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Water Sports and recreation

Boating & Fishing

The Burnett River system provides lots of opportunities to go fishing and boating in the North Burnett. Many of the dams and weirs are stocked with fish and have great picnic facilities for a day’s outing.

Paradise Dam

Paradise Dam is 34km north-west of Biggenden. Facilities include non-powered camping sites, free gas barbeques, picnic shelters, children’s playground, environmentally friendly toilets (no showers), concrete boat ramp, fish cleaning tables, walking trails and caretakers kiosk. A 5km boat ride upstream to view the Kalliwa Hut is well worth the trip. This original slab hut was shifted from Drinan, approximately 13km south-west of Gin Gin to its present site in 1936 as the Ranger’s House.

Prior to the construction of the dam, the river was stocked with Australian Bass, Barramundi, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly) and Silver Perch. There are breeding populations of Eel-tailed Catfish, Fork-tailed Catfish, Spangled Perch and Ceratodus (the endangered Queensland Lungfish). Paradise Dam is not currently a Stocked Impoundment therefore a permit is not required. There are no boating restrictions except an exclusion zone at the dam wall.

From 5 December 2022, the responsibility for all public access and camping at the facility has been transferred from Council to Sunwater.

Sunwater enquiries may be directed to telephone number 4127 7278.

Mingo Crossing

Mingo Crossing, set along the banks of the Burnett River upstream from Paradise Dam, is 45km from Biggenden via Gooroolba Biggenden and Gayndah Mount Perry Roads, and also accessible from Mount Perry and Gayndah. Perfect for all kinds of water sports including fishing, sailing, water skiing and tubing. Australian bass, Barramundi, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Silver Perch, Eel-tailed catfish, Fork-tailed catfish, Spangled Perch and the endangered Queensland Lungfish may be caught. Facilities include a boat ramp, caravan park with camping ground, fish cleaning station, 12 powered caravan sites, two large undercover barbeque areas, drinkable tank water, amenities block, parking for cars and boats, laundry, pets allowed and wheelchair friendly.

MINGO CROSSING CARAVAN AND RECREATION PARK
P: (07) 4161 6200
E: mingo.crossing@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Claude Wharton Weir

The Claude Wharton Weir turnoff is 2km north of Gayndah, turn off the Burnett Highway (A3). There are a large number of excellent places to go boating, canoeing and fishing. Australian Bass, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Spangled Perch and Catfish are the most commonly caught species. Facilities include two boat ramps, picnic shelters, barbeques, public toilets and parking. Camping is prohibited at Claude Wharton Weir however there are a number of caravan parks in the district.

Jones Weir

The Jones Weir is on the Burnett River at Mundubbera, right in town off Seligmann Avenue. The weir is stocked with Australian Bass, Barramundi and Yellow Belly, and Catfish, Eel and Spangled Perch are also present. The Apex Ski area, 4km from the weir along Coonambula Road, is a popular Mundubbera Fishing & Boating year-round recreation facility. Boating, fishing and water skiing all take place on the weir.

Facilities include boat ramp, jetty, barbeque area and public toilets. Camping is not allowed; there are caravan parks in town. It is a scenic site for bird watching and fishing. Platypus and Ceratodus (Lungfish) may be spotted.

Wuruma Dam

Wuruma Dam is located on the Nogo River 47km from Eidsvold. Take the Burnett Highway (A3) 19km north to the Abercorn turnoff and follow the Wuruma Dam Road for 28km. Water sports include water skiing, power boating, canoeing, sailing, fishing and swimming. Stocked fish include Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Australian Bass, Barramundi Fishing & Boating and Saratoga. There are breeding populations of Eel-tailed Catfish, Spangled Perch and Eels. Facilities include sheltered picnic tables, toilets and a boat ramp. A 200m exclusion zone for boating exists from the dam wall. Camping is permitted in the designated area for stays up to two weeks. Open fires are not allowed and visitors are allowed to bring their own non-wood fired barbeques.

Cania Dam

Cania Dam is 37km north of Monto. The sealed road branches off the Burnett Highway (A3) 12km north of Monto and passes through the Cania Gorge National Park. Water sports include fishing, sailing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing and wind surfing. The lake is noted for Saratoga catches, with other species including Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Silver Perch, Eel and Snub-nosed Garfish. Fishing permits are needed all year round. Facilities include boat ramp, picnic shelters, electric barbeque, lookout, kiosk and toilets. The easy drive or steep walk to the lookout is worth the effort to view the gorge’s coloured sandstone cliffs and spectacular sunsets. Kangaroos and Whip-tails inhabit the area during late afternoons. Camping is only permitted at the two caravan parks located each end of the Cania Gorge National Park.