Cooby Dam

Welcome to Cooby Dam Loveday Cove - a recreational area offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a host of land and aquatic* outdoor pursuits. Boaties, anglers, walkers and picnickers are all provided for at this picturesque location near Meringandan.

If you're keen to cast a line to catch a fish, or two, the dam offers its share of good fishing spots. All you need is a fishing permit and you're right to go. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are stunning walking tracks to explore as well as picnic shelters and free gas barbecue facilities to help create a memorable day out.

Water access for sailing boats, canoes and electric (only) powered vessels make Cooby an ideal spot to enjoy with friends and family all year round. A children's playground and toilet blocks with disabled access are conveniently located on-site.

Cooby Dam is also home to the Darling Downs Sailing Club.

Please be advised that camping facilities are not available at Cooby Dam and alcohol is not permitted at this location. The park is locked at night.

*Swimming at Cooby Dam Loveday Cove is expressly prohibited.

What to check before driving to Lake Cooby

Before you head out to the dam remember to check whether the dam is open for all activities. Check the status here.

How to get there

Lake Cooby is located 35kms north of Toowoomba and easily accessible by car from the New England Highway.

If you are travelling north from Toowoomba, turn left on Highfields Road at Highfields and follow the signs to Lake Cooby.

If coming south towards Toowoomba, turn right on the Meringandan Road at Cabarlah and then right again at Kleinton School Road. Turn left on Klein Road and right following Cooby Dam Road.

Opening hours

Loveday Cove is open from 6am to 8pm (September to April) and from 7am to 6pm (May to August).

At certain times we may need to close the lake area for your safety. Please check the current open or closed status here.

Activities

Recreation activities allowable (during open status):

  • boating (electric motors only)
  • boating (non-powered - rowing, sailing, canoeing)
  • windsurfing
  • fishing (fishing stocked impoundment permit required, available online at the Department Of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries or from most tackle outlets)
  • picnics and BBQs
  • playground
  • bushwalking.

Swimming is not permitted at Lake Cooby.

Walking trail

Lakeside Walk (open)

Lake Cooby trail map

Best for: Bushwalking

Classification: Bushwalking (Grade 3)

Distance: 4,422m one way

Walking time: 90 minutes 

Description: The walk is mainly easy with a moderate climb in the middle. The lake serves as the water supply for Toowoomba Region and provides a habitat for waterbirds. A diverse variety of bush birds populate the areas along the trail. If you sit quietly, you may be able to also see a wide range of wildlife including koalas, possums, echidna and wallabies.

Please leave your pets at home.

Location

0 Cooby Dam Road, Meringandan 4352  View Map

Google Map
Tagged as:

Facility Snapshot

Features

  • Playground
  • Electric BBQ
  • Seating
  • Accessible toilets
  • Walking trail
  • Open space
  • Mountain biking
  • Bottled gas BBQ
  • Shelter
Back to top