Hinze Dam
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Goldcoast's Beach scene, head to its hinterland! A scenic drive lined through the rural towns spotting cute cows, horses and old-style houses full of charm, it's just under a 25 km drive from Surfers Paradise. The Hinze Dam is a beautiful spot to visit any time of year, but it is lovely in autumn when the weather is cooler. Grand in size, the Hinze dam has a capacity of over 200 million cubic meters and is a major source of water for the region, providing irrigation for agriculture and supplying drinking water to the Gold Coast.
The visitor's centre hosts a relaxing atmosphere, often playing live music on weekends, and has a cafe to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, snacks, pick-me-up coffee or scoop some ice cream in a cone for the kiddies!
Alternatively, the Hinze dam is the perfect spot for a picnic, with BBQs, undercover tables and chairs, and beautiful grounds surrounded by a bike track for the kids to enjoy. Bring a picnic rug and basket full of goodies or fill your basket with delicious treats from the cafe and enjoy sitting in the fresh air while you catch a glimpse of the many eagles that call the area home.
The dam wall walk has spectacular views, and you can cycle across, or it's just a short 20-30 minute stroll to the wall and back. There is also walking and mountain bike trails around the dam including the Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct.
'Hook A Big 'Toga, and you'll know it" - Hinze dam is also a popular spot for recreational fishing with Australian bass, Yellowbelly, Mary River Cod, Silver Perch and huge Saratoga, or '"Toga", lurking in the waters ready to smash a cast lure or fly!
* A fishing permit is required at Hinze Dam and is restricted to electric powered vessels, sail craft and paddle craft only.
