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

WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT VISITING WURUMA DAM?

Halfway between Eidsvold and Monto in the stunning and peaceful region of North Burnett in sunny Queensland is Wuruma Dam. This beautiful lake impounding Nogo Creek is a gorgeous escape for road trippers looking for a serene pitstop to stretch their legs, enjoy scenic views, a picnic by the shoreline or head out on the water and explore the dam from there, making it the perfect place to detour and pull in for a change of pace on those long drives between townships.

But that’s not the only thing that makes Wuruma Dam one of the must-visit places on a tour throughout North Burnett. It’s also the free campground you don’t have to book to stay that transforms this lovely day trip destination into a fantastic overnight escape. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know from someone who loved visiting this beautiful dam.

1. Paddling.

One of the best things to do at Wuruma Dam is hop in a kayak or canoe and go on a paddling adventure. Along with being the most peaceful and serene way to explore the picturesque lake, and with miles of watery real estate to explore, you can opt to stay close by and enjoy an hour or two gently rowing away or embark on a longer adventure spending hours away from the shoreline revelling in the bliss of being miles away from everyone else.

2. Boating or Sailing.

Another great way to enjoy time at Wuruma Dam is by going out on a motorboat or a sailing craft. And as the lake has the largest surface area of any dam in the North Burnett, you can spend hours exploring its furthermost expanses. It’s a gorgeous way to spend a day away from everything and bond with family or friends while appreciating the stunning scenery.

3. Tubing/ Water Skiing/ Wake Boarding/ Jet Skiing.

For those who like to level things up and get the adrenaline pumping, one of the best things about the lake is that it is not off limits to high-octane fun such as boat-towed activities such tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, self-sufficient water-craft such as jetskis, or hydrofoil hoverboards, so take your pick.

4. Bird Watching.

The other great thing about lakes is that they are a mecca for birdlife and Wuruma Dam is no exception. While boating with a pair of binoculars is a good option and provides more opportunities than standing along the shoreline and will allow you to get to the more remote places of the waterway quicker, there’s something very satisfying about seeing these wild animals from a canoe or kayak without the sound of a motor destroying the tranquil ambience.

Plus, paddle craft means you can get much closer and observe these wonderful creatures in their habitat without disturbing them, leaving you with a greater appreciation of them, and with water-diving cormorants, elegant egrets and majestic wedge-tailed eagles being some of the birdlife I was able to get remarkably close to, it’s a fantastic way to spend time mingling with the locals.

5. Enjoy Scenic Views From The Dam Wall.

A staple of most impounded lakes is the option to enjoy scenic views from the dam wall and Wuruma Dam is no different. While it doesn’t have a pathway across the entire mass concrete gravity construction, it does have a short walkway that allows visitors to appreciate the swollen river on one side and the engineering of the spillway on the other, with the latter being particularly visually impressive.

Next to the dam wall walk is a formal enclosed lookout overlooking the lake, serving as a scenic viewpoint and bird hide to enjoy watching the animals from the land without scaring them off.

Note: While the dam wall offers picturesque views, it smelt terrible the further along I walked. A one-off or a common occurrence, I can’t say for sure, but just a forewarning for the nostrils.

6. Extend The Adventure By Staying At The Campground!

One of the best things about Wuruma Dam is undoubtedly the campground. The council-run facility is free to stay for all visitors and doesn’t require prior booking to secure a spot. That does mean it is first come, first served, but with over 40 flat and well-defined grassy campsites near the dam wall, it’s a fantastic way to turn a day trip at the lake into a wonderful budget-friendly overnight escape in the serenity of nature.

All of this is particularly great as the dam is a long way from anywhere, so it’s a lovely place to enjoy respite from travelling. This is especially phenomenal for road trippers touring the region and are uncertain where they will be at a particular time and day. Plus, who likes dealing with the formalities of signing in? Additionally, folks can even stay for long periods, three weeks for every four weeks, so it’s a lovely, super budget-friendly place to camp for all travellers with just about every set-up from tents to bikepackers, campervanners, caravanners and more

Note: Read more specific details about camping at this wonderful free camp below in the dedicated section.

7. Enjoy A Picnic.

Another lovely thing to do at the lake is to enjoy a picnic. Unfortunately, there are no tables at the dam wall end, (although a blanket on the grass would provide a lovely rustic alternative), the day-use area next to the boat ramp has many, which has the most natural picnic setting I’ve seen.

What that means is that although the dirt road to the boat ramp is suitable for conventional 2WD vehicles, the one that deviates from it to go to the tables is rough. Furthermore, there aren’t many areas, aside from near the boat ramp itself where you could park to walk there. Plus, it is overgrown and borderline abandoned, so it might not be the most inviting for many people. However, if you do have lunch there, I recommend insect repellent and a welcoming attitude towards the friendly cows that love to hang out there and gnaw on the grass.

8. Take Your Dog.

Another fantastic thing about Wuruma Dam is that dogs are allowed to join you on your lakeside adventure. The only rule, besides the mandatory “pick up their poop”, is that it has to be kept on lead the whole time. So visit the scenic dam wall lookout, take them out on the boat and camp with them overnight at the campground, your beloved four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out.

Wuruma Dam has two separate day-use areas for the public to enjoy an outing at the dam. They are only a few minutes drive away from each other.

The southern end day-use is where the dam wall is and is a lovely place to appreciate the architecture that went into damming the Nogo River and enjoy the serenity of the impounded lake.

• Asphalt road.
• Flushing toilets are located next to the road at the turn-off for the campground.
• There is a sheltered scenic lookout and you can walk along part of the dam wall.
• Pets are allowed on leash or restrained.
• Rubbish bins.
• No BBQ facilities.
• No open fires permitted.

The northern end day-use has a boat ramp for those wishing to spend time on the water, while the area beside it has picnic tables for people to enjoy a meal near the lake.

• The dirt road is suitable for two-wheel drives to the dirt boat ramp, however, the road to the picnic tables looks rough for regular cars.
• The picnic areas are also quite overgrown, but you will likely have friendly moo cows joining you!
• No BBQ facilities.
• There is not a big turn-around area or parking area.
• I don’t believe there are toilets here.

Wuruma Dam Visiting Hours.

Wuruma Dam appears open 24/7, so those rocking up early to enjoy the lake at first light or arrive later to camp can freely do so.

Day Use Area Parking.

• There are no defined bays, just plenty of open parking on bitumen at the dam wall and lookout
• The boat ramp is a smaller area and a “just park anywhere that’s not going to block other people’s way” kind of situation.

• A dirt boat ramp is available at the northern day-use area.
• Boating, jetskiing, kayaking and various other water-based activities are permitted on the lake, however, caution for activities that involve the water touching your skin, such as swimming and waterskiing is advised because of the potential presence of blue-green algae which may irritate skin.
• As with all lakes, recreational users must not cross the buoy line near the dam wall.

Facilities.

• The campground has 40 well-defined grassy sites. (One section was sectioned off. I assume for the regeneration of the grass.
• It’s free! And requires no booking!
• Permitted stays are three weeks for every four weeks.
• No showers.
• No treated water. The council highly recommends you bring your own.

✔️ Pros.

• I loved that it was free and required no booking as it means it’s a super affordable night out in the country, and you can rock up last minute for a spontaneous overnight adventure. It’s also great as I like to travel at my own pace and not have a set schedule for where I have to be on a certain date.
• The sites were all flat.
• It’s within walking distance of the lookout/dam wall.

❌ Cons.

• Absolutely no privacy. They are all right next to each other like a caravan park.
• There are few trees for adequate shade in many spots.
• Because they are so close to each other without separation, there is nothing to dampen noise. Most of the other campers were upstanding, quietly keeping to themselves. However, the one group opposite me played music loudly and talked even louder to hear each other over said music! I did not need to know about bad Catholic girls! This may not have been too problematic for the other staying there that night as they had caravans, campervans and motorhomes to retreat to, but I was sleeping in a tent, so I recommend taking earplugs!
• The toilets and bins are a little far away, but at least there’s little chance of bad smells coming from them and ruining the stay.
• While the free, no booking, first come, first served basis is great, it was pretty popular when I arrived early afternoon on a weekday, so if you arrive on a weekend and come late, you may not get a spot.

Campground Parking.

• The sign says to avoid parking on the grass, but most people were, as they have caravans, campervans and motorhomes, so I don’t know how else they would do it…

Monto.

Monto is a quaint town that lies northeast of Wuruma Dam. One of the best things to do is follow the Monto Art Trail which ranges from decorated cows to heritage aircraft and painted water tanks scattered around the township and the surrounding villages.

The standout is the Three Moon Grain Silos in the locality south which has a magnificent artwork depicting the local industries along with its natural and cultural heritage. It is a striking sight and well worth pulling over into the dedicated viewing area to appreciate it in all its vivid beauty. There is also an honesty stall with local produce and food products for purchase. My family love the Choko Mustard Pickle which has a lovely subtle taste.

Monto is also the gateway to the spectacular Cania Gorge National Park, which is the most easterly place to experience the magnificent sandstone cliffs synonymous with the Central Queensland landscape. It also features gorgeous caves and overhangs and is well worth spending a few days exploring along with the equally beautiful Cania Dam 10km away.

Eidsvold & Toldrodden Conservation Park.

Eidsvold lies southeast of Wuruma Dam and another small town to visit near the lake. Just west of it lies the Toldrodden Conservation Park. It’s a lovely setting to enjoy a picnic, woodfire BBQs, a short walk in the bushland, or an affordable overnight stay. For scenic views, Kirar Weir, downstream of Wuruma Dam a few km from the aforementioned conservation park is a surprising hidden gem with gorgeous water views. Meanwhile, the small museum in town is also worth a little look-see.

Where Is Wuruma Dam?

Wuruma Dam lies a considerable distance west of Bundaberg in the North Burnett region of Queensland, between the small townships of Eidsvold and Monto. 

How To Get To There?

What To Take to Wuruma 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 Wuruma Dam.

• Type Of Dam: Mass concrete gravity construction.
• Year Completed: 1968.
• Maximum Capacity: 165,000
• Catchment Area: 2,349 km²

Accommodation: Where To Stay.

• Budget: Wuruma Dam Campground (Free) or Toldrodden Conservation Park, Eidsvold

With its unrestricted watercraft use and free camping, Lake Wuruma is a phenomenal day trip destination and overnight escape for anyone visiting the North Burnett region and looking to spend time on the water and a cheap place to stay in this stunning part of the country.