Lake Dunn: Healing Vibes and Outback Skies
After our short stay in Muttaburra, we packed up and pointed the motorhome towards Aramac, rolling through soft outback light and big skies. It’s always worth taking a moment to appreciate the names of these outback towns. Named after Robert Ramsey Mackenzie, Queensland’s second Premier, who owned a nearby station in the 1800s, the town’s name comes from his initials: R.R. Mac—a neat little slice of history hidden in plain sight.
From Aramac, we made our way out to Lake Dunn for a few days of peaceful camping. The lake is surrounded by gums and teeming with birdlife. It’s a quiet, slow kind of place, and just the ticket for resetting the pace. We set up by the shore, kicked back with books and cuppas, and took in a couple of cracking sunrises and sunsets.
On our way out to Lake Dunn, we tackled part of the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, checking out the artworks dotted along the sealed section of the road. From bottle-top birds to rusted metal emus, each sculpture added a bit of creative quirk to the drive. We didn’t complete the whole loop this time; some of the gravel sections were a bit too wet and bumpy for the moho, but even a partial run is well worth it.
One of the more intriguing stops was the Healing Circle at White Station. This installation is composed of arranged stones and logs, with a gentle yet powerful energy about it. We were encouraged to take a moment, sit with our thoughts and send some healing into the world. We took that chance to send a bit of love towards our old girl Zoe, who’d been nursing a sore shoulder for a few days. Whether it was the circle, the rest, or just some bush magic, she was up and strolling happily again the next day. We’re not questioning it.
Lake Dunn gave us everything we needed: stillness, fresh air, and a few surprises. It’s one of those places that doesn’t shout, but lingers in the memory, particularly when the healing works.
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Lake Dunn
Lake Dunn is an unexpected oasis in the heart of Central Queensland’s Mitchell Grass Downs. Known as “the lake in the desert,” it’s a freshwater spot popular with campers, birdwatchers, and anyone who needs a refreshing pause from the dry landscapes around. It’s also the centrepiece of the famous Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, where quirky and creative metal artworks dot the countryside, turning the drive into an open-air gallery.
How to Get There
Lake Dunn is located about 68 kilometres northeast of Aramac, on a sealed road. It’s easily reached by car, with plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes around the camping area. The Sculpture Trail forms a loop between Aramac, Lake Dunn, and surrounding properties, making it a worthwhile detour if you’re heading through Outback Queensland.
What to see, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Lake Dunn – Camped by the water, enjoying birdlife and peaceful views.
Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail – Drove the loop and stopped at quirky sculptures scattered across the paddocks, each one with its own personality.
Other highlights you might explore:
Fishing and Kayaking – The freshwater lake is popular for those with gear to cast a line or paddle.
Birdwatching – The wetlands around the lake attract a wide range of birdlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
Swimming and Picnics – On hot days, locals and travellers alike cool off with a swim or settle in for a lakeside picnic.
When to Visit
The cooler months between April and September are the most comfortable for camping and driving the Sculpture Trail. Summer can be very hot, though the lake does offer relief for those keen on a swim.
Final Thoughts
Lake Dunn felt like stumbling upon an oasis in the middle of the outback. Between the cool water, the lively birdlife, and the humour of the Sculpture Trail, it gave us both a rest and a smile before we moved on.
What’s Nearby
Our time at Lake Dunn came after exploring Muttaburra, where we’d stepped back into prehistoric history at the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre. From the quiet of the lake, we rolled east into Barcaldine, a town with its own big story to tell beneath the Tree of Knowledge.
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From the old Rex Cinema in Monto to a four-kilo peanut haul in Kingaroy, this stretch of Queensland had everything—local tips, bush learning, and the stories you only find on the road.