Leslie: Sprint Route, Fishing and History

Leslie brings together a historic transport route and fishing spots on two distinct waterways: Sandy Creek and Lake Leslie. The Sprint Route runs through the Leslie district, and conditions vary between the two waterside locations. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on the scenery and transport history or on fishing. Fishing is permitted in Lake Leslie at Leslie Dam, while camping rules and flood warnings are important at Leslie Reserve.

The Sprint Route and Local History

The Sprint Route runs through the Leslie district and was once the main road to Goondiwindi; bullock teams used it. Its starting point is on Sandy Creek Road, eight kilometres to the right of Warwick’s central business district. The route is a relaxed drive through bushland, past working farms and through windy, tree-lined landscapes. This brings together the road’s former use and the sights along the drive. The bullock teams offer families a vivid conversation starter: they can imagine how travelling along a former main road differed from journeys today.

Leslie was named after Patrick Leslie. Granite sculptures of Patrick Leslie and his wife Kate stand nearby, close to the Leslie Dam wall. The place name and the figures offer another way to explore local history: the sculptures depict the namesake and his wife, while the Sprint Route recalls the road’s former use.

Fishing and Camping at Leslie Dam

Fishing is permitted in Lake Leslie. However, shore fishing at or near the dam wall is not allowed, so take this restriction into account when choosing a fishing spot. Leslie Dam has a boat ramp, a picnic area with toilets, boat hire and boat fuel. Facilities may change, so check locally before travelling. The designated campground at the dam offers privately operated camping and overnight accommodation. If you plan to use this option, check current availability before you arrive.

Leslie Reserve on Sandy Creek

Leslie Reserve offers a quiet fishing spot on the banks of Sandy Creek and is a recommended stop for fishing. Camping is not allowed there, unlike at the designated campground at Leslie Dam. Also be aware of the flood risk: the reserve is downstream of the Leslie Dam gates, and Sandy Creek can rise over its banks there without warning. Take this warning into account when planning a visit to the banks.

When looking for holiday accommodation, you can use the focus of your trip as a starting point: the Sprint Route combines history with scenery, while fishing involves taking account of the rules at Lake Leslie and conditions at Leslie Reserve. This helps you plan outings around their specific features without treating the two fishing locations as the same.

Discover more destinations: Yengarie, Moonie, Black Mountain, Kuttabul, Moreton Island, Kleinton, Julia Creek, Ravenshoe.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.