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Lake Monduran SDA Camp QLD – Bush Camping & Barra Fishing

Discover the perfect rustic escape at the Lake Monduran SDA Camp, a peaceful bush campground set on 160 acres of natural bushland on the shores of Queensland’s famous Lake Monduran. While owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this spacious campground is open to the public, offering a genuine back-to-basics camping experience. It is an ideal destination for keen anglers targeting the lake’s legendary Barramundi, as well as families and groups looking to unplug and enjoy the serenity of the Australian bush. With ample space for powered and unpowered sites, it’s a simple, affordable, and relaxed base for boating, fishing, and exploring the wider Gin Gin and North Burnett region.

The Lake Monduran SDA Camp provides essential facilities for a comfortable bush stay. The park features a number of powered sites suitable for caravans and camper trailers, alongside extensive unpowered grassy areas for tents and self-sufficient setups. Amenities include a central block with hot showers and toilets, a communal camp kitchen, and gas barbecues. One of the highlights for many is the allowance of open campfires in designated pits (always subject to local fire bans), perfect for evenings under the stars. The camp has its own boat ramp, providing direct access to the vast waters of Lake Monduran for fishing and boating. It is important to note that the water available on-site is typically non-potable, so all campers must bring their own drinking water. Mobile phone reception is very limited (patchy Telstra service at best), and there is no TV reception, making it a true digital detox. Pets are welcome, subject to conditions, allowing the whole family to enjoy the break. With its focus on nature and simplicity, this camp is a favourite for those seeking an authentic and quiet fishing holiday.

Located roughly 45 kilometres from the nearby town of Gin Gin, the campground offers a sense of seclusion while still being accessible. Gin Gin provides all essential supplies, including a supermarket, bakery, pubs, and cafes. The main attraction is, of course, Lake Monduran itself, renowned as one of Australia’s premier Barramundi fisheries. Anglers travel from all over for the chance to land a “metre barra.” For a day trip, explore the unique Boolboonda Tunnel near Gin Gin, a heritage-listed, unlit railway tunnel you can walk or drive through. The Kalpowar State Forest is also nearby, offering 4WD tracks and further bushwalking opportunities. For those travelling the Bruce Highway, the camp is a significant but rewarding detour for a few days of exceptional freshwater fishing and peaceful camping.

Lake Monduran SDA Camp – QLD Map

Campground Information

Name: Lake Monduran SDA Camp
Address: Monduran Dam Access Road, Lake Monduran QLD 4671
Website: No official website

Location and Map

GPS Coordinates: -24.879, 151.84138

Site Details

Location: Remote bushland setting on the shores of Lake Monduran.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
Road Access: Access is via unsealed Monduran Dam Access Road, condition can vary. Suitable for 2WD in dry weather, 4WD recommended after rain.
Site Surface: Grass and dirt sites, reasonably level.

Facilities and Features

Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
Potable Water: NO. Water on site is non-potable (bore/lake water). You MUST bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. Patchy Telstra 3G/4G may be found in some elevated spots, but do not rely on it.
TV Reception: No.
BBQ’s: Yes, gas BBQs available in the camp kitchen/communal area.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets.
Ullage (Dump Point): No. Nearest public dump point is at Gin Gin Showgrounds.
Drive Through Sites: No designated drive-through sites, but the unpowered areas are open.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Yes, permitted in designated fire pits (subject to local fire bans). Bring your own firewood.
Generator Use: Yes, permitted during daylight hours (e.g., 8 am – 6 pm).
Essentials to Bring: ALL drinking water, insect repellent, firewood, fishing gear, boat.
Pet Friendly: Yes, permitted on leash (conditions apply, confirm with management).
Fishing: Yes, excellent Barramundi fishing in Lake Monduran. Boat ramp onsite.
Short Walks: Yes, informal bush tracks around the 160-acre property.

Local Amenities (Nearest Town: Gin Gin)

Pubs

Gin Gin Hotel: (Approx. 45 km) – Historic pub in the centre of Gin Gin.
Wallaville Hotel: (Approx. 45 km) – Located in the small town of Wallaville, south of Gin Gin.
Royal Hotel (Gin Gin): (Approx. 45 km) – Another classic country pub.

Places to Eat

Gin Gin Hotel / Royal Hotel: (Approx. 45 km) – Pub meals.
Gin Gin Bakery: (Approx. 45 km) – Pies, pastries, and sandwiches.
Various Cafes & Takeaways: (Approx. 45 km) – Several options along the main street of Gin Gin.

Local Attractions

Lake Monduran: (Onsite) – Famous for Barramundi fishing and boating.
Boolboonda Tunnel: (Approx. 50 km) – A 192m-long, unlit historic railway tunnel you can walk or drive through.
Gin Gin Historical Museum: (Approx. 45 km) – Showcasing local history.
Kalpowar State Forest: (Approx. 30-40 km) – 4WD tracks and bush camping.
Gin Gin Markets: (Approx. 45 km) – Held on Saturdays, check dates.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Lake Monduran Holiday Park: (Approx. 15-20 km) – Large commercial park on the opposite side of the dam wall.
Gin Gin Showgrounds: (Approx. 45 km) – Low-cost camping available.

Nearest Free Camps

Kalpowar State Forest Camping Area: (Approx. 30-40 km) – Basic bush camping (low fees may apply via Parks QLD).
Gin Gin Rest Area (Kolonga): (Approx. 45 km) – 20-hour rest stop for self-contained vehicles.

Nearest Dump Points

Gin Gin Showgrounds: (Approx. 45 km) – Public dump point available.
Lake Monduran Holiday Park: (Approx. 15-20 km) – Available for paying guests (may allow public use for a fee).

Nearest Petrol Stations

Shell Gin Gin (Coles Express): (Approx. 45 km) – Located on the Bruce Highway, Gin Gin.
BP Gin Gin: (Approx. 45 km) – Located on the Bruce Highway, Gin Gin.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Gin Gin Rest Area / Showgrounds: (Approx. 45 km) – Potable water taps are usually available.
(Bring your own water – there is no potable water at the camp).

Nearest Public Toilets (Outside Camp)

Gin Gin Rest Area: (Approx. 45 km) – Public toilet block.
Gin Gin Town Centre: (Approx. 45 km) – Public toilets available in parks.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lake Monduran / Gin Gin Area

Summer (December – February)

Hot, humid, with a high chance of rainfall and afternoon thunderstorms. Prime “wet season” for Barramundi fishing.
Mean Max: 31°C – 33°C
Mean Min: 21°C – 22°C
Mean Rain (mm): 130-180 mm
Mean Rain Days: 9-11

Autumn (March – May)

Warm days with decreasing humidity, pleasant nights. Rainfall starts to ease.
Mean Max: Cools from 30°C down to 26°C.
Mean Min: Cools from 20°C down to 15°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 50-100 mm
Mean Rain Days: 7-9

Winter (June – August)

Mild, sunny, and dry days with cool nights. Can be cold overnight.
Mean Max: 23°C – 25°C
Mean Min: 10°C – 12°C
Mean Rain (mm): 30-45 mm
Mean Rain Days: 4-5 (Driest period)

Spring (September – November)

Warm to hot and sunny days, with cool nights warming up. Fishing “build-up” season as temperatures rise.
Mean Max: Warms from 27°C up to 30°C.
Mean Min: Warms from 13°C up to 18°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 40-80 mm
Mean Rain Days: 5-7