Lake Samsonvale, Pine River Dam, Whiteside, Moreton Bay, Queensland
Whether it’s a day trip from Brisbane or a romantic weekend escape, Lake Samsonvale is a picturesque and exciting destination. Although located right next door to Joyner, Warner, Whiteside and Petrie, Lake Samsonvale may be in the heart of Moreton Shire’s busiest population hubs, but it feels a whole world away. The North Pine Dam on Lake Samsonvale provides drinking water to Moreton Region and Brisbane. Lake Samsonvale is also home to a broad variety of plant and animal species. To maintain the delicate eco-system and the integrity of our water supply, all visitors must take extra care to protect the environment. Like all areas of natural, fragile beauty, remember to “leave only footprints, take only photographs”.
Things to do at Lake Samsonvale and The North Pine Dam
Lake Samsonvale attracts all kinds of visitors to its shores but never feels crowded.
Fishing at Lake Samsonvale
Lake Samsonvale’s fish stocks are maintained by the Pine Rivers Fish Managemet Association, so there’s always plenty of bites, making it ideal for young children to catch their first fish. You’ll find spangled perch, snub-nosed garfish, golden perch, silver perch, eastern freshwater cod, saratoga, red claw crayfish and Australian bass. You’ll also find tilapia – which is delicious, but at numbers considered pest level – so do your bit and get fishing! Top fishing spots include Bullocky Rest, McGavin View, Forgan Park, Forgan Cove and Kobble Creek. Like boating, shore fishing is strictly by permit only. These are obtainable from the Samsonvale Water Sports Association or the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association.
Canoeing, kayaking, rowing and sailing at Lake Samsonvale
Water sports are restricted at the lake to permit holders. The Samsonvale Water Sports Association holds regular regattas on the lake (watching the sailboats make for a very romantic first date). all visitors hoping to participate in water sports should check for restrictions before setting out.
Swimming at Lake Samsonvale
Unfortunately, there are no designated swimming areas at Lake Samsonvale. There are however a number of beautiful natural creeks and crossings nearby and a number of Council run water parks.
Playgrounds, Picnics and Barbecues
Lake Samsonvale is one of the best locations for a picnic or barbecue lunch in Moreton Region. All designated picnic and barbecue areas have a range of facilities including fresh water, toilets, tables and easy parking. Designated picnic areas can be found at Bullocky Rest, McGavin View, Forgan Park, Forgan Cove and Kobble Creek. If you’re bringing the kids, we recommend McGavin View for its sizable play structure, lookout and barbecue areas. McGavin View has an expansive view over the lake and out to neighbouring mountains. McGavin View is situated on the edge of the North Pine Dam wall, just the kind of thing little people love to look at! Check out our review of McGavin View here. Bullocky Rest is also a great place to bring kids. In addition to a small play structure, you’ll find opportunities to get up close and personal with water birds. After something a little more secluded and romantic? Forgan Cove is the ideal place for a picnic with lovely views from the adjoining 4.5km hiking path.
Dining options near Lake Samsonvale
We thoroughly recommend packing a picnic or barbecue lunch and enjoying the recreational facilities around the lake. If you’re spending a few days, you can venture into Petrie, Warner, Dayboro or Clear Mountain for ample dining options. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend escape, a first date or a big day out with the kids, Lake Samsonvale (and the North Pine Dam) offers a beautiful place to relax and take in the view.
Lake Samsonvale Brisbane
A scenic picnic location, Bullocky Rest overlooks the picturesque surrounds of the Moreton Bay Region’s Lake Samsonvale, and is open from 6am daily. With a playground, numerous picnic shelters, BBQ’s and toilets, this is a much loved destination for those wanting to have a relaxing outdoor Sunday afternoon.
THE GHOST TOWN THAT WOULDNT DIE ORA BANDA WA 2011a
Ora Banda is a townsite, now a virtual ghost town, located 66 kilometres (41 mi) north east of Kalgoorlie. According to folklore, the town name is Spanish meaning 'band of gold'.[1]
History
The Ora Banda Hotel was the place to meet up.
Gold was discovered in the district in 1893 and in 1909 the Ora Banda Progress Committee requested the Government make additional lots available, but it was 1911 before a decision was made to declare a townsite there The survey of lots was made in 1911, and the townsite gazetted in 1912[2]. By 1910 there were approximately 2,000 miners and their families living in the area. The town had two stores, two butchers, two bakers, a town hall, dining halls, a post office, a police station, churches, boarding houses and billiards saloons.
The once famous Huntington Mills Bank was situated there. Which in its time it was the largest bank in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1911 the Ora Banda Hotel was constructed by Alfred E Garnett using stone and brick.
On 17 June 1913, Eileen Walls (13yrs old) led a procession of school children up the main street, and had the honour of cutting the ribbon and so officially opened the Ora Banda State Battery. The five head battery ran three shifts and in 1936 another five head had to be added.
Water was supplied to the town by dams until the town was connected to the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme from Kalgoorlie in 1933
The Ora Banda school burnt down
Living conditions were rough.
Mine shafts were scattered across the area
[edit] Current
Today's goldmining companies are still working the same sites discovered nearly a century ago, and on the outskirts of town you will find the Ora Banda State Battery which is still used to crush ore.
Annually in September the population swells for a day for the Ora Banda Race Day. The race track is opposite the historical Ora Banda Inn.
The town hit the headlines in 2000 when Gypsy Joker, Billy Grierson, was fatally shot while sitting at a camp fire on the old town site. Former Criminal Investigation Bureau chief and Ora Banda hotel owner Don Hancock was suspected of the shooting and his properties were later fire-bombed. Hancock was later killed in a car bombing in 2001 in Perth, Western Australia in a revenge attack by other Gypsy Jokers.[3