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 on its northern and southern shores. Dogs are welcome in the recreation areas on leash, but the water itself and the main walking trail are both off limits.

The rules. Dogs must stay on a leash at all times within the recreation areas. Dogs are not permitted to enter the dam water under any circumstances, and they are not allowed on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk section that passes the dam. Pick up and bin all waste.

What's there. Shaded picnic tables, free gas barbecues, public toilets and a playground are set up in the main recreation areas on both sides of the dam.

Getting there. The dam is on Baroon Pocket Road, roughly a 10-minute drive from either Maleny or Montville. Parking is available at the main picnic areas. There is no useful public transport option, so plan on driving. Because it is an ungated dam, access can be affected after heavy rain, so check Seqwater's notices if the weather has been wet.

Watch-outs. This is a working water supply, not a swimming spot, so keep dogs well back from the edge and never let them into the lake. The area borders koala habitat, so keep dogs under close control around bushland margins.

Nearby with the dogs. Maleny township, about ten minutes away, has a handful of dog-friendly cafes including The Wandering Poppy and Shotgun Espresso. For an overnight stay, Maleny Terrace Cottages and Montville Grove both take pets, and Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville has pet-friendly rooms if you want to make a weekend of it.

When to go. Early mornings or weekdays keep the picnic areas calm, especially through the warmer months when day-trippers fill the northern side. Good for a leashed dog who's happy with a lake view rather than a swim.

Sources

• Dogs on leash at Pocket Park | Seqwater · seqwater.com.au
• Lake Baroon - Seqwater · seqwater.com.au
• Things to Do at Baroon Pocket Dam · sunshinecoastgetaways.com.au
• Baroon Pocket Dam | Recreation, sport and arts · qld.gov.au
• Lake Baroon & Baroon Pocket Dam · malenylife.com
• Dog-Friendly Maleny, QLD: Visiting Maleny with a Dog · travelnuity.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.