Brian Dare sits with his wife Debbie on the verandah outside the office-cum-reception area enjoying a morning coffee. Behind them, the wall is papered with photographs; people holding cod or yellowbelly mostly, and the sun is always shining.
“It’s like a big aquarium actually,” Brian said, looking out across the expanse of the dam. “The fish are partly stocked here, but there’s still plenty of breeding that goes on.” To illustrate this last point, we go down to the dam wall and Brian points to a spot in the green water. “The cod are getting ready to breed,” he said.
Sure enough, as your eyes become accustomed to the glare off the water, you can make out the movement just a few feet below the surface. A huge Murray cod at least a metre in length is using his pectoral fins to clean debris from a big flat rock. His movements are gracefully at odds with the size of the fish.
“He’s just waiting for his girlfriend,” Brian explained with a quiet smile.
The Dares have been at Glenlyon for 28 years and, in that time, have built up the facilities of the camping area with a constant attention to detail that ensures their clientele are both regular and happy.
“We get quite a few people coming in who might be on their way west, or returning from out that way,” Debbie said. “Some only stay for a night, others like it so much they hang
on much longer.”
Glenlyon’s location is really well placed for a large number of activities, either on or near the dam. The southern end of Sundown National Park is close by, and provides easy access to the Severn River, which is ideal for canoeing, fishing and perhaps, a bit of bushwalking. Two other river systems are also close by, the Mole River, and the Dumaresq (pronounced ‘Dewmerric’). Both of these also offer plenty of potential for short hops or day trips out of Glenlyon, with the Dumaresq flowing west towards Goondiwindi and forming part of the NSW/Qld border.
A FISHERMAN'S PARADISE
But, of course, the biggest drawcard to Glenlyon visitors is the fishing. The huge Murray cod are elusive but do get caught. Many people throw the bigger ones back because if it’s a feed you want the smaller, legal size fish is the better choice.
Then there’s the yellowbelly. These fish put on plenty of weight in the nutrient-rich waters of the dam. Their favourite tucker is live shrimp or small yabbies, but the purist sport fishermen prefer to chase them with artificial lures, with the odd looking spinnerbait being a firm favourite for both cod and ‘yellas’.
The dam is liberally sprinkled with drowned trees, and these are a favourite hangout for both fish. Dropping a spinnerbait or live bait down alongside some downed timber and slowly winding it back up will often provoke a strike, and you had better be ready for it. There have more than a few jaw dropping moments around those dead trees.
Of course, with this amount of water present, it would be absurd to think there’d be no skiers. However, they seldom bother the fishos because waterskiing among dead trees is bad for you. If waterskiing is your thing, bear in mind that, from time to time, dead timber will float just below the surface. It’s not uncommon to see some birds that appear to be standing on the water, when in fact there’s a dead tree just below the surface.
The accommodation at the dam is a mix of camping and cabins. The cabins are comfortable and sleep four adults and, while there are no ensuites, the daily price reflects this. Campers, caravanners and camper trailer owners have a choice of powered or unpowered sites with plenty of shady trees, planted by the Dares. Brian and Debbie realised early on that many people like a campfire, and fireplaces are provided for either cooking or just sitting beside. Brian has also provided a supply of firewood and, while open fires are not allowed, you are welcome to bring your own Bush Pig cooker or equivalent.
Camping at Glenlyon is reminiscent of days gone by with less formality. It has the definite feel of bush camping without the dramas – but with the bonus of a shower available at the end of the day, and a toilet any time you need one.
There are also two boat ramps, both close to the camping area, and there is a small fleet of hire boats available. There are no restrictions on boating so, if you can tow it in, you can launch it.
FAST FACTS
Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park is about 300km south of Brisbane. The park is well signposted and you will find the turnoff from the Bruxner Highway Mingoola, 58km west of Tenterfield. Then it’s only about 10km into Glenlyon and the campground.
Campers visiting Glenlyon are advised to be self-sufficient but unleaded, diesel and premium fuel are available on site. Snacks are available but there are no groceries. Ice is also available if you want to take home a few fish, but bag limits apply.
Contact Brian and Debbie for more information or to book a site on (02) 6737 5266 during business hours or search Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park on www.facebook.com
Check out the full feature in issue #100 May 2016 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.