Hinze Dam is one of our favourite spots in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Sitting on the edge of the Numinbah State Forest and Springbrook National Park, it is just under 25 kilometres from the centre of Surfers Paradise. It is the perfect spot to visit if you are looking for some time out from the theme parks and the hustle and bustle of Surfers.
Hinze Dam is a great spot to visit at any time of the year but I think it is at it’s best in Autumn. Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit the Gold Coast. The days are still gloriously warm but without the humidity of summer. Generally we don’t get a lot of rain during our Autumn months either.
One of the things we loved most about the Gold Coast, is the fact that just a 30 to 45 minute drive from Surfers Paradise are arguably some of the best national parks in Queensland, if not Australia. Often on the weekends or during school holidays we will head out for a day trip, most times with no particular destination in mind.
HINZE DAM
Hinze Dam is the main water catchment and storage area for the Gold Coast. In recent years the dam wall has been raised significantly to increase the storage capacity of the dam. When the Gold Coast experiences lots of rain a large volume of water runs over the spillway which is quite a spectacular sight.
PERFECT FOR PICNICS
Hinze Dam is the perfect spot for a picnic. There is a large redeveloped picnic area, including BBQs, shelters and tables and a new children’s playground. The dam wall itself is open to the public to walk or cycle across. It will take you between 20 to 30 minutes to walk across the wall and back. You will cover a distance of about four kilometres in that time. From the wall, the views across the dam are spectacular.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
A new addition to the redeveloped Hinze Dam area, is mountain bike trails. Located on the far side of the dam wall there are numerous tracks all with different degrees of difficulty.
FISHING
Hinze Dam is also an ideal place for a spot of freshwater fishing. But you will require a fishing permit. Motorised craft is not permitted on Hinze Dam. However, kayaks and sailboats are welcome. No swimming is allowed either. But this doesn’t prevent you from having a great day out there.
There is also a coffee shop in the Visitors Centre which offers food and drinks at reasonable prices. There is plenty of seating that looks out over the dam. A great spot to enjoy some morning or afternoon tea!
PLEASE NOTE
If you are not familiar with this area, be aware that your GPS will probably send you into the back end of Hinze Dam. There is no access to the wall and picnic facilities from there. You will need to follow the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.
TRACK YOUR ADVENTURE
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I never knew there was a cafe up there – good to know for adding to my day trips list!
The cafe has only been there since the area re-opened after they raised the dam wall. Gorgeous views from it.