Unlike Enoggera, the Gold Creek site could supply water to the most elevated parts of the city.

From a catchment area of 10.5 square kilometres (4.1 sq mi), the dam creates a reservoir with an average depth of 26 metres (85 ft).

[6] Construction was more difficult than expected and caused cost overruns and delays, which led to criticism of the Board of Waterworks.

The connection to the growing Brisbane population was by a single 16-inch (41 cm), cast-iron pipe that was 20 kilometres (12 mi) in length.

However, nothing was initiated, partly due to the lack of a suitable location to treat water from both dams, and because wet weather in 1888 resulted in the number of complaints dropping to just a few.

Transport for Brisbane route 435 travels hourly during weekdays from the Indooroopilly Interchange to the Resthaven aged care home at 124 Gold Creek Road, approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the Dam.

Taken clockwise and starting on the western end of the top of the dam, the first 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) so is generally a narrow, winding track clinging to steep hillside with some climb.

The next 1.5-kilometre (0.9 mi) return path along the eastern side of the reservoir is narrow and fairly rugged, climbing and dropping repeatedly.

The final 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) back to the foot of the dam is well-formed, reasonably wide, and gentle, with formed steps on the steeper sections.

[citation needed] Walking and riding tracks which travel deep into Brisbane Forest Park also begin here.