
Mega Litres
Structure description
ZONED EARTHFILL EMBANKMENT
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Recreational facilities are owned and managed by Sunwater.
Boating
No boating activities are permitted at EJ Beardmore Dam.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Lake Kajarabie, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall.
Closed waters are in place at the dam and fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards.
Learn your responsibilities near the water through the Maritime Safety Queensland Boating and Fishing Guide.
Camping
Camping is not permitted at Lake Kajarabie.
Pets
For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please keep your pet on a leash or restrained during your visit.
Rubbish
There are no rubbish bins available at Beardmore Dam. Help us keep all recreational areas clean and tidy by taking your rubbish with you. Please also take any seafood rubbish with you to reduce odour.
BBQs
There are recreational BBQs available for use. Please use common sense when around open flame. Contact 000 to report uncontrolled fire.
Antisocial behaviour
If you observe vandalism, antisocial behaviour or any illegal activities, please contact the Police immediately on 000 to ensure we keep the dam safe and enjoyable for all.
Commercial or large group activities
Please note that approval is required for the use of Sunwater land for any organised event or function other than normal visitor activities in approved recreational areas. Events or functions include, but are not limited to fishing, swimming, rowing, boating or skiing competitions or displays, community events, weddings or other organised on-land activities. To gain approval, submit a General Application for Access to Sunwater Land or Infrastructure and Events or contact us on 13 15 89.
Motorcycles and other vehicles
The recreational use of motorcycles and four wheelers within the area and the surrounding private property is strictly prohibited. Please use caution when driving all other vehicles in the area. The speed limit in the day use area is 20km/h unless otherwise signed.
Hazards
There is the potential of submerged trees and other objects. Floating objects may be present after an inflow or flood event. Fast flowing water may be released suddenly from the spillway.
Read the signs and stay safe
For your own safety, please take note of the signs around the dam including those regarding private property and trespassing.
The signs indicate hazards to watch out for and areas to avoid. Keep an eye on your children and inform them of the hazards and permitted areas.
Emergency Management
View the EJ Beardmore Dam Emergency Action Plan, here.
Visitors must adhere to current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and are encouraged to observe good hygiene practices.
All persons entering Sunwater property at their own risk should exercise due care and attention and must comply with all signs, notices, the lawful directions of Sunwater, Sunwater staff, all laws, regulations and applicable standards (e.g. boating, fire, road usage). All liability of Sunwater (or its subsidiaries) to you or any other person for loss or damage of any kind (however caused, including by negligence) arising from or relating in any way to access to, or use of, Sunwater property is excluded.
Recreation Facility Upgrade Project
In 2022, the Queensland Government announced Sunwater would receive $24.5 million over five years to upgrade and maintain recreation facilities at Sunwater assets across the state. Find out more about this project here.
Playing safe
Stay safe at dams and weirs by looking out for potential hazards and risks.
Dam history

EJ Beardmore Dam
Built on the Balonne River in 1972 about 21 km north of St George, the EJ Beardmore dam holds up to 81,700 ML when full.
It was named after Edwin James Beardmore, a long-time advocate for the Balonne region. The former stock agent served on the Balonne Shire Council for 15 years and was its deputy chairman for eight years before being elected to State Parliament. He represented Balonne in Parliament for 12 years before his retirement in 1969.
The dam’s primary function is to store water for irrigation and urban use and was not designed for flood mitigation and does not include a flood-mitigation compartment
The body of water created by the dam is known as Lake Kajarabie.