📍10 Best Things To Do At Cania Dam: Kayaking, Camping & Other Visitor Info. (2024.)

WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT VISITING CANIA DAM?

Framed by the spectacular sandstone cliffs of Cania Gorge National Park on one side and rolling hills on the other, Cania Dam in Queensland’s beautiful North Burnett region easily has the most breathtaking scenery of any lake in Australia I’ve ever visited. What makes it such a remarkable, must-visit destination is that those sheer escarpments that serve as a backdrop to the dam wall form the easternmost point where these natural landmarks which are synonymous with the Central Queensland landscape can be seen providing visitors on short-term road trips a unique way to see these state icons without needing to venture too far inland.

So whether you’re visiting from coastal hotspots such as Bundaberg or Gladstone, or touring the state or region, here’s everything you need to know about the activities and facilities you can expect visiting my favourite Australian lake.

1. Paddling.

For a place as spectacularly beautiful as Cania Dam, the best way to appreciate its unique visual appeal and serene ambience is to go for a peaceful paddle and marvel at the breathtakingly rugged scenery from the water.

What’s great about the soft launch site is that it is just around the corner from the dam wall which is where all the good stuff is, so it only takes the minimalist amount of effort to kayaking, canoe or stand-up paddleboard to see these striking landmarks.

Of course, while you could easily spend the entire time appreciating the gorgeous cliff faces, which I am happy to admit I did, it’s only a small part of the lake and there is plenty more real estate to explore where keen paddlers could easily spends hours upon hours peacefully traversing across the water’s surface.

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2. Sailing.

Sailing is also an excellent way to appreciate the scenery and tranquillity that Cania Dam affords. Whether its a single-person sailboard or a fully-fledged sailboat, it’s a fun and engaging way to enjoy time on the water without the sound of a motor ruining the peaceful atmosphere.

3. Boating And Tubing/ Water Skiing/ Wake Boarding.

The most common mode of transport visitors like using at the dam is a powerboat, and with so much real estate to explore, it’s a great way to make quick work of exploring the watery expanse in a delightfully refreshing way. But with no restrictions on vessels permitted for use at Cania Dam, where boating becomes next-level fun when you have family and friends and a few pieces of equipment and can watch the huge smiles form on their faces as the beginner’s stack, the intermediates sustain their stance, the advanced pull of some sick tricks and the experts take to the air while being pulled along on waterskis, wakeboards or a tube, creating a bonding experience that’ll leave them with memories they’ll be telling for years.

4. Jet Skiing.

An even better alternative to boating is a jet ski. Zipping around the water on what is essentially an aqua motorbike is an epic way to spend time at the lake especially if you are visiting solo or with one other person. Then combine that with the aforementioned accessories of a wakeboard, water ski or tube, (hell, even a fly board, if you have one of those) and it’s now a dual-adrenaline pumping experience that no one is going to forget anytime soon because there is no better place to do extreme water-based activities than with the epic scenic backdrop of sandstone escarpments at Cania Dam.

5. Swimming.

Amongst the permitted activities visitors can do at Cania Dam is swimming. The road at the side of the boat ramp provides the perfect place for swimmers to go into the drink when the mercury is high. I recommend wearing water shoes as it makes walking around so much easier plus who knows what you might stab yourself on underneath. Splashing around is fun, particularly with company. But if it’s just chilling you crave, taking a pool inflatable you can lay on provides the ultimate form of on-water relation, especially if you go in at the far end of the road, where views of the sheer cliffs of Cania Gorge await.

6. Enjoy Incredible Views Of The Sandstone Cliffs From Land.

You needn’t be out on the water to enjoy the spectacular scenery that Cania Dam offers. The dedicated scenic lookout does a fantastic job showcasing the beautiful lake and the magnificent sandstone escarpments that make this lake such a breathtaking place to visit.

However, it’s not the only place to appreciate the unforgettable landscape. Shamrock Road provides even more gorgeous views closer to the dam wall, while the dirt road at the end of the boat ramp offers even more opportunities to marvel at these striking natural landmarks at water level.

All these spots are especially magical at sunset when the golden light from the setting sun casts a soft orange glow on the sheer cliff faces and at sunrise when either the morning sunlight does the same thing from a different direction or there’s fog in the air creating the perfect conditions for engaging landscape photography.

7. Picnic/ BBQ.

What’s great about Cania Dam is how many places there are to have a picnic or a BBQ. The two picnic areas have numerous shelters each containing four inward-facing seating areas overlooking the lake and the undulating hills surrounding hills and several nearby BBQs, which unfortunately aren’t undercover. Meanwhile, between the two connected spaces and at the end of Shamrock Road, there are soft grassy areas for those who prefer traditional blanket picnics or setting up a gazebo for a large gathering while the scenic lookout has just enough space for the former.

8. Sports & Activities.

For those who like to play sports and other outdoor activities to bond with their family or friends, a large field along Morning Star Road is the perfect place to play cricket, kick around a football or soccer ball, chase each other, throw a frisbee, fly a kite and the like.

9. Visit Cania Gorge National Park. – Castle Mountain

A must when visiting Cania Dam is incorporating time to walk the trails of Cania Gorge National Park, home of the breathtaking sandstone escarpments that line the road to the lake and frame its northwest fringes. The two incredible attractions go hand in hand, and no trip here is complete without spending time at the other.

What’s remarkable about these spectacular cliffs is that they form part of Central Queensland’s iconic Sandstone Wilderness and are the closest place to the coast to see them, making the national park the ultimate destination for people to marvel at these natural wonders without travelling too far inland, perfect for short getaways from cities such as Bundaberg and Gladstone.

The 1.4km return Shamrock Mine Site walk is just down the road from Cania Dam and a fantastic heritage trail that is well worth the gentle stroll. I don’t typically find these types of tracks very interesting but with a sheltered cage full of old equipment, examples of both mines depicted on the signs and gorgeous views of the sandstone cliffs, it is the best heritage walk I’ve enjoyed.

Meanwhile, further south at the Cania Gorge Picnic Area or Western Car Park, are six other beautiful walks leading to caves, cliffs, and lookouts. Each has its own unique appeal, but if you like long walks, it’s well worth the 22km return hike to Castle Mountain Lookout which has exceptional views of Cania Dam you won’t find anywhere else.

10. Stay The Night.

With a beautiful lake and a breathtaking national park to explore, the best way to see it all is by spending some nights at one of the three accommodation options nearby. The lake has the Cania Cottages, which has views over the water and the mountains, but you need to call the caretaker to book.

Meanwhile, a short distance away is the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park, while at the national park is the Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat, which both have powered and unpowered sites and comfortable cabins catering to a wide range of visitors.

Cania Lake Visiting Hours.

Cania Lake is open 24/7. This is great if you want to get out on the water early before everyone else or take photos of the lake or the mountains at sunrise or sunset.

Parking.

Cania Dam has plenty of undefined parking in all three fully sealed, asphalt, day-use areas.

• Cania Dam currently has no restriction on the types of vessels permitted for use on the lake, so whether it is boating, sailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, kayaking or stand-up paddling, you’re free to make waves.

Coomingah State Forest. (4WD dry-weather accessible only.)

If you have a 4WD and want to take a break from driving along the asphalt, Coomingah State Forest lies a short distance south of Cania Dam on the other side of the Burnett Highway (Look for the Coomingah Rest Area turn off.) Follow the roads and spend a few hours traversing the pleasant forest drives formerly used for logging. A great place for a pitstop and a picnic is Hurdle Gully Lookout, which has limited views overlooking the picturesque countryside and a table to enjoy an outdoor meal.

Monto.

Monto is the gateway to Cania Dam. While there isn’t much to see in town, one of the most endearing things to do is embark on a scavenger hunt to find the 23+ artworks of the Monto Art Trail. Spend time with the kids looking for these delightful objects, ranging from decorated fibreglass cows, kangaroos and the cutest bunyip you’ve ever seen to painted murals, heritage objects and so much more.

Some of my favourite finds include the cow and mouse painting in an alleyway on Newton Street (the business centre), the Bunyip at Mulguildie, which is the cutest sculpture of the local legend I’ve ever seen with the creme de la crop being the magnificent grain silo painting at Three Moon, just south of Monto. The incredible artwork depicts the breathtaking caves of Cania Gorge National Park, the local agricultural industry and the story behind how the locality got its mystical name and is truly a sight to behold. And stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and jammed goods.

Where Is Cania Dam?

Cania Dam lies 37km north-west of Monto in the North Burnett region of Queensland beside Cania Gorge National Park.

How To Get To There?

From Gladstone: Follow the Dawsons Highway (60) for 28km, before exiting onto Tableland Drive/Gladstone-Monto Road (69) and continue for 132km to Monto. (The stretch between Boyne Valley & Kalpowar is a good dirt road, but may not be suitable for people towing long rigs, such as caravans. From there, head northwest out of town along the Burnett Highway (A3) for 12 km and continue along Cania Road past Cania Gorge National Park to the end. This final stretch is all sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles.

What To Take to Cania Dam.

• Sunscreen.
• Hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Lip Balm.
• Camera/ Waterproof Camera.
• Food/Snacks.
• Drinking Water.
• Cooler.
• BBQ/Picnic Stuff.
• Beach Shelter/Gazebo.
• Beach Chairs.
• Sports Equipment.
• Paddleboard/Kayak/Canoe & Equipment.
• Binoculars.
• Book/ Music Playlist.

Interesting Facts About Cania Dam.

• Type Of Dam: Earth & rockfill dam.
• Year Completed: 1992.
• Maximum Capacity: 88,500 ML
• Catchment Area: 280 km².

Accommodation: Where To Stay.

• Cania Cottages.
• Cania Gorge Tourist Resort.
• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks. – Cania Gorge.

With some of the most breathtaking lake scenery you’ll find in Australia, no limit to what water-based activities visitors can enjoy and beautiful picnic areas, Cania Dam is a superb day out and with Cania Gorge National Park on its doorstep it’s an even better multi-day adventure.