Lake Lenthall

Lenthalls Dam will be closed to the public over the Easter Weekend from Friday, 29 March to Monday, 1 April 2024, including the boat ramp and recreation area.

This temporary closure is in the interest of public safety whilst releases are being made from the dam. Recent rainfall in the catchment has raised the storage level to above 100% and automatic releases from the dam are expected over the weekend to safely manage the water level.

The areas around the base of the dam are very dangerous during a release and present an immediate risk of drowning, and despite continued warnings, members of the public continue to access the very dangerous area to fish.

Lake Lenthall is a great recreational facility for those who enjoy camping, boating, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing in a family-friendly environment. It is commonly referred to as Lenthalls Dam and is located off the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Torbanlea in the Wongi Forestry.

Visitors need to be aware that access to Lake Lenthall is via a rough dirt road. The road is controlled and maintained by Forest Products, a business unit of the Queensland Government. Accessing Lake Lenthall is at your own risk and a 4WD is recommended. The Lake Lenthall Ranger will not be able to assist with towing vehicles if they become stuck.

GPS and Google Maps can provide unreliable directions into the recreation area. Please see below the directional map or call the Rangers Office before travelling to the Lake.

  • Facilities

    BBQ facilities available
    Boat ramp
    Camping available (bookings are essential)
    No drinking water available – please bring your own
    No pets allowed
    No swimming is permitted in the Lake
    Onsite Ranger

Camping, Boating and Fishing, Water quality

Please click on the tiles below for comprehensive information regarding facilities, fees, regulations and safety.

About the lake

Lake Lenthall is located in the Wongi State Forest, off the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Howard.

Lake Lenthall is the water supply for Hervey Bay and surrounding region. Its capacity is 29,500ML.

The dam was originally built in 1984 at the confluence of six creeks, Logbridge Creek, Doongul Creek, Harwood Creek, Sugar Bag Creek, Duckinwilla Creek and Woolmer Creek.. In 2006, the dam wall was raised two metres with the addition of 5 crest gates to increase the capacity of the dam from 17,800 ML to 29,500 MLand ensure a greater water supply for the area. The height of the dam spillway now sits at 25.86m AHD.

Lake Lenthall flows downstream into the Burrum River, which leads into the ocean at Burrum Heads. On the Burrum River lay two weirs, Burrum Weir #1 and Burrum Weir #2. These act as storage ponds for water supply.

The crest gates on the dam allow for water to be released to flow into the river downstream. FCRC collects water for treatment from an offtake pump tower downstream at Burrum Weir #1. This water is then pumped to Burgowan Water Treatment Plant to be treated for drinking water supply. Burgowan WTP supplies treated drinking water to Hervey Bay, Toogoom, Burrum Heads, Torbanlea and Howard. On average the WTP treats 25-30 ML/day to supply these areas.

Facilities