Enoggera Reservoir

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of The Gap, is the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir. Previously known as the Enoggera Dam, this expanse of water has been part of the local landscape since 1866. Managed by SEQ Water, the dam is open for recreational use – making it a wonderful place for Brisbane families to visit.

Things to do at Enoggera Reservoir

The Enoggera Reserve and the adjacent Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre offer an oasis for families and friends looking for a fun day out in a beautiful natural setting, only 12 kms north of the CBD. While there are no picnic tables, barbecues or toilets, there is still plenty for families to do at Enoggera Reservoir.

You can enjoy a picnic along the dam’s sandy shore, swim in the calm waters, bring your canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle, or walk the track around the dam’s perimeter. At this beautiful location, you may even spot a platypus, turtle, kingfisher or water bird. 

A short walk from the carpark leads you to a grassy foreshore sloping gently down to a designated swimming beach; the lawn is dotted with tall trees and is a perfect spot for picnicking or lazing by the water.

Walking at Enoggera Reservoir

The 400m pram and wheelchair-accessible hillside track links this popular area to the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre’s Events Lawn, toilets and the Mountain Bike Skills course. Here, 4 purpose-built bike tracks (2 for beginners and 2 for the more technically savvy) cater for all ages and abilities. There are also trails heading off into the National Park or around the reservoir if you want a longer ride.

The waterside track leads you back from the Events Lawn to the swimming area along the reservoir’s edge. It is a relaxed, short stroll – perfect for the little ones. You can stop along the way at the Dinosaur Dig Sandpit, a free activity with a trove of prehistoric relics and fossils treasures to uncover.

The Araucaria track is a 5km loop. At 2 hours’ walking time, this family-friendly trail follows the reservoir bank before circling back through a giant hoop pine forest. There is abundant birdlife and a chance to spot freshwater turtles amongst the lily pads.

Swimming options

After all that walking, the perfect place to be is in the water. The swimming area has a sand entrance and is roped off with yellow pontoons to provide a child-friendly area to swim or float on inflatables. Please note the area is NOT patrolled and so supervision of your children is essential.

Recreationalists make the most of this park and on any given day you will see paddle boarders, kayaks and swimmers out beyond the ropes exploring the area’s natural and incredibly tranquil beauty. On the holidays, weekends and summer months, this peaceful pocket transforms into a playground and can get quite busy, bursting with a joyful holiday atmosphere.

There is access from the carpark for watercraft and, if you don’t have your own, kayaks, paddleboards, mountain bikes and mini Segways are available to hire from Walkabout Creek Adventures. No motorised watercraft are allowed on the reservoir.

From time to time, the Enoggera Reservoir is closed to swimming and recreational water sports due to water quality and other dangers. Before visiting, check our the Park Alerts on the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre website.

More fun for families at nearby Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre

Right next to the Enoggera Reservoir is the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre.

Situated within the centre is –

• Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre – local national parks information and regular ranger shows for families
• Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre – nocturnal and native animal displays (admission fee applies)
• Walkabout Creek Cafe – situated on a large deck overlooking the reservoir
• Walkabout Creek Functions Centre – perfect for weddings and special events

Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre is an informative and interactive experience for the whole family. Sweeping panoramic displays on entry give a bird’s eye view of the neighbouring National Park.

There are lots of animals that live within the centre, and visitors can get up close and see quolls, snakes, freshwater crocodiles, birds, snakes and fish in their viewing-friendly habitats. Join the Park Rangers at one of the regular Discovery Shows to get to know the resident reptiles a little better. Outside amongst the bushland, you can wander leisurely through the open-air enclosures.

The café on site features a comprehensive menu for morning and afternoon tea or lunch and on weekends, it extends to offer a delicious breakfast option. You can enjoy your coffee and scones out on the veranda with views over the reservoir or take your own picnic to enjoy by the water’s edge.

Getting to Enoggera Reservoir

The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is 12 km from Brisbane CBD on Mt Nebo Road in the Gap. There is parking on-site, although it can get busy during peak times and in the summer months.  The Information Centre and Wildlife Centre are wheelchair friendly, with the reservoir being reached by following the paths behind the centre down to the water’s edge.

Enoggera Reservoir is open from 6am until 6pm and is unpatrolled. Being a national park, no domesticated animals are permitted within the area.

If taking the bus, take route 385 from the City to The Gap Park and Ride and walk 600 m along Waterworks Road. The entrance to Walkabout Creek will be on your left and is well-signed.

For more information, visit https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/walkabout-creek.html.

Enoggera Reservoir is located at 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap.