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# Lake Baroon from Montville

> Lake Baroon is 3.2 km from Montville Country Cabins. Plan a picnic, paddle, electric boat or permitted fishing trip using the lake's current access rules.

- Tag: Guides

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Lake Baroon is 3.2 km from Montville Country Cabins. It is close enough for a picnic by the water, a paddle or a few hours with a fishing rod. It does not need to become a full-day expedition.

The lake is managed by Seqwater. Access, permitted activities and opening conditions can change, so check the [Northern Recreation Area](https://www.seqwater.com.au/things-to-do/northern-recreation-area-baroon) and current notices before leaving the cabin.

## Use the northern side from Montville

The Northern Recreation Area is reached from Narrows Road in Montville. Seqwater lists picnic and barbecue facilities, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, sailing, electric boating and fishing among the activities available there.

Choose the northern area for a picnic, time by the water or a paddle with your own craft. It is also a designated launch point for permitted boats.

Recreation-area gates use seasonal hours. Check the current opening times before an early paddle or sunset picnic, and leave enough time to load the car before closing.

The Southern Recreation Area is reached from Baroon Pocket Road on the Maleny side. It is useful when a wider Maleny drive is already part of the day, but it is not the direct choice from the cabins.

## What can go on the water

Seqwater permits non-powered craft and boats with electric motors at Lake Baroon. Petrol-powered boating is not permitted. Launch only from designated points and stay within the areas shown in the current [Lake Baroon recreation guide](https://www.seqwater.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-08/Lake%20Baroon%20recreation%20guide.pdf).

If you are paddling, conditions still matter on a small inland lake. Check wind and rain, carry the required safety equipment and do not assume the return leg will feel like the way out. A short paddle close to the launch can be a better fit for a quiet Montville stay than chasing distance.

The only designated, buoyed swimming area is at the Southern Recreation Area, and there are no lifeguards. Check the current [Seqwater swimming guidance](https://www.seqwater.com.au/things-to-do/swimming-designated-areas-only/swimming-baroons-southern-recreation-area) before going. Do not treat every piece of shoreline as a swimming or launching point.

## Fishing needs a permit

Fishing is allowed only in designated areas and requires a Stocked Impoundment Permit. Seqwater's [Lake Baroon fishing page](https://www.seqwater.com.au/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-northern-recreation-area) sets out the current access rules.

Stay off private land, use the approved shoreline or vessel areas and take discarded line and hooks with you. If fishing is the purpose of the visit, verify the current recreation-area opening times before planning an early start or late finish.

## The Great Walk is a separate plan

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk also reaches the lake area. From Baroon Pocket Dam, the first section runs 2.2 km to Baroon Lookout. A further 9.2 km reaches the Kondalilla day-use area. Queensland Parks lists six to eight hours for the full 11.4 km one-way route. It needs a transport plan. Use the [Kondalilla walk guide](/blog/kondalilla-falls-walks-from-montville/) if that route is under consideration.

Back at Montville Country Cabins, each cabin has a private balcony or patio, kitchen and hooded BBQ. A paid BBQ pack or hot dinner hamper can be arranged with Karen and Michael. The [in-cabin dining guide](/blog/in-cabin-dining-hampers/) covers the details.

Lake Baroon works because it is near. Check the rules and choose the recreation area that supports what you want to do.

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