Hinze Dam holds the Gold Coast's water supply behind a wall on the Nerang River in the hinterland, and its lake, Advancetown Lake, is open to boating under Seqwater's rules. The Eastern Boat Ramp on Gilston Road is the smaller of the two ramps, a single concrete lane with unmarked parking and no facilities.
The rules matter more than the ramp. Only electric-powered craft, sailing craft and paddle craft are permitted; petrol motors are banned on the lake. Maritime Safety Queensland's boating regulations apply. Fishing needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit, and the dam is currently catch-and-release only, because Seqwater advises against eating fish from Hinze on account of naturally occurring mercury. Bass and saratoga are the targets, worked with electric motors along the drowned timber.
The lake is almost always near full, and the water is sheltered and quiet. Facilities (toilets, water, picnic areas) are at the Western Boat Ramp and the dam wall precinct on the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. There is no marine rescue cover; emergency is 000.