Sunshine Coast Council

A very picturesque and peaceful paddle on one of the hinterland lakes tucked in the valley.

SUITABLILITY
Suitable for all level of kayakers however due to the open nature of the lake, the water can get quite choppy if a windy day.

HIGHLIGHTS
Nestled in the middle of the main range between Maleny and Montville is the peaceful Baroon Pocket Dam. With no powercraft allowed on the dam and high green hills all around, it’s a beautiful protected place for a paddle.

There are many small tributaries that flow into the lake that are worth paddling up. Scenery surrounding the water’s edge varies from open grassland to bush. Even though it is 1.4 km across the dam, good 3-4 hour paddles can be had on this lake. Apart from some small off limits areas the whole dam is yours to explore. Just be aware of the GATES CLOSE TIME – 6am to 5:30pm in winter, 5.30am to 6.30pm in summer.

Check with seqwater.com before you go to ensure the dam is open.

AFTERWARDS
There is no camping allowed at the dam/lake area. The closest accommodation for visitors is in nearby Montville and Maleny, where there is a caravan park at the latter.

The Martin Williams Walk is located at the Southern Recreation Area off Baroon Pocket Road. The walk was designed and built by the lake’s first ranger, Martin Williams.

On the northern side of the lake, you can take a short stroll down to view Obi Obi Creek and the spillway.

Not afar away are numerous shops, cafes and other sights and bushwalks to explore in Maleny, Montville and Mapleton.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: There are two main access points for the Dam:

Southern side from Maleny – drive to the end of Baroon Pocket Road. This is the starting point on the map.

Northern side from Montville – drive to the end of Narrows Road. The north side has onsite café and is very close to Montville and all associated eats and treats.

Both locations have parking and amenities.

To the end point: Your paddle end point is the same as your starting point unless you want to paddle across and have someone collect you on the other side.