Located about 15 minutes drive east of Crows Nest, along Perserverance Dam Road, and a leisurely 50 km drive north east of Toowoomba, this place should be on your activity hot spot list. Lake Cressbrook offers many activities: boating, rowing, fishing, bush walking, sailing, camping, picnicking, kayaking and canoeing to name just a few.

Lake Cressbrook was completed in 1983 as part of Toowoomba’s water supply. The lake is set in hills covered by open forest of grey gum and iron bark with areas of grassland. This vegetation provides an attractive habitat for koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and a number of smaller marsupials, many of them nocturnal. Waterfowl numbers have increased since the lake was formed and pelicans, ducks, black swans, cormorants and other birds can be observed in large numbers. Sea eagles have been known to nest on the foreshore of the lake and platypus has been seen at Lake Cressbrook.

Domestic animals

As the lake is a flora and fauna reserve, domestic animals are not permitted in the area. If you wish to exercise your dog in public outdoor spaces, head to www.tr.qld.gov.au/dogoffleash for a list of designated dog off-leash areas.

What to check before driving to Lake Cressbrook

Before you head out to the dam remember to check:

• the current fire ban status. Check the status here.
• whether the dam is open for all activities. Check the status here.

Gate opening times

Gates to Lake Cressbrook open at certain times throughout the year. Summer opening hours are from 6 am to 8 pm (September-April) and Winter opening hours are from 7 am to 6 pm (May-August).

Camping details

The Lake Cressbrook camping area overlooks the water and incorporates individual tent or van sites, toilet and shower facilities, and a common area shelter. Booking a camp site is via a self-registration system provided at the entry to the campground. Fees are $8 per person, $32 for a family, and $5 per person for groups of 20 or more. Fees are to be paid by cash or cheque payment only. Credit card facilities are not available.

For more information on camping and activities at Lake Cressbrook, please visit the Lake Cressbrook section of the Toowoomba Region website. 

How to get there

Lake Cressbrook is located about 59 km drive from Toowoomba. To get there, take New England Highway north towards Hampton and turn right onto the Esk-Hampton. Turn left onto Mount Jockey Road and follow the signs to Lake Cressbrook.

From Crows Nest, take the New England Highway towards Toowoomba. Turn left onto Pechey Forestry Road/Perseverance Dam Road and then follow the signs to Lake Cressbrook.

Lake Cressbrook Walk

Best for: Bushwalking

Classification: Grade 3

Distance: 7455 m total distance

Walking time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Description: The trailhead of Lake Cressbrook Walking Track is located near the boat ramp off Access Road in the Day Use Area and it can also be accessed from the camping area. It meanders adjacent to the lake’s edge, passing the camping ground before looping back through bushland.

Useful link:

Lake Cressbrook walking trail map