Lake Awoonga, Queensland: Should I go camping or fishing?
Lake Awoonga in Queensland is close to the Bruce Highway near Gladstone offer safe swimming, barramundi fishing, great wildlife spotting and cheap camping.
Lake Awoonga in Queensland is a man-made lake, formed by damming the Boyne River between Miriam Vale and Gladstone. It’s the main water supply reservoir for the Gladstone Region, but the lake has also become a popular crocodile-free recreation area.
Lake Awoonga is very short detour from the Bruce Highway if you turn south at Benaraby on the drive from Bundaberg to Gladstone., It is one of two spots close to Gladstone that make for a more appealing stop than the city itself. Beachside Tannum Sands is the beachy option, Lake Awoonga is the wholesome bush escape option.
Things to do at Lake Awoonga, Queensland
Lake Awoonga is a rather active place. There are a couple of walking trails near the lake, while swimming is permitted (and safely crocodile-free). Those with their own vessel can go sailing, waterskiing or canoeing.
Perhaps the main appeal of Lake Awoonga, however, comes in the wildlife that can be spotted there. Around 25% of the bird species that live in Australia can be found in the region.
Wildlife at Lake Awoonga, Queensland
There are also several marsupials living around the lake. These include kangaroos, wallabies, rufous bettongs, brushtail possums and bandicoots.
In the water, you might spot eels, turtles or a platypus. The lake is also well-stocked with fish, including mullet, mangrove jack and barramundi should you fancy a Lake Awoonga fishing trip
Lake Awoonga Caravan Park
There are shelter picnic areas with barbecues around the Lake Awoonga Recreation Area, although camping is only allowed at the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park or Boynedale Bush Camp.
The Boynedale Bush Camp is at the western side of the lake, and not nearly as easy to reach from the Bruce Highway for an Awoonga Dam camping trip.
Unpowered sites at the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park cost from $25 a night, while powered sites cost from $35 a night. If you’ve no intention of camping, standard cabins cost from $85 and ensuite cabins cost from $100.
If it’s luxury dream accommodation you want around Gladstone, the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park isn’t it. Try Heron Island, via the Heron Island ferry, or Wilson Island instead.
More Queensland travel
Shopping at the Carrara Markets on the Gold Coast.
Explore the castle in the rainforest at Paronella Park near Innisfail.
Swimming, boating and fishing at Somerset Dam.
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