Nestled in the western suburb of The Gap in Brisbane, Enoggera Reservoir, formally known as Enoggera Dam is a must do fresh water swimming hole for Brisbane families. If you plan on doing some walking, this map might be helpful!
Directions to Enoggera Reservoir
It’s pretty easy to get the the swimming hole via Waterworks Road then to 60 Mt Nebo Road. The parking is limited and it fills up really quickly on weekends, school holidays and other hot days. Best to go early morning or late afternoon. If travelling by public transport, take the 385 bus from the city to The Gap Park and Ride, then walk 800 metres up the hill, cutting between the Heritage houses to avoid walking along Waterworks Road.
Families Tip: There is a ‘loading zone’ where you can stop to offload your gear before you park the car. This is a good idea!
Swimming at Enoggera Reservoir
SEQwater, a Queensland Sate Govt Dept, are responsible for the lake and the maintainence of the waterways. You are welcome to swim, canoe, kayak in/on the water, but motorised water vehicles are prohibited. There are also lots of families with inflatable water devices, mats, boggie boards, rubber rings and mattresses.
The water was not even slightly cold on the very hot February day that we went. The water is very deep and you are unable to see the bottom for most of the lake, so remember to keep your children under 10 at arms length and those over 10 supervised carefully!
Families Tip: This is a fresh water swimming hole so we didn’t let the kids use (read: lose) their goggles in the very deep, fresh but murky water!
Walkabout Creek Adventures
Want to get out on the lake but don’t own a stand up paddle board or kayak? No problem! From Thursday – Sunday you can hire these from the lovely, on-site, staff from Walkabout Creek Adventures. They are there Thurs/Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm and Sat/Sun 9.00am – 5.00pm. In school holidays they are there mid morning to late afternoon. They also hire out mountain bikes so you can ride on the paths around the park and mini-segways too!
Picnic Facilities
Whilst there are no dedicated picnic facilities (no BBQ’s or tables) it is perfectly possible to take a packed picnic and enjoy the meal before or after swimming in the lake. You just wont be able to BBQ. Find yourself a shady spot, there are ample trees, and pop open your blanket for a peaceful feast. As with all Australian outdoor activities, keep an eye out for overly tame birds and too many ants! Pick your spot carefully!
Families Tip: Walk slightly to the left of ALL the other visitors (past the main water entrance) for lots of shady spaces to set up your picnic blanket.
Things to Do at Enoggera Reservoir
- picnicking
- walking
- mountain bike riding
- bird watching
- canoeing
- kayaking
- fishing
Opening times for the Enoggera Reservoir
This site is open to the public seven days a week, from:
- 5.30am to 6.30pm (September – April)
- 6.00am to 5.30pm (May – August)
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
Right at the entrance to the lake is also the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. It has a range of Australian animals on site including quoll, platypus, wombat, kangaroos, birds, snakes, fish and turtles. Read more about the Walkabout Discovery Centre here.
Watch our video to get a feel for the families fun at Enoggera Reservoir swimming hole!