
Mega Litres
Structure description
ARCH CONCRETE BUTTRESS
Location
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Recreational facilities are owned and managed by Sunwater.
Boating
Boating activities are permitted at Lake Julius, however, operators are reminded to read and obey and obey the signs, look for hazards, boat to conditions and stay away from the dam wall by at least 200 metres, as marked by the buoy line, or as signed. Water activities including swimming, kayaking and sailing are permitted among other activities, however, please note the exclusion zones as signed. The boat ramp is owned by Sunwater and managed by Mount Isa City Council. Learn your responsibilities on the water through the Maritime Safety Queensland Boating and Fishing Guide.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Lake Julius, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall. Fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards. To learn what fish are stocked at this dam, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.
Camping
Camping is not permitted at Julius Dam.
Pets
For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please keep your pet on a leash or restrained during your visit.
Rubbish
Help us keep all recreational areas clean and tidy by using the rubbish bins provided. If rubbish bins are full please take your rubbish with you. Please also take any seafood rubbish with you to reduce odour.
BBQ
There are recreational BBQs available for use. Please use common sense when around open flame. Contact 000 to report uncontrolled fire.
Antisocial behaviour
If you observe vandalism, antisocial behaviour or any illegal activities, please contact the Police immediately on 000.
Commercial or large group activities
Please note that approval is required for the use of Sunwater land for any organised event or function other than normal visitor activities in approved recreational areas. Events or functions include, but are not limited to fishing, swimming, rowing, boating or skiing competitions or displays, community events, weddings or other organised on-land activities. To gain approval, submit a General Application for Access to Sunwater Land or Infrastructure and Events or contact us on 13 15 89.
Motorcycles and other vehicles
The recreational use of motorcycles and four wheelers within the area and the surrounding private property is strictly prohibited.
Please practise caution when driving all other vehicles in the area. The speed limit in the camping area is 20km/h unless otherwise signed.
Hazards
There is a known presence of submerged trees and other objects. Floating objects may be present after an inflow or flood event. Fast flowing water may be released suddenly from the spillway.
Read the signs and stay safe
For your own safety, please take note of the signs around the dam including those regarding private property and trespassing. The signs indicate hazards to watch out for and areas to avoid. Keep an eye on your children and inform them of the hazards and permitted areas.
Emergency Management
View the Julius Dam Emergency Action Plan, here.
Visitors must adhere to current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and are encouraged to observe good hygiene practices.
All persons entering Sunwater property at their own risk should exercise due care and attention and must comply with all signs, notices, the lawful directions of Sunwater, Sunwater staff, all laws, regulations and applicable standards (e.g. boating, fire, road usage). All liability of Sunwater (or its subsidiaries) to you or any other person for loss or damage of any kind (however caused, including by negligence) arising from or relating in any way to access to, or use of, Sunwater property is excluded.
Recreation Facility Upgrade Project
In 2022, the Queensland Government announced Sunwater would receive $24.5 million over five years to upgrade and maintain recreation facilities at Sunwater assets across the state. Find out more about this project here.
Playing safe
Stay safe at dams and weirs by looking out for potential hazards and risks.
Dam history

Julius Dam
Named after former Mount Isa Mines chairman and director Julius Kruttschnitt whose leadership helped establish the mining industry in the north-west minerals province, the dam on the Leichardt River was completed in 1978, about 70 km north-east of Mt Isa.
It is unique in Queensland due to the way it is made. It is an impressive concrete multiple-arch and buttress-type structure, with the spillway discharging over the tops of the arches. The arch barrels on a triangular arch base are constructed in independent arch rings.
It provides back-up supplies to Lake Moondarra for urban water needs as well as water for the Cloncurry Council and mines in the North West Mineral Province including Ernest Henry copper mine and MMG (Dugal River).