Mega Litres
Structure description
CONCRETE-FACED ROCKFILL
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Recreational facilities are owned by Sunwater and managed by South Burnett Regional Council.
Boating
Boating activities are permitted, however, operators are reminded to read and obey the signs, look for hazards, boat to conditions and stay away from the dam wall by at least 200 metres, as marked by the buoy line, or as signed. Water activities including swimming, kayaking and sailing are permitted among other activities, however, please note the exclusion zones as signed. The boat ramp is owned by Sunwater and managed by South Burnett Regional Council.
Learn your responsibilities on the water through the Maritime Safety Queensland Boating and Fishing Guide.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Lake Boondooma, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall. Fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards. To learn what fish are stocked at this dam, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website. A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish. Permits are available from Fisheries Queensland that set out the conditions under which you can fish at Queensland dams.
Call Fisheries Queensland on 13 25 23 to locate your nearest fishing permit outlet or apply online.
Camping
Privately owned and operated camping and accommodation is available at Lake Boondooma in the designated camping area.
Pets
For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please keep your pet on a leash or restrained during your visit.
Rubbish
Help us keep all recreational areas clean and tidy by using the rubbish bins provided. If rubbish bins are full or unavailable, please take your rubbish with you. Please also take any seafood rubbish with you to reduce odour.
BBQs
There are no 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 practise caution when driving all other vehicles in the area. The speed limit in the camping area is 20km/h unless otherwise signed.
Hazards
There is a known presence 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 Boondooma 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.
Playing safe
Stay safe at dams and weirs by looking out for potential hazards and risks.
Underwater hazard information
Boondooma Dam has numerous underwater hazards present at various storage levels.
Sunwater conducted an underwater survey in August 2021 which identified the location of various hazards.
Maps showing these hazards are available below. Please note, these maps DO NOT identify every hazard and should be used as a guide only. The location, type and depth of obstructions change over time due to general water movements, flood events and other natural occurrences.
It is the responsibility of recreational users and visitors to be aware of the risks at the weir and when operating a vessel on the lake. Always exercise caution, assess conditions and read the signs.
Submerged hazards maps
The maps in this section provide a visual representation of the location of submerged hazards at various supply levels at Boondooma Dam.
- Submerged hazard map 1: 10%
- Submerged hazard map 2: 25%
- Submerged hazard map 3: 50%
- Submerged hazard map 4: 75%
- Submerged hazard map 5: 100%
Dam history
Boondooma Dam
Boondooma Dam was constructed in the early 1980s across the Boyne River below its confluence with the Stuart River. Its primary purpose is to supply water for the Tarong power station, which uses between 50 million and 80 million litres of water each day.
Boondooma Dam derives its name from the area’s original homestead. As well as being a vital link in Queensland’s electricity supply chain, the dam is an important recreational facility for the South Burnett.
It was also the site of an interesting experiment. In 1993-1994, some 65,000 barramundi fingerlings were released into Boondooma in the belief that it was about as far south as the prized tropical sports fish could tolerate. Few of them have been seen since.