Baroon Pocket Dam: Lake Paddle

Highlights

Nestled in the middle of the main range between Maleny and Montville is the peaceful Baroon Pocket Dam. With no powercraft allowed on the dam and high green hills all around, it’s a beautiful protected place for a paddle.

There are many small tributaries that flow into the lake that are worth paddling up. Scenery surrounding the water’s edge varies from open grassland to bush. Even though it is 1.4 km across the dam, good 3-4 hour paddles can be had on this lake. Apart from some small off limits areas the whole dam is yours to explore. Just be aware of the GATES CLOSE TIME – 6am to 5:30pm in winter, 5.30am to 6.30pm in summer.

Check with seqwater.com before you go to ensure the dam is open.

Afterwards

There is no camping allowed at the dam/lake area. The closest accommodation for visitors is in nearby Montville and Maleny, where there is a caravan park at the latter.

The Martin Williams Walk is located at the Southern Recreation Area off Baroon Pocket Road. The walk was designed and built by the lake’s first ranger, Martin Williams.

On the northern side of the lake, you can take a short stroll down to view Obi Obi Creek and the spillway.

Not afar away are numerous shops, cafes and other sights and bushwalks to explore in Maleny, Montville and Mapleton.

How to get there

To the starting point: There are two main access points for the Dam:

Southern side from Maleny – drive to the end of Baroon Pocket Road. This is the starting point on the map.

Northern side from Montville – drive to the end of Narrows Road. The north side has onsite café and is very close to Montville and all associated eats and treats.

Both locations have parking and amenities.

To the end point: Your paddle end point is the same as your starting point unless you want to paddle across and have someone collect you on the other side.

About this place

Suitable for kayaking
Dogs prohibited
Barbeque on site
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site
Playground on site

Walking track grade: Grade 2; A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by

Seqwater

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Safety

Hazards on this trail

Wind can affect as can low water

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

1 rating

Rebecca7 years ago

It does get a little choppy on the water but so beautiful once you get off the main body into a less exposed area. Beautiful wildlife to be seen. Took two hours of paddling today but bring lunch in an esky and use BBQ facilities before you go. Make a day of it. Can't wait to go back!