Scenic Rim lakes: Where to fish, kayak, swim and stay

Just outside Boonah in the Scenic Rim, Lake Maroon is a tranquil escape framed by rolling hills and calm, glassy water that is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk when fish rise to feed near the surface.

Anglers can cast a line from the shore or head out by boat or kayak from Slater Park or the Maroon Dam Day Use Area. The lake is ideal for swimming, kayaking, boating and water skiing, with quiet inlets waiting to be explored.

When you’re ready for a break, enjoy the recreation areas equipped with barbecues, picnic tables and plenty of shady spots.

If you’re staying the weekend, Lake Maroon Camping Ground offers bushland sites with water views. For those who’d rather skip the tent poles, you can still wake up to the sounds of nature by booking into the Homestead or a Lakeview Cabin.

For supplies or a good meal, the nearby village of Boonah is just a short drive away, offering cafés, pubs and local grocery stores.

Tip: Visit early in the morning for the calmest water and keep an eye on local conditions – water levels can affect which areas are best for fishing and launching your boat or kayak.

Lake Wyaralong sits at the foot of Mt Joyce, surrounded by open landscapes, gentle hills and wide-water views that make it a favourite escape for nature lovers. The lake is an excellent fishing spot, home to Australian Bass, Mary River Cod and the occasional European Carp for those looking to test their skills.

The Meebun Day Use Area is the perfect base, offering a public boat ramp, kayak and canoe launch points, and easy access to shoreline fishing.

Families will love the playground, picnic facilities, barbecues and public toilets making for a relaxed day by the water. Swimming, kayaking and boating are all popular here, and walking trails nearby offer an easy way to explore more of Mt Joyce’s natural beauty.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, Lake Wyaralong’s Ngumbi Camp Site is a true back-to-nature retreat. Accessible only by foot or bike (no vehicle access), it offers open grassy spaces, toilets and water tanks and is a peaceful remote setting for campers seeking solitude.

For a good meal or supplies, the closest village is Beaudesert, just a short drive away, offering cafés, pubs and supermarkets.

Tip: If you’re heading to Ngumbi, be prepared, tell friends of your plans, pack light and bring plenty of water as the hike is part of the adventure.

Lake Moogerah, located just a short drive from Boonah and framed by the dramatic outline of Moogerah Peaks National Park is a favourite for both adventure-seekers and those craving a peaceful escape.

Thrill-seekers can make waves near the dam wall, while kayakers and canoeists prefer the quieter, tree-lined bays at the far end of the lake. Keep an eye out for turtles sunning themselves on logs, black swans gliding gracefully across the water and cormorants darting beneath the surface.

Swimming, boating and fishing are also popular here, offering something for every kind of lake-lover.

Families will find plenty to enjoy with BBQs, picnic tables, a leashed dog area, and the nearby Lake Moogerah Café for an easy meal or coffee. Hiking trails in the surrounding bush make it simple to add a short bushwalk to your day and wear out the little ones before the trip home.

If you’re staying the night, Lake Moogerah Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, a camp kitchen, electric BBQs and all the comforts you need while still keeping you close to the water.

Tip: Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as Lake Moogerah is one of the region’s most popular spots for water sports. For the calmest paddling conditions, explore the far reaches of the lake in the early morning.

Be sure you have the correct fishing permits before throwing a line in.

Check the SEQwater website for information on boating, kayaking, and other water activities.

The best season for fishing in the Scenic Rim is September-November for Golden Perch and December-February for Australian Bass.

For more water fun, consider a stay in one of these riverside locations.

For more places to cool off, check out these luxe pools and stunning waterfalls.