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.

Wivenhoe was first investigated as a dam site in the 1890s and again in 1933, with further studies from the mid-1960s. Government approval came in November 1971, land acquisition began in March 1973, and the first construction contract was awarded in March 1977. Designed by the Queensland Water Resources Commission and built by Thiess Brothers, the dam was completed in 1985; in June 1983 the partly finished structure had already held back a flood that could have matched the 1893 Brisbane flood.

The name comes from the Wivenhoe Pocket rural community, and the impounded reservoir is called Lake Wivenhoe; the dam, lake and a narrow strip of surrounding land form a locality of that name. Camping areas at Captain Logan and Lumley Hill have hot showers, barbecues, toilets and a boat ramp at Logan Inlet, while Cormorant Bay, Hamon Cove and Spillway Common have picnic facilities. Fishing needs a stocked impoundment permit, and domestic animals are banned.

Camping is available at the Captain Logan and Lumley Hill areas, with hot showers, barbecues, toilets, a playground and a boat ramp at Logan Inlet; Cormorant Bay, Hamon Cove and Spillway Common have picnic facilities. Fishing needs a stocked impoundment permit, and electric or non-powered boats require a permit. Domestic animals are banned.

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.