Lake Dyer - Bill Gunn Dam

Lake Dyer / Bill Gunn dam is situated only about an hour away from home and is a gem of a spot for a weekend getaway. So much so, I'm a little reluctant to tell any more people about it! (so feel free to skip this post and move onto the next one)

Beautiful Lake Dyer

Lake Dyer is situated just outside of Laidley in the Lockyer Valley. You can read more info about the area here. 

We arrived after school on the Friday and left on the Sunday around lunchtime. Our unpowered camp site cost $11 per night ($22 for powered) and they have a deal where you receive the 2nd night free. So our weekend away cost a grand total of $11 for a lovely spot overlooking the water!

Things weren't all rosy though. About an hour after setting up camp we noticed that the gas fridge had turned off and we couldn't get it cranking again, in fact, we couldn't get any gas flowing. 

The guys from the Australian Caravan Club happened to be staying in camp this weekend and one of the gents (I think his name was Les, I can't quite remember, so sorry if you're reading this) came to the rescue with a spare gas regulator and some guidance on how to install. He was a top bloke and we really appreciated his help and information about what causes these things to fail regularly. Needless to say I'm now carrying a spare regulator in the van.

Once the beer temperature was secured, it was time to relax and have a look around camp. Facilities were clean, toilets are open to the public but the showers are locked - for campers only. There was also a nice playground right next to our site to keep the kids busy.

Toilets and showers block.

Swimming facilities were obviously great and there was plenty of room for the kids to run, bike and generally tucker themselves out. Small dogs are also allowed, provided they stay leashed.

Before the masses arrive

On Saturday morning the place was jumping with cars, boats and day trippers as people chose to spend a glorious South East weekend in the outdoors.  The caretakers actually commented to us that they usually only see these types of numbers on long weekends. Regardless, everyone was well behaved and respectful, but don't expect to get a sleep in because once the gates are opened (at 6am) the roar of the boat engines shatter the silence. 

Weekend #2 - numbers were a little less hectic

Overall we loved it here. So much so that we spent a second (and much quieter) weekend at the lake a fortnight later. 

Homeward bound

The only real dampener on things are the rules on camp fires. Unfortunately there's no fires allowed in the camping area. You can light a fire in the day trip area, but I found that painful and we went without. Seriously though, if fires were allowed in camp we'd probably spend most weekends at this place!