Located 30 kilometres from Gladstone, Central Queensland, Lake Awoonga boasts excellent recreation facilities and spectacular lake and mountain views.
Enthusiastic anglers come to Lake Awoonga to catch the famed barramundi, of which over two million have been released. The largest caught in April 2007 and weighing in at a hefty 33.3 kilograms! The great news is that you can fish for barramundi all year round! Approximately 300,000 fish are released each year, including barramundi, mullet and mangrove jack. It is believed that Lake Awoonga is the highest stocked lake in Australia for Mangrove Jack.
Alternatively, just sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Feathered, furry or scaled, Lake Awoonga is home to a thriving array of animals, many of which are of conservation significance.
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone:
07 4976 3000
Email: gawb@gawb.qld.gov.au
Web:
www.gawb.qld.gov.au
ENTRY INFORMATION
Open Times:
Boat Ramp and Water access is open 24 hours. Recreation areas open 0700 to 2000. Recreation users are advised that because of fluctuating water levels, submerged hazards do exist.
Free Entry:
Yes.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Children: Lake Awoonga caters for people of all ages. There are playgrounds for children as well as safe swimming areas (no lifeguards).
Disabled: Disabled parking is available and access to most areas is possible, with some assistance.
Entity Facilities
Shelter sheds, barbecues, walking paths, playgrounds, safe swimming and a picturesque waterfall are provided free to the public, by the Gladstone Area Water Board. Other facilities include a restaurant/cafe, camping and caravan park.
General Comments
Most noticeable at Lake Awoonga are the numerous species of birds (over 200). This means that around 25 per cent of Australia's bird species can be found in the region. The Southern Squatter Pigeon is listed as vulnerable and of conservation significance and a further 15 bird species are listed on International Migratory Conservation Agreement Lists. Lake Awoonga is arguably one of the most important near-coast bird refuges on the East Coast of Australia.
Plants in the water and river banks maintain an array of small animals which support the fish, eels, turtles, platypus and birds. Further from the water's edge, you can find a variety of birds, reptiles and mammals. Bandicoots, melomys, kangaroos, greater gliders and yellow bellied gliders, brushtail possums, and wallabies such as the agile, whiptail and swamp wallaby, can be spotted by keen observers in the nearby bushland.
