Cressbrook Dam Queensland Darling Downs

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Cressbrook Dam Queensland Darling Downs

The dam from the camping area

Campsite registration hut

The Cressbrook Dam camping area is a joint initiative of the Toowoomba and Crows Nest Councils and is a great spot for an extended break or just a weekend getaway. It's 17 kms in off the New England Highway on a good bitumen road and well worth the effort. The turnoff is at the delightful tiny village of Hampden 32 kms north of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs. Your first glimpses of the dam are quite spectacular as you start the steep descent into the valley.

The camp is right on the water

The "rulz"

The first you notice is an abundance of quite large kangaroos - great for our overseas visitors. It is a very well organised camp aimed mainly at car based camping. You park your car in a numbered bay and cart your gear to a suitable site. Camper and caravanners have a separate section, but there are no huge open areas as everything is fenced off. This does keep the grounds in better condition than if you were allowed to camp anywhere. Most sites are well grassed with the exceptions being the dedicated van sites! Shade is a bit light on in the van sites, but elsewhere it is excellent and during our visit hundreds more trees and shrubs were planted - a credit to those involved.

Caravan area in the dry winter season

Fires on the ground allowed and wood supplied

Wild life lovers paradise!

Impressive camp entrance

Fires on the ground are allowed and wood is supplied near each BBQ. The amenities block is a wonderful modern design utilising typical Australian materials. We loved the beautiful wooden louvres and the corrugated iron finishes. Toilets are full flush septics. The disabled are very well catered for with a dedicated room for those requiring a carer and even excellent access in the normal showers. All showers have a hand held rose and the cubicles are huge. Lighting is excellent and the photos were all taken without flash. So in summing up you have hot showers and no power to sites, but there is power for hair drying and shaving. It is doubtful though if these facilities would cope in peak periods such as Easter. There are no laundry facilities at all, but you can get free hot water in the camp kitchen.

Most sites are of a generous size

Fantastic amenities block

There used to be an onsite caretaker on previous visits, but we could find no trace of him this time. You pay using the money in an envelope system at the registration hut near the main entrance. If you are into fishing then this is the place for you. You can't actually launch your craft in the camping area, but many moor their boats near the camp after launching around at the day use area - about 2 kms. The stainless steel fish cleaning benches are absolutely first class. The lake is of course stocked with local native fish. Yellow Belly, Silver perch, Bass, Mary River Cod and Saratoga, a brilliant fighting fish, and eels are also present

Marvellous fish cleaning area - spotless!

Beautiful covered camp kitchen

There is a huge covered camp kitchen with seating for at least fifty. The outlook is wonderful looking out over the water and the entire area is tastefully landscaped. Nights are blissfully quite as there are no through roads. Boat motor noise is only minor as it is all fisherman mostly and the lake is huge, so they tend to spread right out and most boats are small. In any case the speed limit is set at a leisurely 8 knots so water-skiing is just not on.

Lots of BBQ's near camp kitchen

Another shot of the amenities block

The day use area caters for both fisherman and picnickers with lots of BBQ's and very neat covered gazebos - most with a fantastic view of the water. There is a phone and delightful play area for kiddies. A great feature here though is the "loo with a view"! The photos tell it all! Beach volley ball is very popular here.

Tons of shade in some spots

Launching ramp parking area

Walking wise there is a track starting at the day use area - 6 kms about 2 1/2 hours and another leaves the campsite. Bike riding is VERY hilly and only suitable for the very fit. Swimming is NOT allowed at the lake which is rather a shame. Oddly enough it is allowed at other dams in the area such as Lake Wivenhoe. Does anyone know why? There is no kiosk, so you must trek back to Hampden for milk bread, papers, fuel etc. The nearest supermarket is at Crows Nest.

Excellent showers

Wonderful "Australian" materials

Almost 5 Star amenities!

Loved all the gardens!

Cressbrook makes an ideal base for touring the surrounding area and trips to the nearby Perseverance Dam, Ravensbourne National Park and Crows Nest Falls National Park. Longer trips down to Esk, Wivenhoe Dam, Toowoomba, Atkinson Dam, Cooby Dam (lovely link!) etc. gives lots of opportunities for a variety in scenery. A not to be missed event is the Cabarlah Markets held on the last Sunday of the month in the Geham School grounds. These are without doubt the biggest markets in the area and even have a band etc. Lunch in the nearby Farmers Arms Tavern makes for a pretty pleasant day.

Launching ramp near day use area

Picnic shelters in day use area

Seats in picnic area

The loo with a terrific view!

A little further back towards Toowoomba you will come across the Danish Flower Farm and Scroll Magic. This complex is a must see and a great spot for smoko. During August each year the local Lions Club organise a Blacksmiths competition. This attracts entries from all around the area. Basically each "smithy" is allowed 2 hours to create a masterpiece in front of an audience. On the second day the competition is judged and the pieces auctioned off to assist local charities.

Walking track entrance at the camp

Not a lot of van sites

Walking track entrance near day use area

Delightful gazebo in day use area

Toowoomba Shire Council has a wonderful website with heaps of info on Lake Cressbrook and fishing licence costs and conditions. The Crows Nest Council pages also have a bit of info on species etc. You can contact the ranger direct on (07) 4632 9770. You can also get more info in Camping in Central and South East Queensland by Martin Bowerman - page 127. ($10.95 in larger camping stores in Queensland - recommended) The Great South East archives also has several stories on Cressbrook. Watch out though as many of these say dogs are allowed - this is NO LONGER so. Cost in August 2001 was $13.20 per night for two and yes we recommend this park for a quiet getaway.

Bob and Chrissy Eustace

Click on the compass for a map of the local area