Lake Awoonga

Lake Awoonga is located 30km southwest of Gladstone, off the Queensland central coast, near the town of Benarby. The770,000 megalitre lake is a fabulous recreation area and stocked impoundment lake for predominantly Barramundi fishing.

The freshwater lake attracts keen fishermen chasing a prize catch all year round, although the best time to hook a Barra is during the warmer months when the fish are more active and feeding more regularly. Trophy Barramundi of 36kg and Mangrove Jack of 40cm (photos examples only) have been caught here and there are plenty more species for the taking. Sea Mullet, Bream, Grunter, Garfish, Perch, Yellowbelly, Cod, and Hardyhead have also been caught here.

Fishing is permitted all year round, however certain restrictions apply. The bag limit is only 1 Barramundi per angler, of minimum size 58cm, between 1 November and 31 January. From 1 February to 31 October the bag limit is 5 Barramundi per angler and only 1 fish can be over 120cm.

There is a good boat ramp at the lake if you have your own vessel, you can hire a boat or organise a fishing charter with one of the local tour operators. Vessels for hire at the lake include 10ft Dinghies, 12ft Tinnies, and 14-16ft fishing boats.

Lake Awoonga Houseboats and Leisure Craft also hire paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, BBQ pontoon boat and a selection of houseboats. Advance bookings are recommended for the larger vessels.

Many other recreational activities are enjoyed and permitted on the lake including swimming, canoeing, sailing, jet-skiing and water-skiing. The lake has plenty of room for everyone to enjoy their hobby at their own leisure.

Other common activities are bird watching and bush walking. The lake attracts over 220 bird species and the surrounding flora and fauna are also abundant. It's a nature lover’s paradise.

The caravan park here offers both camping and cabin accommodation and is located right by the lake. The park has a kiosk selling groceries, ice, bait and gas, licensed café and tackle shop. Pets are prohibited due to wildlife.

Whether you take your own equipment or hire it there, Lake Awoonga is a tranquil setting amongst nature where you can fish, relax or get very active on the water in a variety of ways. You might even hook a prize Barramundi.

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