Lake Moondarra

Lake Moondarra is a large artificial reservoir located about 16 kilometres north of Mount Isa in north-west Queensland, Australia. Created in 1958 by the construction of Leichhardt Dam on the Leichhardt River to secure water supply for the mining city, it covers approximately 2,000 hectares when full. The lake is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors, known for fishing, water sports, birdwatching and scenic sunsets over the outback landscape.

Visitors can expect a vast outback reservoir set among low rocky hills and spinifex country north of Mount Isa. The lake offers open water for boating and water skiing, shoreline areas for fishing and birdwatching, and picnic and barbecue areas with shelters and viewing points. There are boat ramps, toilets and shaded seating. The environment is arid and scenic, with wide skies, sunsets over the water, and abundant birdlife. It is a day-use recreation area with no shops, best visited by car.

Constructed between 1956 and 1958 with the building of Leichhardt Dam across the Leichhardt River to provide a reliable water supply for Mount Isa Mines and the town of Mount Isa. At the time of completion it was the largest water storage in Queensland. The name Moondarra is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning plenty of rain. The dam and lake secured the long-term viability of the mining settlement in the arid north-west.

Located on Kalkadoon Country, the lake is the principal outdoor recreation and social gathering place for the Mount Isa community. It hosts community fishing competitions, water sports and leisure activities and is valued as a scenic natural escape from the mining city.