinating abstract patterns from the air, highlighting the engineering behind every drop from our tap.
From the air, it appears as a subtle concrete barrier across the Brisbane River, flanked by river gums and reed beds.
The weir’s strategic position makes it a key node in the city’s water infrastructure—less grand in scale, but no less vital.
*Lake Kurwongbah*
Tucked away near Petrie, Lake Kurwongbah (Sideling Creek Dam) serves as a quieter recreational spot closer to the Moreton Bay region.
Lake Kurwongbah is one of SEQ’s most accessible yet underrated reservoirs.
From above, its circular shape and surrounding parklands create a striking visual—especially when contrasted with suburban rooftops just beyond the treeline.
The aerial view shows a peaceful lake ideal for sailing and fishing, nestled within suburban and natural surrounds.
Early-risers often capture mist curling off the water, dissolving into sunlight as the day begins.
*The Scenic Rim's Hidden Gem: Moogerah Dam*
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount French and the Moogerah Peaks, this Scenic Rim dam is a photographer's dream.
Drone flights here ascend from cobalt-blue water to sheer cliffs and volcanic ridges.
In autumn, surrounding gums blaze with golden hues, while summer thunderstorms create ephemeral waterfalls cascading into the reservoir—a sight best appreciated from high above.
*The Historic Guardians: Enoggera & Gold Creek*
*Enoggera Dam*
Historic Enoggera Dam (built in 1866!) is just 12km from Brisbane’s CBD and is a local gem.
Drone footage reveals how seamlessly it blends into the bushland—its small but deep reservoir ringed by walking trails and native wildlife.
It’s a peaceful oasis, often overlooked yet perfectly preserved.
The drone’s view reveals swimmers, kayakers, and walkers dotting the perimeter, showcasing its role as a community asset.
*Gold Creek Reservoir*
Tucked into the leafy suburbs of Upper Brookfield, Gold Creek Reservoir is a hidden jewel.
Surrounded by protected bushland and part of the Brisbane Forest Park, it offers no public access—but stunning drone footage shows its mirror-like surface reflecting towering gums and the occasional rainbow lorikeet in flight.
It’s a testament to how even small reservoirs can harbor immense natural beauty.
*Final Thought*
From the engineering might of Wivenhoe to the quiet solitude of Gold Creek, Southeast Queensland’s dams are more than just water storage; they are landmarks of community, engineering, and natural beauty.
Thanks to the silent hum of a drone high above, we can now see them not just as reservoirs, but as reflections of our region’s natural harmony, resilience, and beauty.
*Responsible Flying*
The Art of the Capture Flying over these incredible locations comes with immense responsibility.
Every flight was conducted with strict adherence to CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) regulations, including maintaining legal distances from people, property, and other aircraft.
Always fly responsibly: respect no-fly zones, avoid wildlife, and never compromise water quality or public safety.
Ross Langdon, Drone Photographer/Videographer & Nature Enthusiast
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