A pristine lake, vast greenery and fresh air – Is this your idea of a perfect escape? Then, you need to put the Enoggera reservoir on top of your Brisbane bucket list.

After all that exploring around the city, you deserve to take a break into nature in this hidden gem on The Gap.

Whether you want to beat the Brisbane heat by swimming or you love going on hikes, this is the perfect place to be.

Let’s explore it together, shall we?

What is the Enoggera Reservoir?

The Enoggera reservoir is a body of water that used to be a dam in Queensland, the first of its kind to be built in the area.

Located in The Gap, the reservoir has now been converted into a lake and outdoor recreation area where the public can swim, go on picnics and just enjoy the outdoors.

The Enoggera reservoir is a heritage listed site and it’s also an access point for other nearby nature escapes including Walkabout Creek. 

The reservoir has become a favorite outdoor spot for locals and tourists who want to enjoy the Australian sun and cool down on the lake.

The area is especially packed on the weekends when families would flock to the reservoir to set up their tents, try different water activities or just take a swim.

Best Time to Go

The Enoggera reservoir is open daily at 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM from September to April and at 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM from May to August. 

But since the weather in Brisbane can get unpredictable, the reservoir may close if there are heavy rainfalls or in case of circumstances that will make it dangerous for swimmers.

This is why it’s best to check with the reservoir before driving to the area to make sure  that you won’t be wasting your time.

Things to Know

Are you ready to explore the beauty of the Enoggera reservoir? Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Be ready for the long walk.

Visiting the Enoggera reservoir means a lot of walking. So, make sure that you’re wearing comfortable clothes and footwear for the hike.

• Dress the part.

If you’re planning to go on a hike, wear your most comfortable clothes and a pair  of good hiking shoes.

Also, don’t forget to bring your swimwear and towels, so you can enjoy the water. Some guests also bring their inflatables and even kayaks for some water activities.

• Bring food and water.

There are no restaurants or stores on the reservoir, so it’s best to bring your own food and water during your visit. You can also set up a picnic while you enjoy the view and the many water activities available.

• Keep an eye on your kids.

Whether you’re exploring the forest around the reservoir or swimming on the lake, always keep an eye on your kids to keep them safe.

Although there are many safety measures in place around this area, it’s best to take precautions to avoid any accidents.

• Go to the reservoir early.

There’s plenty of parking in Enoggera, but it can get full easily, especially during the weekends. If you want to get the best parking spot, make sure to head to the reservoir right when it opens.

How to Get to Enoggera Reservoir

Buses: If you’re taking the bus, find route 385, which travels from the city to The Gap Park and Ride. From here, you can walk along Waterworks Road to the entrance of Walkabout Creek.

Taxis: Riding a taxi is the fastest way to get to Enoggera reservoir. You can ride a cab from the city center and the driver will take you to the entrance of the reservoir.

Car service: If you want to drive your own car or have a chauffeured ride, you can arrange transportation with your hotel or travel agent.

What to Do in the Enoggera Reservoir

Enjoy a Picnic with the Family

Visiting the Enoggera reservoir means fully immersing yourself in nature, and that includes setting up your own picnic.

There are no picnic tables, barbeque areas or even toilets in this reservoir. But you can bring your own tables, chairs and tents, and find your spot for a picnic.

You also need to bring your own food, beverages and snacks since you can’t buy anything inside the reservoir.

Go on a Hike Around the Reservoir

Hiking is one of the best things to do if you want to fully explore the massive reservoir. 

But you don’t have to worry if you’re bringing the little ones or the elderly since there’s a 400-meter pram and wheelchair accessible track where you can hike safely with the family.

The reservoir also has 4 bike tracks – 2 for beginners and 2 for the pros –  where you can go cycling around the reservoir or head straight to the national park. 

Of course, you can make plenty of stops along the way to explore what the different areas of the reservoir have to offer. 

Swim at the Designated Swimming Area

The highlight of the Enoggera reservoir is the water, of course. Here, you can go swimming on the designated beach or try different water activities like kayaking or canoeing.

There’s also a buoy to make sure that kids don’t go too deep into the water when swimming, although it’s best to keep an eye on them all the time.

Explore the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre

Right beside the Enoggera reservoir is the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Center, a tourist attraction that  includes a park, discovery center, cafe and events venue. 

Here, you can check out the Walkabout Creek Visitor Center to enjoy ranger shows and let the kids explore the different animal displays at Walkabout Creek Discovery Center.

You can also enjoy some snacks at the Walkabout Creek Cafe or check out the stunning Walkabout Creek Functions Center. 

Where to Stay Near the Enoggera Reservoir

Toowong Villas

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Address: 9 Ascog Terrace – Toowong – Queensland 4066 – Australia

Phone: +61 73371 4855

Pricing: $$$

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Located 4 kilometers west of the city’s business district, Toowong Villas features studio, one-, two- and three bedroom self-contained apartments that surely make you feel at home.

This is the perfect option if you’re traveling with a group since it has all the conveniences of home but also the modern amenities of a resort.

This includes two lagoon-style pools, a BBQ entertainment area, undercover parking and a children’s sandpit.

Each villa also has a fully furnished kitchen, a washer and dryer and furniture pieces.

Central Cosmo Apartment Hotel

Address: 60 Park Road – Milton – Queensland 4064 – Australia

Phone: +61 7 3858 5999

Pricing: $$$

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Located in Milton, the Central Cosmo Apartment Hotel is one of the nearest accommodations from the Enoggera reservoir.

This modern hotel boasts of well-furnished rooms that includes a private balcony and amenities like a gym and sauna, and dry cleaning service.

The Milton Brisbane

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Address: 55 Railway Terrace – Milton – Queensland 4064 – Australia

Phone: +61 1300 845 026

Pricing: $$

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The Milton Brisbane brings you closer to the parklands including the Enoggera reservoir while still giving you the modernities of a city accommodation.

Staying here, you can choose from one- and two-bedroom suites with a kitchenette. You can also enjoy the hotel’s gym, sauna and swimming pool. 

Where to Eat Near the Enoggera Reservoir

Walkabout Creek Cafe and Events

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Address: Walkabout Creek Discovery Center – 60 Mount Nebo Road – Enoggera Reservoir – Queensland 4520 – Australia

Phone: +91 7 3300 2558

Pricing: $$

Website

Offering views of the Enoggera reservoir, Walkabout Creek is not only a quaint cafe that’s surrounded by nature. It’s also a popular venue for events and weddings in Brisbane.

Here,you can relax with the group while enjoying good food prepared using only the best local ingredients.

Angela’s Kitchen Chinese Restaurant

Address: 5/318 Wardell Street – Enoggera – Queensland 4051 – Australia

Phone: +61 7 3355 1657

Pricing: $$$

Website

If you’re craving for good Chinese food, stop by Angela’s Kitchen Chinese Restaurant on your way to the Enoggera reservoir or enjoy some dinner after a day of exploring.

The American Diner Co.

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Address: 1/318 Wardell Street – Enoggera – Queensland 4051 – Australia

Phone: +61 7 3172 6821

Pricing: $$$

Website

Do you want to treat yourself to a classic American meal after a day of going around the Enoggera reservoir? Head to The American Diner Co.

Since 2014, the diner has been serving its patrons with classic American comfort food including burgers, buffalo wings, ribs and dawgs.

Of course, you can’t forget  the diner’s famous fries.

Where to Shop Near the Enoggera Reservoir

The Gap Village Shopping Center

Address: 100 Waterworks Road – The Gap – Queensland 4061 – Australia

Phone: +61 7 3300 3377

Website 

If you fancy some retail therapy after exploring the Enoggera reservoir, you should make a stop at The Gap Village Shopping Center, which is a few minutes away. 

This space may not be as massive as the ones in the city center, but you can still enjoy more than 30 speciality retailers.

The mall also has two department stores and supermarkets, ALDI and Coles if you want to shop for some groceries.

What to Expect from Weather at the Enoggera Reservoir

Summer: From December to February, Brisbane enjoys the hottest weather but also the highest rainfall. 

Autumn: This season that runs from March to May is the best time to explore the outdoors because there is less rain and temperatures also range between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Winter: Winter in Brisbane runs from June to August and this is when days can get extra cold in the city.

Spring: From September to November, you can enjoy the best weather in Brisbane, which also makes it the perfect time to explore the Enoggera reservoir.