The UQ lakes serve no real function purpose (that I can see). You can't kayak on them, nor can you water ski. You could try throwing a line in, but the best you'd catch would be a gold fish or maybe a turtle--I don't recommend this. I once knew some boys who decided to go swimming in the lakes at night time, covered themselves in lake mud and then ran around campus. I think they contracted some sort of mud-borne bacterial infection. The lakes are there for aesthetic purposes only, people, best enjoyed by wandering around them, observing the wildlife and being careful not to step in duck poo. These lakes aren't spectacular, nor large enough to be of any real use, but our sandstone university wouldn't be complete without a few water features, the lakes contributing nicely to the general atmosphere. read more

UQ Lakes - Lakes Near Me - St Lucia, QLD

I tend not to hang around the UQ Lakes that much. It is not because the Lakes aren't beautiful, they really are. It is not that they aren't convenient, they are right on campus and next to the bus stop. It is more because of a phobia of birds that I happen to have, and there are a heck of a lot of birds near the Lakes. The UQ Lakes also have turtles though and fish, and I love turtles so I guess that balances out the birds a bit. I love the Lakes, I just make sure I go with a friend to protect me from the birds which I am always scared will attack me Alfred Hitchcock style. The University of Queensland Lakes are surrounded by grassy areas and trees, perfect to laze around in between lectures. There are serene walkways including a wooden one across on of the Lakes. These are all well lit at night as well since the walkways lead to the UQ Lakes bus stop nearby. The UQ Lakes bus stop is nice and convenient and makes the trip to the city and South Brisbane a lot quicker than it used to be before the Green Bridge was open. I recommend the Lakes as a great area to relax and unwind after a long day of study. read more

Whether you're a bird-watcher or just looking for somewhere pleasant to eat your packed lunch picnic style the UQ Lakes offer one of the more scenic and relaxing corners of the university to take a break from the rigors of learning. I'd stop just short of saying they're tranquil, because the sounds of the bird life precludes such a description. At times (near sunset being one) the calls of the geese and multitudes of ibis that nest on one outcrop of terra firma in the middle of one of the lakes (me and my friends used to refer to it as 'Ibis Island' -- the big daddy ibis can be seen roosting atop a tree with other subordinate ibis clamouring below) reaches cacophonous levels. But there are the more diminutive ducks, elegant water fowl and the odd turtle (I once saw one trying to did a hole for its eggs in the hard earth on a hill leading to the pub, poor thing) for those who like their animal life cute and demure. read more

The UQ Lakes and the Great Court are the iconic features of the University of Queensland. There's just something about this area that allows you to ponder life and watch all the ducks, ibis and geese go by. Just don't try feed them... or go up to them... just don't interact with them ok? You'll be setting yourself up for a highly intense run from the birds of the lake. The Lakes do have many magnificent areas to just sit, have a picnic or just study in the sun. Spring is the highlight season here with the flowers in full bloom and the Jacaranda trees giving the water a beautiful pink glow. You'll see many of the students avoiding the lake at this time though. University myths say that if a Jacaranda flower falls on you then it's bad luck for exams! But who can resist chilling out here at this time of the year? read more

I came out to this lake to enjoy the serenity but I got bored pretty fast and there is duck poo everywhere. Most of the ducks aren't even that good. Back in my day, there were these really cool looking ducks like big white ones with puffy things on their heads. That was over 10 years ago so I guess they're all dead now, or washed away in the floods. All in all I don't think the 20 minutes I've spent here has resulted in an increase in my inner peace. 2 stars, wouldn't look at UQ ducks again. read more