📍Paradise Dam Visitor Guide: Kayaking, Camping & More Visitor Info. (2024.)
WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT VISITING PARADISE DAM?
Paradise Dam is the North Burnett’s newest dam. Not to be confused with Mingo Crossing, which sits further west of this same section of the impounded Burnett River on the Gayndah-Mt Perry Road, this beautiful riverside recreational facility at its easternmost end is a fantastic place to get out of the car and change up the scenery from picturesque mountains to rippling waterscapes.
With no restrictions on watercraft and a fully concreted boat ramp and side road for launching all kinds of vessels, a gorgeous picnic area overlooking the river and dam wall and one of the region’s best FREE campgrounds, it’s a top-tier place to visit for both day trips and super affordable last minute overnight adventures.
👉 My top 3 picks for what to do at Paradise Dam:
- Boat or sail to Mingo Crossing..
- Tear up the water on a jetski.
- Spend a night in front of the water at the FREE Campground.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Flights: I recommend Aviasales.
Car Rental: I recommend economybookings.
Best Things To Do At Paradise Dam.
1. Boating.
One of the best things to do at Paradise Dam is go boating. With the dam wall at one end, you can only go east, there is plenty of winding river to explore west. The perfect pitstop along the way is Mingo Crossing, another gorgeous recreational facility where you can drop by to get your sea legs back, have a picnic or BBQ, enjoy some activities on the grass, have a hot shower , or if you pack a tent or book a glamping tent, can even stay the night at the caravan park directly behind, making it a great way to enjoy an overnight adventure on the Burnett River.
Note: It’s a bit overgrown where you put the boat into the water, so you may need to walk it out a bit further to avoid getting bits caught in the grass.
2. Tubing/ Water Skiing/ Wake Boarding.
Levelling up ten notches, Paradise Dam is also a great place swap serene to exhilarating by using your powerboat to tow your family and friends behind on a waterski, wakeboard or tube and watch the big grins form across their face as they skip across the water, and perhaps some sick maneuvers and even more epic stacks, which will be the talking point of many get togethers to come, making for the ultimate bonding experience one can have at a lake.
3. Jet Ski.
Another great way to have some heart-pounding fun is with a jet-ski, which is perfect for single travellers or couples who want to rip around the water without needing others to tow them. Or, it can be used as a tow, providing tonnes of fun for everyone involved.
4. Sailing.
Another fantastic watercraft for using at Paradise Dam is a sailboat. Just like a powered boat, a trip across the drink to the gorgeous Mingo Crossing is a must. However, if you want to proceed further, you may not be able to because of the bridge just past it. While it is one with reasonable clearance, it just depends on the sail mast’s height as to weather you can proceed. But because Mingo Crossing is a far distance a away, you can still spend plenty of time on the river, exploring its tranquil beauty.
5. Paddling.
Kayaking or canoeing is definitely the most peaceful and serene way to spend time on the river. Being able to see the waterbirds on the surface, flying just above it, standing by the shore or on dead trees branches and birds of prey soaring the thermals above while floating on the water always makes it feel so special and is a great way to slow down the hectic pace of life and just appreciate nature for a while.
But it’s probably best not to paddle to Kaliwa Hut. It’s a heritage hut just offshore in Good Night Scrub National Park which borders the northern banks of the lake, and is likely 4WD only accessible. As I only have a 2WD, I kayaked to it instead but could only see the most minute glimpses of it through the dense trees. There may have been a landing spot, however, I was unable to see anywhere or any pathway so I could walk to it whatsoever, so it’s not worth it if you’re going that far just to see it. Plus, it’s a 10km return trip from the launch area, which doesn’t take into account the exact path and extra distance it takes to kayak against currents or wind, so just a forewarning.
6. Picnic/ BBQ.
One of the best things to do at Paradise Dam is have lunch by the water. There are two gorgeous areas where there sheltered tables and free BBQs facilities where visitors can enjoy a packed lunch or cook up a storm accompanies with gorgeous views.
The top section is the prettiest with the peaceful lake in one direction and the road going across the top of the dam wall going the other. There is also a vending machine with cold drinks and snacks at the kiosk which is super refreshing after hours on the road or on the water.
Meanwhile, down on the boat ramp level, the picnic area has lovely views overlooking the spillway. If there’s not too many people camping, there’s also grassy areas where you can have a traditional blanket picnic or set up a whole gazebo for purely river scenery. If that’s too crowded, the dirt road leading off the boat ramp to the shoreline provides another fantastic, less populated option for that too.
Note: At the top picnic area, visitors can also read about the dam’s history, the problems it had that were revealed during the 2011 and 2013 floods and the old town of Paradise that is now underwater.
7. Swimming.
When the mercury is high, nothing is more refreshing than going for a swim. That little area I just mentioned for launching kayaks is the perfect place to cool off in the spring and summer. If you’re more into the relaxation side of things, I recommend taking a floaty and some sunglasses to just enjoy the ambience. Perhaps watch the birds or the clouds go by, but probably not go off to sleep as you may drift off somewhere that is a long way to come back from, especially if there’s no one responsible to wake you up it decides to check out other parts of the lake.
Note: I always recommend wearing water shoes when swimming or snorkelling in the natural environment because who knows what’s on the bottom.
8. Stay The Night.
Ultimately, the best thing about Paradise Dam is that it has FREE RIVERSIDE CAMPING! It’s one of the best places in the North Burnett region to do so and is close enough to the coast that it is a fantastic place to take an cheap overnight adventure from tourist hotspots such as Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
The only thing you have to do when you get there is call the caretaker with the number on the signs before setting up. There’s no reception on the boat ramp level or by the water’s edge. However, the picnic area by the kiosk has some and you just need to let them know you’ll be there and then shazam, you’re good to go, so it’s also great for a spontaneous trip. But if it’s a weekend or public holiday, get there early for the best spots as it’s a favourite spot.
What’s great about the campsite, is that it doesn’t just overlook the water, but faces west, which means you get incredible views of the setting sun. I was fortunate enough to visit when there was a sky full of clouds which produced the most spectacularly vivid sky-encompassing sunset I’ve seen in a long time, which was especially unusual for late Autumn when there are usually few clouds and the sun is typically just a glowing orange orb.
9. Take Their Dog.
If you’re the kind of person who loves bringing their dog on adventures, you’re in luck. Paradise Dam allows your furry friend to join you on your visit. So whether that’s at the picnic areas or on the boat, they can enjoy the fun and scenery too as long as they are kept on a least and you pick up after them.
Day-Use Area Infomation.
Paradise Dam has 2 beautiful day-use areas perfect for picnics, BBQs, scenic viewing and launching water-craft.
Top Day Use Area.
- A large shelter with several picnic tables, free BBQs and information boards about the dam’s construction and the old town of Paradise that is now submerged under the lake.
- A couple of other separate sheltered picnic tables.
- Gorgeous views overlooking the dam wall and the easternmost part of the impounded Burnett River.
- A vending machine with cold drinks and snacks outside the kiosk.
- Two sets of non-flushing male and female toilets.
- Close to some walking trails, however, it looks overgrown and virtually non-existent.
Lower Day Use Area.
- Fully concreted boat ramp with a dirt path at the side for launching paddle craft like canoes and kayaks. If you have a vehicle with low clearance, stay as close to the left as possible. I made it without hitting the bottom of the car coming and going, but it’s a little sketchy for these kinds of cars.
- Alternative views of the dam wall.
- Two sheltered picnic tables with BBQs.
- Temporary installation of flushing male and female toilets with taps.
- Plenty of parking space. This area is also used as a free camping site. See more on that below in the dedicated camping section.
Paradise Dam Visiting Hours.
Paradise Dam appears open 24/7, making it great if you like to head out on the water early, catch the sunrise, or like to birdwatch when the animals are the most active or stay until sunset.
Parking.
Paradise Dam has plenty of level undefined parking in the two fully sealed, asphalt, day-use areas and a few more on the dirt sidetrack veering off from the boat ramp.
Boating & Kayaking Infomation.
- Paradise currently has no restriction on the watercraft permitted for use on the lake, so visitors can enjoy self-sufficient boating, sailing, and jet skiing, attaching water skis, wakeboards, tubes and flyboards as suitable.
- It has a single fully concreted boat ramp with plenty of parking for cars with boat trailers.
- There is a side road off the boat ramp that allows for the launching of vessels such kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and to go swimming. However, where it leaves the boat ramp is a little sketchy but passable for 2WD vehicles if you keep to the extreme left.
Paradise Dam Camping Information.
Facilities.
- Level undefined sites. – Most on asphalt. Some on grass.
- Plenty of parking for longer set-ups.
- Flushing toilets (may only be temporary.)
- No showers.
- Popular for self-contained vehicles.
✔️ Pros.
- To have a free campground was awesome and meant I had a beautiful super affordable place to spend the night.
- And because it doesn’t require pre-booking, it was perfect as I never know where I will be on what date when road tripping, so it’s great for spontaneous adventures.
- I had lovely views overlooking the water, and it was perfectly positioned to watch the sunset which fortunately lit up the clouds in the most spectacular way I’ve seen for some time.
- There are no defined spaces.
- The sites were all flat.
- It’s close to the boat ramp.
❌ Cons.
- Calling the caretaker before setting up camp to let them know you’re staying. This was okay, except there’s no reception on the camping/boat ramp level. You have to go up to the kiosk/day-use area, but I wished the sign said that instead of making me panic for a hot minute. I figured being this far from towns and cities, there wouldn’t be phone reception, and while going up the top was my next move, I saw on Wiki Camps that it was the best place to call up and it worked.
- There isn’t much indication of where you can camp, except not around or under the picnic shelters, as they are only for day-use visitors. Can you camp on the road, essentially a big parking area for cars with boat trailers? Maybe for those with caravans and camper trailers, but there’s not much space for tents?
- People were parked all along the side overlooking the lake, but everyone had caravans, camper trailers, campervans or some other vehicular-towed housing. I only had a tent, so I needed grass and squeezed between them. Luckily, they were all super friendly.
- There isn’t any natural privacy and few trees to provide adequate shade in many spots.
Campground Parking.
- Plenty of fully asphalt parking and a small section of grass parking.
Places To Visit Near Paradise Dam.
Good Night Scrub National Park.
The closest place to visit near Paradise Dam is Good Night Scrub National Park. The conservation park has no formal walking trails but is a picturesque place to drive through for a relaxing nature escape. While most roads are 2WD accessible, One Tree Hill is only suitable for 4WDs in dry conditions. The lovely spot offers limited views over the surrounding landscape and a picnic table, perfect for an outdoor eating session in the middle of nowhere.
Biggenden.
Biggenden is the closest town to Paradise Dam. While it’s incredibly sparse on the tourist front, the nearby mountains of Mt Walsh National Park are something not to miss. The breathtakingly rugged peaks are visible from quite a distance and are a mecca for experienced hikers with sound navigation skills to trek the challenging unofficial trek to the summit where there are incredible views of the surrounding landscape. For those not up for that, casual walkers will love visiting the lovely Utopia Falls in the Waterfall Creek section. Lastly, there is also a great drive to the formidable Coongara Rock for those with high-clearance 4WDs, making the national park a fantastic destination for all nature lovers.
Nearby is also one of Australia’s newest mountains at Coalstoun Lakes National Park, where a walking trail goes to Mt Le Brun’s two perfectly preserved craters formed from when this peaceful place was a bubbling caldera spewing up basalt lava from the depths of the earth
Mingo Crossing.
If you want to spend more time on the water but with new scenery, the other end of Paradise Dam has Mingo Crossing. This spacious new riverside facility is perfect for picnics, BBQs and all kinds of watersports, such as boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing and so much more. Where this place levels up is that it even has hot showers, so can clean off your body after sweating and or being in the water, so you don’t have to drive away sticky with dam water.
Childers.
Another lovely place to visit in Paradise Dam’s vicinity is Childers. This small town on the Bruce Highway (A1) and gateway to Bundaberg has a few interesting attractions that make a visit worthwhile. The first was born from tragic circumstances when an arsonist deliberately lit the Palace Backpackers Hotel on fire killing 16 people. The location is now the Visitor Information Centre & Art Gallery, but there is also a section dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives, making it a poignant place to reflect on the fragility of life.
Other fascinating attractions include the Childers Pharmaceutical Museum, which displays old medicinal instruments, some of which look like torture devices and the Paragon Theatre, which is one of Queensland’s old surviving theatres, allowing visitors to relive the heyday of the 1920s entertainment scene with a movie screening or live show.
More Helpful Visitor Information.
What To Take to Paradise 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 Paradise Dam.
- Type Of Dam: Roller-compacted concrete gravity dam.
- Year Completed: 2005.
- Maximum Capacity: 300,000ML
- Catchment Area: 33,000ML
Accommodation: Where To Stay.
- Paradise Dam (Free RV stays and camping. Must call the number on the sign before setting up.)
Conclusion: What To Do At Paradise Dam.
As one of the closest lakes to Bundaberg, Paradise Dam offers fantastic opportunities to spend time on or by the water. From boating, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, picnicking, BBQing birdwatching and FREE camping, it’s an excellent day trip or overnight adventure for those venturing inland from the coast.
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