Lake Moogerah (QLD)

Lake Moogerah in Southeast Queensland’s Fassifern Valley, is well know for recreation, fishing and camping, but is also an awesome place to take photos.

Nestled in amongst the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. it offers panoramic views of the mountain range overlooking the lake.  There are also plenty of birds (lots of Pelicans usually), and if you hunt around a bit, lenty of dead trees sticking out of the lake which provide great atmospheric Sunrise/Sunset shots.

Lake Moogerah is also one of the closest locations to Brisbane offering relatively little light pollution – so on a clear (cloud free) night is a fabulous place to take star photos.

How to get there:

Lake Moogerah is located around 60 km southwest of Ipswich and about 90 minutes drive from Brisbane. From Brisbane or Ipswich head up the Cunningham Highway and take the Boonah Turnoff (thsi turnoff is also well signed form lake Moogerah)

Facilities:

There are two main “public” areas where you can access the lake…

• Lake Moogerah Caravan Park (on Muller Park Road), is available to Day Visitors and overnight stays. You will need to check in at the caretaker to get an access code for the boom gate.  Make sure that you check what time to the code is valid until, but if you let them know that you plan to stay late to take photos (and ask nicely) they may extend the exit time for you.
• Lake Moogerah Picnic Area – on Lake Moogerah Connection Rd provides lots of space for picnics, with picnic tables and BBQs (but not overnight stays are allowed).  This area overlooks the dam itself and provides good southerly views over the lake and up to the mountains.

Much of the shoreline around Lake Moogerah is on Private Land… some of this is accessible by road or woth a bot of a clamber, but best to look out for No Trespassing signs and ask permission where possible before trying to photograph form these areas.

Best time:

This spot is great most times of the day – but is outstanding for Sunrise and Sunset.  The lake can get busy with boats on weekends (particularly in the summer months), so if you want a natural look, maybe best to go during the cooler months (or during the week)