Baroon Pocket Dam (North Maleny side)

Baroon Pocket Dam sits between Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a Seqwater-managed lake with picnic grounds, free barbecues and playgrounds on its northern and southern shores. The honest headline for dog owners: this is not a dog venue. Domestic pets are not permitted at the Lake Baroon recreation areas, on leash or otherwise, and the dog-friendly claim that has circulated for this spot is wrong.

The rules

Seqwater only allows dogs at a handful of designated dog-on-leash lakes across South East Queensland, Ewen Maddock, Atkinson, Maroon, Moogerah and Hinze dams among them, and Lake Baroon is not one of them. The lake and its foreshore are drinking water catchment and wildlife habitat, and dogs are excluded outright, with the only exception being registered assistance animals. Do not leave a dog in the car to walk the picnic grounds either; the whole site is off-limits to pets.

What you get without the dog

Shaded picnic tables, gas barbecues, toilets and a playground sit in the main recreation areas on both the North Maleny and Montville sides, with swimming permitted only at designated areas and non-motorised craft on the lake. The dam is on Baroon Pocket Road, about ten minutes from either town, with parking at the picnic areas. Access can close after heavy rain, so check Seqwater's notices in wet weather.

Where to take the dog instead

Maleny Dog Park at the Community Precinct off Porters Lane is minutes away, fully fenced with separate small and large dog enclosures and shaded seating. Mapleton Dog Park is another fenced option over the range. For water-and-lead walks, the foreshore paths of Maleny's town parks are the practical pick, and dog-friendly cafes cluster along Maple Street in Maleny.

More options are on the Queensland dog parks guide and the North Maleny destination page.

Max: skip the dam with the dog and head for the Porters Lane dog park instead, then reward yourselves in Maleny. The lake will still be there for a solo trip.