Lake Inverell was formed in 1938, when the dam wall across the Macintyre River just upstream of Inverell was completed.
Lake Inverell Reserve is now a peaceful aquatic sanctuary close to town. The area is home to a large variety of birds, platypus, kangaroos, wallabies and waterbirds, and is a popular area for barbecues, walking, bird watching and fishing. Dogs are permitted on a lead within the reserve.
There are two walking tracks provided. Lake Inverell Walk is a three kilometre return trip, easy grade walk. Keen walkers can continue on the Barayamal Walk, which passes through Barayamal National Park, and is a medium grade six kilometre return trip walk. Dogs are not permitted in Barayamal National Park.
Barbecue and picnic areas are available for your use, and fishing and non-powered boats are permitted on the lake.