Structure description
Roller compacted concrete
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Recreational facilities are provided by Sunwater.
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.
Boat ramp closures occur when the dam is spilling or water levels are very low, view our Recreation and Safety Alerts page for the latest information
Learn your responsibilities on the water through the Maritime Safety Queensland Boating and Fishing Guide.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Paradise Dam, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall. Fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards.
Paradise Dam is not a stocked impoundment therefore a permit is not required to fish at the storage.
Camping
Sunwater is committed to facilitating recreational access at Paradise Dam until major project work commences at the dam.
This includes operation of paid camping at the lower camping area, toilets, non-potable water, boat ramp and the public lookout area.
Operation of the upper camping area, serviced caravan park, kiosk and water treatment plant were discontinued in late 2022, meaning only non-potable water is now available.
For enquiries regarding camping, contact (07) 4127 7278.
- No pre-booking available
- No treated water or washing machines available on site
- No fires are permitted in the campground.
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 gas 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 and obey the speed limit.
Hazards
There is a known presence of submerged trees and other objects. The previous Mingo crossing bridge, situated 24kms upstream from Paradise Dam, is visible when the water level at Paradise Dam is low. 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 Paradise 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
Paradise Dam
Built in 2005, Paradise Dam is located on the Burnett River about 20 km north-west of Biggenden and 80 km south-west of Bundaberg.
There was a time in the late 1800s when gold miners seeking their fortunes swarmed over the area now covered by the dam’s water. Both the dam and its lake share the name of the town that serviced those miners, Paradise, which was abandoned in the early 1900s.
While the gold rush has long gone, the water that replaced it is just as valuable, feeding into the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme to underpin the region’s agricultural and urban needs.
The Burnett River is an important ecosystem and the dam and its sister storages downstream — the Ned Churchward Weir and the Ben Anderson Barrage — feature millions of dollars in fish movement technology to allow fish to travel unimpeded.
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.