[4] The dam is located approximately 13 km (8.1 mi) east of Inglewood, just off the Cunningham Highway.

From a catchment area of 1,735 square kilometres (670 sq mi), the dam creates Lake Coolmunda at an elevation of 314.07 metres (1,030.4 ft) above sea level, with a surface area of 1,650 hectares (4,100 acres) at a maximum depth of 16.1 metres (53 ft) when at full capacity.

The controlled spillway with radial gates has a discharge capacity of 6,860 cubic metres per second (242,000 cu ft/s).

[2][3] There is one boat ramp, three picnic areas with good facilities as well as a caravan park.

[3] Parts of the lake contain stretches of standing timber and along the northern bank there are submerged fence posts the demark a former creek bed.