Just 21 km north of St George, the E.J. Beardmore Dam is both a tribute to community leader Edwin James Beardmore and a vital water source for the region. Built in 1972, this impressive structure can hold up to 81,700 ML of water, primarily supporting irrigation and urban needs along the Balonne River. Beardmore Dam offers a peaceful recreation area where you might spot some wildlife like kangaroos resting by the banks.

Follow the Cotton Self Drive Trail to explore the dam’s significance and the meeting point of the Maranoa and Balonne Rivers—the northern reach of the iconic Murray–Darling Basin.