Opened in 1975, Maroon Dam was built to allow expansion of irrigation along Burnett Creek and the Logan River. The dam does not have a gate, so when it reaches capacity water goes over the spillway.
The dam at Lake Maroon is open for recreational use, including boating, jet skiing, water skiing (as well as wake boarding and tubing), canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Swimming isn’t specified as an allowed activity, but it isn’t listed as an activity not allowed either. A SEQ Water brochure talks about being aware of blue-green algae and the associated risks of swimming and other water activities.
Camping is not allowed at the SEQ Water day use area, but there are privately operated parks at different locations on Lake Maroon.
For fishing, you need to have a fishing permit, specifically a SIP (Stocked Impoundment Permit). The permit fees go towards keeping impoundment areas stocked, as the fish quite often won’t breed in these areas.
The day use area is split in two parts. Slater Park is the smaller park, and is where the boat ramp is located. There are toilets and some sheltered picnic tables. The larger area is the Maroon Day Use Area. There are more picnic tables here, and BBQs near a playground. There is also a lookout point up the hill from the toilets.
To get there:
From Boonah, head south along Boonah Rathdowney Rd for 20.4km. Turn right into Maroon Dam Road, with the brown sign. After 1.3km, continue straight ahead for Slater Park, or turn left for Maroon Dam Day Use Area.
From Rathdowney, head south and turn into Boonah Rathdowney Rd from Mount Lindesay Hwy, and follow for 25.4km. Turn left into Maroon Dam Road, with the brown sign. After 1.3km, continue straight ahead for Slater Park, or turn left for Maroon Dam Day Use Area.
Cost: Free
Hours: Sept-Apr Mon-Sun 5.30am-6.30pm, May-Aug Mon-Sun 6am-5.30pm
Toilets: Yes
Bins: Yes
Tables: Yes
Seating: Yes
Water: Yes, not potable
Food: No
Wheelchair accessible: No, assistance will likely be required
Pets: Yes, must be restrained, and not allowed in or near the water
Playground: Yes
BBQ: Yes
Links:
https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/dams
