Somerset Dam, Queensland: Boating, fishing and swimming areas
The Somerset Dam near Brisbane, Queensland, has created Lake Somerset. The lake is now a popular recreation area for boating, watersports, fishing, swimming, kayaking and picnics.
What is the Somerset Dam?
The Somerset Dam across the Stanley River in south-east Queensland is one of the main water sources for the city of Brisbane.
But it’s not all about water supply. Lake Somerset, the result of the dam, has become a popular recreation area. It is one of several man-made reservoirs in the region, including Lake Wivenhoe, that is used by walkers, swimmers, anglers and boaters.
Somerset Dam recreation areas
There are three main recreation areas at Somerset Dam – Somerset Park, the Spit and Kirkleagh. Of these, only the Spit and Kirkleagh are actually on Lake Somerset.
All three have good picnic and barbecue facilities, although there is no fresh drinking water at the Spit. If travelling to Somerset Dam with children, there are also playgrounds at the Spit and Somerset Park.
9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
- Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
- Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
- Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
- Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
- XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
- Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
- See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.
Can you swim at Somerset Dam, Queensland?
But can you swim at Somerset Dam? Thankfully, yes. There are designated swimming areas at the Spit and Kirkleagh, although no lifeguards are on duty.
Watersports are a key draw to Somerset Dam. Boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, jetskiing and tubing are all permitted on Lake Somerset, although vessel operators must hold appropriate licences.
Non-motorised watersports, such as canoeing, kayaking and rowing, don’t require a licence. But you need to be able to get your own canoe, kayak or rowing boat there.
Fishing at Lake Somerset, Queensland
Fishing is the other highly popular activity at Lake Somerset. Bass and Yellowbelly are the main species caught here, although silver perch, eel-tailed catfish and snub-nosed garfish are also stocked. Lake Somerset fishing permits are required before you cast a line.
6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday
- Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
- Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
- Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
- North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
- Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
- Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.
Brisbane to Somerset Dam
For more information on Somerset Dam activities, recreation areas and regulations can be found on the SEQwater website. The Spit at Lake Somerset is a 95km drive from Brisbane via Mount Glorious and the d’Aguilar National Park.
More Queensland travel
Shopping at the Carrara Markets on the Gold Coast.
Dive at Wonder Reef, the Gold Coast’s new artificial reef.
Understand far north Queensland ecosystems at the Cairns Aquarium in Cairns.
Take a dip in the Innot Hot Springs near Ravenshoe in the Atherton Tableland.
Whale-watching from Urangan harbour in Hervey Bay.