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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:
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.
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.
Before you head out to the dam remember to check:
Gates to Lake Cressbrook open at certain times throughout the year.
Summer opening hours are from 6 am to 8 pm (September-April).
Winter opening hours are from 7 am to 6 pm (May-August).
Lake Cressbrook is located about 59kms 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.
View in Google Maps.
The Lake Cressbrook camping area is located on the shores of the lake, overlooking the water and incorporates individual tent or van sites, toilet and shower facilities, and a common area shelter. Booking a campsite is via a self-registration system provided at the entry to the campground.
Camping fees are: Private (individual/couple/family etc.) $20 per night per campsite and Incorporated Group (community/education/youth/church etc) $5 per person per night. 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.
Best for: Bushwalking
Classification: Grade 3
Distance: 7,455m 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.
Lake Cressbrook trails map
Lake Cressbrook webpage
