Lake Maraboon in central west Queensland is a huge tract of water and, stocked as it is with 8 different species, including barramundi, golden perch, silver perch and red claw crayfish, I can imagine it must be an angler's paradise.
But I came away just a bit conflicted about this caravan park.
Lake Maraboon Holiday Park is in Queensland's Central Gemfields region, 17-Kilometres from Emerald. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Based on what I'd read and seen on TV I expected
Lake Maraboon Holiday Village to comprise waterfront sites with plenty of walking trails along the lake, excellent access to the water and a range of water-borne activities.
I found the park a 17-kilometre drive from Emerald, almost but not quite on the edge of Lake Maraboon and very near the Fairbairn Dam construction site It was on high ground well above the lake with a couple of rough trails to the water's edge, 'off-the-beach' boat launching and easier walking access to an attractive and nearby lakeside park. Walking opportunities were very limited and unless you had your own boat (or were prepared to pay $100 for a 1/2-day hire), there were no water-borne activities.
Having said all that it was a good, if somewhat rustic, caravan park except for the fact that some sites had totally inadequate vehicle parking. I had to park on the roadside 50-metres from my van and the two adjacent sites had to do the same.
This is a big park with lots of sites and an ideal spot for fishermen. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Accommodation options range from deluxe 2-Bedroom Villas sleeping 6 at $165 per night to unpowered grass sites at $28 per night. A pet-friendly powered site costs $35 per night (prices correct at April 2021).
Amenities & facilities were adequate and clean, though starting to show their age in some cases. The park offers BBQs, Camp Kitchens, a Kiosk, Café & Bar, coin-operated laundry facilities and a swimming pool and slide.
Lake Maraboon is a large expanse of water well stocked with native fish including the very tasty red claw crayfish. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Single-seat kayak hire starts at $30 for 2-hours and a double $45 for 2-hours. A 3.5 metre Polycraft boat costs $150 for 8-hours hire and a 5-metre costs $100 for 4-hours hire. Boat licences are necessary as these boats all have 15 HP engines. Boat Licences are not available on-site.
A fishing licence is not required for netting Red Claw but is necessary when line-fishing for other species. Nets are available for hire at the kiosk for $12.50 per net, per day.
It's hoped the Fairbairn Dam project will 'weather-proof' Lake Maraboon which in the past has been severely impacted by drought. Photo: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Television reception relied on an external antennae lead for which the park charged a hefty $50 refundable deposit. Leads were required to be returned neatly coiled and taped in order to avoid a $10 fee.
A dump point is provided and the park is pet friendly.
The on-site bar & cafe provide some good home-cooked meals, including a red claw crab pizza which is to die for, with happy-hour bar prices between 4.30 and 6 PM.
You'll need your own boat to be able to take full advantage of the fishing options here .....
..... but a Kayak is ideal for setting and checking crayfish nets around the edge of the lake. Photos: Copyright Ian Gill / Footloose Media
Did it pass the 'would I go there again' test? Having seen it once and without a tinnie and fishing gear probably not.
It was a very adequate park, somewhat remote but still a good base from which to tour the Gemfields and it certainly ticked all the boxes for the fishos and crabbers. I did enjoy my stay and I'm glad I saw Lake Maraboon but I just think next time I'm in the area I'd settle for something a bit closer to Emerald and its amenities.
Getting There …..
Lake Maraboon is in central west Queensland's Gemfields region, 655-Kilometres northwest of Brisbane and an easy 17-kilometre drive from Emerald.
