![](/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Leslie-Dam-Gate-Shot.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Leslie-Dam-Gate-Shot.jpg)
Mega Litres
Structure description
MASS CONCRETE GRAVITY
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
The recreational facilities on the easterns side and downstream of the dam wall are owned and managed by Sunwater. The ‘wash pool’ recreation area on the eastern side of the dam is owned and managed by Southern Downs 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 100 metres, as marked by the buoy line, or as signed. Boats must not exceed a 40-knot speed limit. Caution is advised around the upper reaches of Sandy Creek due to low water levels. Water activities including swimming, kayaking and sailing are permitted among other activities, however, please note the exclusion zones as signed. The three boat ramps are owned by Sunwater and managed by Southern Downs Regional Council. A ramp is located close to the dam wall but when water levels are low, boats can also be launched from the foreshore area with some care. A four-wheel drive may be required. Alternatively, boats may be launched from the Washpool reserve and a four-wheel drive is still recommended.
Learn your responsibilities on the water through the Maritime Safety Queensland Boating and Fishing Guide and please be aware of the underwater hazards present at various levels..
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Lake Leslie, 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 Leslie Dam 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 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 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 Leslie 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.
Dam history
![](https://www.sunwater.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Leslie-Dam-old-photo-1024x744.jpg)
![](https://www.sunwater.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Leslie-Dam-old-photo-1024x744.jpg)
Leslie Dam
Patrick Leslie was a Scot who, along with his brothers Walter and George, was the first settler to take up land on the Darling Downs. In 1847 the New South Wales government asked Leslie to select a site for a town on his Canning Downs station. It was to be known as Canningtown but the name Warwick was eventually chosen. At the first land sale held in Warwick in 1848 Patrick Leslie bought the first allotment. Leslie Dam is named after the pioneering settler.
The dam was built between 1961 and 1965 on Sandy Creek, 11 km from Warwick, to provide water security for Warwick residents and the district’s irrigators. It was raised and radial gates were added in 1986, which more than doubled the dam’s original storage capacity to 106,300 ML. 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
Granite rock sculptures of Patrick Leslie and his wife Kate are located near the dam wall.