A genuine freshwater gem on the Fraser Coast
Built in 1984 on the Burrum River, Lake Lenthall — commonly known as Lenthalls Dam — was named after a pioneering family in the district. Managed by Wide Bay Water, its primary purpose is supplying drinking water to Hervey Bay and surrounding townships, but it has grown into one of the most popular freshwater recreational destinations on the Fraser Coast. Stretching roughly 8 kilometres in length and fed by six main creeks draining a catchment of more than 616 square kilometres, the lake sits within a quietly beautiful bush setting with the Seaview Ranges visible on the horizon from the viewing area near the dam wall.
How do you get to Lake Lenthall?
The lake is reached by turning off the Bruce Highway at Duckinwilla — roughly halfway between Torbanlea and Maryborough — and then travelling approximately seven kilometres along an unsealed gravel road. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, as the road is rough in places and the Lake Lenthall Ranger is not in a position to assist with towing vehicles that become bogged. Plan your approach accordingly, keep speeds low, and take care on the track, particularly after rain.
What makes the fishing at Lake Lenthall so good?
The lake is officially stocked with Australian bass, barramundi, golden perch (yellowbelly) and silver perch — thousands of fingerlings were released as recently as 2018 — making it one of the standout freshwater fisheries in Queensland. Bass are currently the most commonly caught species, though barramundi are increasingly showing up in anglers' reports and are expected to grow the lake's reputation further in coming seasons. There have also been incidental catches of saratoga, eels, eel-tailed catfish (jew) and the introduced spangled perch. The lake is particularly well suited to anglers with smaller vessels and is proving popular with fly-fishing enthusiasts chasing a variety of freshwater targets. A two-lane concrete boat ramp sits fairly centrally along the lake's length, providing easy water access across a wide range of water levels.
What else can you do at the lake besides fishing?
Fishing is the headline act, but Lake Lenthall rewards visitors who stay a little longer. Well-laid-out walking tracks circle the lake, giving bushwalkers a chance to explore the surrounding flora and fauna at their own pace. A viewing platform above the spillway offers a fine vantage point over the water and can be reached on foot. Families can settle in at the covered picnic tables with the BBQs fired up, watching waterbirds go about their business on the glassy surface. Birdwatching is a genuine drawcard here — the lake and its surrounds are home to plentiful birdlife, and keen observers should keep an eye out for the rare Black Breasted Button Quail, which has been recorded calling the lake home.
Can you camp at Lake Lenthall?
Yes — and spending a night or two here transforms the experience entirely. The camping area is small by design, which keeps the atmosphere peaceful and protects the reservoir environment. Places are strictly limited: a maximum of 18 campers are permitted at any one time, plus up to six self-contained camper vehicles with on-board waste-storage facilities. Stays are capped at three days and two nights. Pre-booking is essential and is handled through the Lake Lenthall Ranger Office. Facilities include BBQs, cold showers and toilets. Come prepared: there is no drinking water on site, so bring everything you need. Pets, open fires, generators and swimming are all prohibited within the recreation area.
Practical tips before you visit
Public access to the lake is available daily between 6am and 8pm, and an on-site ranger manages the recreation area. Because the access road is unsealed and controlled by Forest Products (a Queensland Government business unit), visitors enter at their own risk — a fact worth taking seriously if you are towing a trailer or boat. Check the road condition before you head out, especially after wet weather. For camping bookings and current information, contact the Lake Lenthall Ranger Office directly. For current camping fees, visit the Fraser Coast Regional Council website at frasercoast.qld.gov.au.
Combine with nearby Wongi Waterholes
If you have a day or two to spare, the Wongi Waterholes in the Wongi State Forest are located a further 6 kilometres south of Lenthalls Dam and make an excellent addition to any visit. Here, tannins leaching from ancient paperbark trees have stained the water a deep, rich brown — still and undisturbed, the surface becomes a perfect mirror of the surrounding bush. The camping area at the Wongi Waterholes is more flexible than at Lake Lenthall, catering to families, groups, caravans, tents and motorhomes, with picnic tables, toilets and cold showers provided. Dogs on leads are welcome here, and a trail along the water's edge provides great canoeing access. Camping permits are required; for details visit parks.des.qld.gov.au.