Lake Kurwongbah

Digital images are available to purchase for $75 per image.

The year 1957 saw the opening of a carton board mill at Petrie.

As a direct result of the paper mill’s construction, Lake Kurwongbah was planned and constructed during the period of 1956 – 1958 to supply water for its operation. It wasn’t until 1961 when a water treatment plant was opened at Petrie to treat water from Lake Kurwongbah for drinking purposes.

The Lake was created by damming Sideling Creek; and later on the dam wall was raised further, increasing capacity and now when full, the Lake covers an area of 367 hectares, holding over 15 000 mega litres of water

Lake Kurwongbah – Destination Guide (Moreton Bay Region, SE Queensland)

Overview:
Lake Kurwongbah is a scenic freshwater reservoir located in the Moreton Bay Region of South East Queensland, about 25 km north of Brisbane near Petrie and Whiteside. It is also known as Sideling Creek Dam, formed by damming Sideling Creek in the 1950s to support industrial and residential water supply growth in the region.

Today, the lake is a multi-use water storage and recreation area, surrounded by bushland, parklands, and semi-rural landscapes, offering kayaking, fishing, walking, and relaxed picnic spots.

Highlights

🌊 Calm Reservoir Surrounded by Bushland

Lake Kurwongbah is a medium-sized dam with gently undulating shorelines, quiet coves, and forested edges. When full, it spans several hundred hectares and forms a peaceful inland water environment close to Brisbane.

🚣 Kayaking & Paddle Recreation

The lake is especially popular for non-motorised water activities, including:

  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Stand-up paddleboarding

The sheltered waters make it suitable for beginners and casual paddlers, with calm conditions in early morning being particularly scenic.

🎣 Fishing Destination (Stocked Waters)

Lake Kurwongbah is a designated stocked impoundment fishery and supports species such as:

  • Australian bass
  • Golden perch
  • Mary River cod
  • Saratoga

A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required for fishing.

The lake also has a mix of native fish stocking efforts and established recreational fishing zones.

🌿 Parklands & Picnic Areas

Surrounding foreshore areas include grassy parks and informal recreation spaces used for:

  • Picnics
  • Walking
  • Birdwatching
  • Casual lakeside relaxation

The lake also sits within a broader semi-rural corridor with nearby reserves and lookout points.

📸 Photography & Scenic Value

Lake Kurwongbah is especially photogenic for:

  • Long, curved shoreline compositions
  • Reflective water surfaces at sunrise
  • Bushland framing and soft light conditions
  • Aerial views showing lake geometry and surrounding greenery

It is often used for quiet landscape photography rather than high-energy recreation scenes.

Best Time to Visit

  • Early morning: Still water reflections and misty bushland
  • Late afternoon: Warm light across trees and shoreline
  • Winter: Clear skies and crisp visibility
  • After rain: Full water levels and rich green tones
  • Weekdays: Very quiet and low visitor numbers

Visitor Tips

  1. Bring your own supplies—facilities are limited in some areas
  2. Check signage for fishing and boating zones
  3. A SIP permit is required for fishing
  4. Weed growth can be heavy near some shorelines (paddling access is best offshore)
  5. Respect private property boundaries around parts of the lake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where is Lake Kurwongbah located?

Lake Kurwongbah is in the Moreton Bay Region, near Petrie and Whiteside, about 25 km north of Brisbane.

Q2: What is Lake Kurwongbah known for?

It is known for:

  • Being a water supply reservoir (Sideling Creek Dam)
  • Kayaking and paddle sports
  • Stocked freshwater fishing
  • Quiet bushland recreation close to Brisbane

Q3: Can you swim in Lake Kurwongbah?

Swimming is generally not promoted due to its role as a managed water storage and safety considerations. Visitors should follow all posted signage.

Q4: What activities can you do there?

Popular activities include:

  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Fishing (with permit)
  • Walking and picnicking
  • Photography and birdwatching

Q5: Do you need a fishing permit?

Yes. A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required for recreational fishing.

Q6: What fish are in Lake Kurwongbah?

Common species include:

  • Australian bass
  • Golden perch
  • Mary River cod
  • Saratoga

Q7: Is Lake Kurwongbah crowded?

No. It is generally quiet, even on weekends, compared to other SEQ recreation lakes.

Q8: Is it good for families?

Yes, particularly for low-key outdoor activities like picnics and short walks, but it has limited built facilities.

Q9: Is it good for photography?

Yes. It is especially strong for sunrise reflections, aerial landscape shots, and calm natural compositions.

Q10: What makes Lake Kurwongbah unique?

Its combination of industrial water-supply origins, calm recreational use, and bushland-framed shoreline close to Brisbane makes it one of the most accessible yet quiet dam landscapes in the region.