Don’t be tricked by the lack of blue on the map, Enoggera Reservoir really does have water in it. The tracks that circuit the reservoir can be easily accessed from the Park n’ Ride at The Gap. While there isn’t one easy to follow circuit track, having GPS on hand will help keep you on course. Be warned, the temptation to jump into the reservoir at the end may prove too much, so take swimmers.
Quick Info
Location: 3A Mt Nebo Rd, The Gap QLD 4061
Walking Distance: 10km
Elevation: Lots of hills, 2 very steep hills
Time: 2- 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard: creek crossing and very steep in places
Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required
Opening Times: Closed occasionally for maintenance
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, information boards, swimming, kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, mountain bike riding, parking at The Gap Park n’ Ride
What to take: Water, camera, insect repellant, picnic, swimmers
Map:
The path to get you all the way around Enoggera Reservoir isn’t obvious. More signage would definitely be welcomed. The Information Centre at Walkabout Creek can help with directions to navigate the suburban area at the end of the walk (when going anti-clockwise) as there is no access to walk across the dam wall. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an official map. That said, how hard can it be? By sticking to left turns when going anti-clockwise and right turns when going clockwise you will make it all the way around eventually. It’s just a case of how many kilometres more than the expected 10km it takes you. Don’t forget, you are here for adventure!
Be prepared for hills. Lots of hills. Two ridiculously steep hills. Naively, I was expecting a relatively flat track being next to water. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Most of the track is wide enough for a vehicle and it’s shady most of the way around. The track is shared by mountain bikes.
Beautiful views of the reservoir throughout the circuit will keep you smiling as you puff your way up the hills.
If there has been recent rain, expect to get your shoes wet while crossing the creek.
With the dam wall out of bounds, the final part of the circuit (when going anti-clockwise) is a bit convoluted as you need to navigate through a few suburban streets. Eventually you will make it back to The Gap Park n’ Ride. Hopefully you haven’t gone too much beyond the expected 10km.
I completed this circuit in late January and was so grateful for the free swimming area to cool down at the end. Just see if you can resist the temptation!