Wivenhoe Dam, Water reservoir in Queensland, Australia
Wivenhoe Dam is a water reservoir that crosses the Brisbane River in Queensland, controlled by five radial gates that manage water release for surrounding regions. The structure also houses a hydroelectric facility that generates power while serving its primary water supply function.
Construction began in 1973 and finished in 1984, marking the completion of investigations that had started as early as the 1890s for the right location. The project took a long time to plan because engineers needed to find the perfect spot to supply water to Brisbane's growing population.
The dam takes its name from the Wivenhoe Pocket rural community nearby and has become a gathering place where locals and visitors experience the river landscape together. Its role in supplying water to Brisbane and Ipswich residents has made it central to the region's daily life and environmental care.
The area has different zones for activities like rowing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, especially at spots like Hays Landing and Billies Bay. Check water conditions before you arrive and find out which areas are open for swimming, as these can vary by season.
The dam serves as both a water storage facility and a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant through the Wivenhoe Power Station, allowing it to store water and return electricity to the grid when needed. This dual purpose makes it unusual compared to many other reservoirs that focus only on water supply.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
