Basin Lake

Kgari, Queensland

This swim is a natural basin, nestled between surrounding hills, with a sandy gap to enter the water from the little beach on shore. Basin Lake is only accessible by foot, 3-4 km each way from either Central Station or Lake McKenzie. Above: The entry point for swimming at Basin Lake (Order this image)

After possibly being overwhelmed by the crowds at nearby Lake McKenzie, Basin Lake is a chance to get away from the tour buses for a much more peaceful swim. The lake has the typical sandy bed and shallow water near the edge, suitable for splashing about if you only want to cool off your feet after the walk to the lake. The water gets deep enough for swimming a few metres from the shore. The algal growth trapped around the reeds in the warm water near the shore was initially a bit disconcertaing, but I found the water quality improved once I was well clear of the basin rim, with no signs of that algae in the remarkably clear water further out. At around 200 metres across, the lake is large enough to stretch out for some long lap swimming. The lake is somewhat protected from the wind by the surrounding landscape, which makes for smooth swimming conditions most of the time. Treading water out in the middle of the lake, taking in the 360 degree, multi-layered panorama of water, reeds, scrub, forest, hills, and sky, it was an opportunity to really take a deep breath and be present in nature. Above: The path into the water at Basin Lake (Order this image)

There are two routes to reach Basin Lake. The shortest route, which is the one I took, is a 2.8 km walk each way from Central Station. After staying overnight at Central Station, this walk and swim was a great way to start the day. The boardwalk overlooking the pristine Wanggoolba Creek at the start of the walk was a highlight. There are some sizeable hills along the way, but the gradients are not too steep, with the path wide open, signposted, and well maintained for most of its length. The final descent down to the lake sees it emerge through the scrub like a long lost revelation (this is so pretty, how could I have not come here before?). You can also walk in from Lake McKenzie, which is a further 1 km each way, but I have not ventured along that track, so cannot comment on it. There is also a narrow track that goes all the way around the lake, but reeds prevent clear access to the water away from the little beach. Above: The track down to the water at Basin Lake (Order this image)

There are no facilities at the lake, apart from some wooden slats to prevent erosion which you can sit on and leave your gear on without attracting any sand. Please take any rubbish home with you. Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this swim, the managing authority has warning signs on site to beware of falling cones from Kauri Pines in November to December when walking to the lake, as serious injury or death may result if you are hit by one of these pointy cones, which weigh up to 3 kg. The marker indicates the approximate location of the swimming entry point at the lake. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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