Storage capacity represents the total volume of the dam, including temporary storage above the operating level (one metre below the spillway). At 100% capacity, the water level has reached the spillway.

Mega Litres
Structure description
ZONED EARTHFILL EMBANKMENT
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
The recreational facilities located away from the foreshore are owned and managed by Sunwater. The caravan park’s recreational facilities are privately-owned and operated.
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, spillway and Abingdon Pump Station (refer to signage at the dam) by at least 100 metres 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 and managed by Sunwater.
For more boating information, refer to Maritime Safety Queensland.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Lake Kinchant, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall or the Abingdon Pump Station. 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 Scheme (SIPS) permit is required to fish in this dam and recreational fishing rules apply.
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 Kinchant 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 BBQs available. 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 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 an outlet.
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 Kinchant 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

Kinchant Dam
The dam, 40 km west of Mackay, takes its name from local pioneer Frank Kinchant, about whom not much is recorded other than he was reportedly the first man to get married in Mackay, in March 1867. It must have been quite a wedding because nearby Mt Kinchant was named after him too.
Kinchant Dam, built across Sandy Creek in 1977, is unusual in that much of its stored water comes not from natural inflows but is harvested from another source, the Pioneer River just to the north.
Water from the river is pumped from Mirani Weir into an 8 km diversion channel that discharges into the dam, where it is then distributed to Sunwater’s customers.
As well as fishing and boating, Kinchant Dam is home to one of the best downhill mountain bike circuits in Queensland.