Things to do in Burrinjuck Waters

A haven of outdoorsy fun and relaxation, Reflections Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park is big, beautiful and every bit worth the hype as one of the most serene camping spots in NSW. Less than 2 hours from Canberra and a 40-minute drive from Yass, you’re in angling heaven now, where the mighty Murrumbidgee River meets Lake Burrinjuck. With plenty of things to do in Burrinjuck Waters and plenty of space to do them, whether you’re a travelling family, an adventurous couple or just looking for the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature, you’ve landed in the right place. 

Get outdoors at Burrinjuck Waters

Fishing and boating heaven 

Well-known for its top freshwater fishing, Burrinjuck Dam was built in 1909 to support agriculture across the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area which it still does today. Despite this important job, there’s plenty of water for fisherfolk to cast a few. High on the target list for most visiting anglers is the native Murray cod, golden and silver perch, brown and rainbow trout, European carp, redfin and crayfish. Burrinjuck Waters fishing boasts plenty of top spots from the main basin to the river arms or you could try your luck on the inside of Wade Island in the main basin where the Murray Cod love to hang about.

For those looking to up their fishing game by bringing along the trusty boat, we’ve got your water access needs sorted with a convenient boat ramp from the Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park, and plenty of others scattered around the lake foreshore as well.

Discover idyllic swimming spots

After a big day adventuring or just kicking back enjoying the peace and quiet, nothing beats a cooling swim in the clean waters of Burrinjuck Dam before calling it a day and throwing some tucker on the BBQ. Popular spots for a dip include the foreshore near the Dam Wall and be sure to check out the most popular swimming spots on our Reflections Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park Map so you can waste no time changing gear into holiday mode.

Prefer being on the water than in it? We got your covered for the too, with someof the most peaceful kayaking and SUP spots you could imagine.

Explore the birdlife and wildlife of Lake Burrinjuck

Early risers are often rewarded with sightings of kangaroos grazing quietly at the edges of the park, while goannas, echidnas, and wallabies can also be spotted along the walking tracks or near the water’s edge.

Birdwatchers are in for a treat with regular king parrot and lorikeet visitors to the park. The area is home to a wide range of bird species including kingfishers, kookaburras, black swans, white-bellied sea eagles, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead. In the quieter coves and forested areas, you might also catch glimpses of rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas, and superb fairy-wrens darting among the trees.

Bring your binoculars, follow the sounds of birdsong, and enjoy the simple pleasure of observing wildlife in their natural environment—another reason why a trip to Burrinjuck Waters is so special.

Try these hikes and nature walks 

You can’t visit one of New South Wales’ most unspoilt natural playgrounds and not tick a few walking trails off the list along the way – they top the things to do in Burrinjuck Waters itinerary. Feel free to start small and take an easy stroll through Burrinjuck Nature Reserve along the dam foreshore, where the track has a gentle gradient, there’s plenty of local wildlife cameos and the views out over the water towards the vast mountain range are simple stunning. 

For the more experienced hikers, the entire Burrinjuck Trails Network that stretches from Burrinjuck Waters State Park to the other side of the Carrolls Creek Walking Track, has plenty of options. This easy track in the NSW Southern Tablelands Region takes you across sites around Lake Burrinjuck and Carrolls Creek, through the Hume and Hovell Walking Track.

If challenge is your middle name, Burrinjuck Waters camping offers the perfect base to begin the famous Hume and Hovell Track, with its 426 kilometres of trail taking between 18 and 26 days to complete. Reflections Burrinjuck Waters offers the perfect place to refuel and relax once the job is done! 

Where to eat and drink at Burrinjuck Waters  

For the foodies 

If by some strange reason you haven’t managed to catch yourself some fish for dinner, fear not! There are many wonderful local restaurants and cafes near Burrinjuck Waters ready to quell those tummy rumbles. Barney’s Café is the closest café to the Hume Highway and is well worth a visit for its simple yet delicious food like freshly baked banana bread and scones.

Wee Jasper Distillery is a short drive and offers cheese platters and the chance to try the local gin and vodka. Serving coffee too, the stunning rural backdrop of Wee Jasper makes this local distillery worthy of a place on your holiday agenda. Whilst in the area, explore the wider Yass Valley and hit up some of the casual eat-in options, award-winning wine makers and fine dining options. 

Hit the markets 

We doubt you’ll need a break from the unending tranquillity of Lake Burrinjuck’s surrounding 75 hectares of natural beauty, but if you find yourself there, a road trip from Reflections Burrinjuck Waters will uncover some quaint food and artist markets within the neighbouring country towns. Murrumbateman Village Market is close to Canberra and Yass on the Barton Highway and showcases local fresh food and crafts. Check it out on the second and fourth Saturday of the month en-route to Burrinjuck Waters Reflections.

The Snowy Valleys markets are also worth a look for handmade goodies, local produce and homemade foodie finds. The charming country towns of Binalong and Sutton Village hold their own community markets adding to the long list of things to do around Burrinjuck Waters. 

Seasonal events and must-do activities

Fun in the sun 

Diving into Lake Burrinjuck for a refreshing dip with the entire family is the stuff lasting memories are made of. Whether it’s after a hike around the dam foreshore or a long day battling the Murray cods in the boat, summertime in the Yass Valley reallyisn’t summertime unless you’rewallowing in the lake after a day of adventure and fun.

Along with the usual water sports and boating action that Lake Burrinjuck is famous for, high up on the summer itinerary is to get cool underground with a visit to the spectacular Careys Cave in beautiful Wee Jasper. Take a tour through the limestone cave chambers to catch a glimpse of the different cave formations, then set up riverside for a picnic lunch.

When the weather gets cooler…

Winter camping in Burrinjuck Waters is good for the soul, so pack plenty of marshmallows and your favourite beanie, then cuddle up by the communal firepit as the temperature drops. Don't forget to look up and experience some of the state's best star-gazing.

History buffs can enjoy a scenic visit to the Wee Jasper Bridge that was built in 1896 over Goodradigbee River, with its significant Allan trusses, and is an easy drive from Burrinjuck Waters Reflections. While you’re exploring all things olden days, book in a Cooradigbee Fossil tour where you can learn all about how the Wee Jasper Valley is basically a 400-million-year-old ancient seascape.

Another must-visit for festival lovers is the 4-day Dragon Dreaming Festival, an explosion of art, culture, food, music and markets. Held in early October, and set on the shores of Lake Burrinjuck, this popular festival sells out quickly so book your accommodation well in advance.

Book your next getaway at Burrinjuck Waters

If a true holiday for you means a perfect mix of rest, relaxation and outdoorsy fun, then waste no time in booking a visit to Reflections Holiday Park Burrinjuck Waters. With prime lake frontage and views for miles, you’ll fill your days with fun in and on the water, fishing for the famous Murray cod, admiring nature’s untamed beauty on one of the many local bushwalks or just kicking back lakeside and doing a whole lot of nothing at all.

The perfect base to explore the wider Yass Valley, this spectacular slice of nature has so many attractions and things to do on offer. We’ll see you soon in paradise!