Lake Monduran is one of the spots being discovered by holidaying Queenslanders travelling the state in search of a getaway with a difference.
With holiday options currently substantially limited, places like Lake Monduran Holiday Park just 20km north of Gin Gin, are providing an option for those seeking a weekend break or a longer-term camping experience.
Park operators Rob and Kelly Howell said numbers of guests using park cabins or campsites were usually quite solid during the winter months.
“Obviously with restrictions in place to many southern travellers, we are noticing that the bookings gap is being filled by holiday-hungry Queenslanders,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the park offered cabins overlooking the lake or powered and unpowered campsites. A three-cabin houseboat that sleeps up to eight people is also available for hire.
Hervey Bay visitor Denise Drover is spending a couple of weeks camping at Lake Monduran.
“We love the interaction with other campers and a campfire on a winter night is incredibly social and something we look forward to,” she said.
“I also enjoy the walks around here and to be able to stroll across the dam wall and view the expanse of water in the lake is certainly seeing it from another perspective,” Denise said.
Visitors, and especially those seeking a fishing experience, find the lake an interesting place and ideal for fishing for barramundi and bass.
According to Rob Howell, Lake Monduran covers about 5340 hectares with an average depth of 11 metres and the cooler months are popular with fishermen chasing the bass and barra.
Rob said the lake’s barramundi are legendary among state and international anglers.
“In fact, in 2010 a world record was established when a 44.6kg barra was caught on the lake,” he said.
“Fishing is available all year round although a $10 weekly permit, which is available online, is required.”
Rob can oversee fishing charters which takes the drama out of bringing a boat or locating the lake’s premium fishing spots.
The camping areas are pet friendly with guests contemplating bringing their “fur babies” to be sure to check out park rules in relation to animals.
Kelly said the facility had been open for a couple of weeks following the regulated closure of the park due to COVID-19.
“We are getting everything back to normal as the easing of restrictions allows,” she said.
“Even our popular kids mini golf course will hopefully be up running in a few weeks.
“There is just something so appealing about life on and around Lake Monduran.
The wildlife, the pleasure from a boating or kayaking experience or simply enjoying a beverage when the sun dips below the horizon and an uncanny peacefulness extends across the water – it’s pretty awesome.”
Details on Lake Monduran Holiday Park can be found online or phone 07 4157 3881.
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