Burdekin Falls Dam

Additional information

Management

Recreational facilities are owned and managed by Sunwater.

Boating

Boat ramp: please note, when the dam is near or exceeds 100 per cent capacity, or at low levels, the boat ramp will be closed for safety reasons. Before visiting Burdekin Falls Dam for recreation, we strongly recommend checking that the boat ramp is open by visiting our Recreation and Safety Alerts page, downloading the Sunwater App or visiting our Facebook page. The boat ramp is owned and managed by Sunwater.

Boating activities are permitted at Lake Dalrymple, however, operators are reminded to read and obey the signs, look for hazards, boat to conditions and stay away from the dam wall by at least 200 metres, as marked by the buoy line, or as signed. Water activities including swimming, kayaking and sailing, are permitted among other activities, however, please note the exclusion zones as signed.

For more boating information, refer to Maritime Safety Queensland.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted at Lake Dalrymple, however, Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the dam wall. Fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards. To learn what fish are stocked at this dam, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website. A Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) permit is required to fish in this dam and recreational fishing rules apply.

Call Fisheries Queensland on 13 25 23 to locate your nearest fishing permit outlet or apply online.

Camping

Camping is permitted at Burdekin Falls Dam near the dam wall on the north side of the Burdekin River. No bookings are taken. Facilities include powered and unpowered sites, hot showers and a dump point.

Pets

For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please keep your pet on a leash or restrained during your visit.

Rubbish

Help us keep all recreational areas clean and tidy by using the rubbish bins provided. If rubbish bins are full or unavailable, please take your rubbish with you. Please also take any seafood rubbish with you to reduce odour.

BBQs

There are recreational BBQs available for use. Please use common sense when around open flame. Contact 000 to report uncontrolled fire.

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool at the recreation area is closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Antisocial behaviour

If you observe vandalism, antisocial behaviour or any illegal activities, please contact the Police immediately on 000 to ensure we keep the dam safe and enjoyable for all.

Commercial or large group activities

Please note that approval is required for the use of Sunwater land for any organised event or function other than normal visitor activities in approved recreational areas. Events or functions include, but are not limited to fishing, swimming, rowing, boating or skiing competitions or displays, community events, weddings or other organised on-land activities. To gain approval, submit a General Application for Access to Sunwater Land or Infrastructure and Events or contact us on 13 15 89.

Motorcycles and other vehicle access

The recreational use of motorcycles and four wheelers within the area and the surrounding private property is strictly prohibited. Please practise caution when driving all other vehicles in the area and obey the speed limit.

The Burdekin Dam Falls road at the spillway is subject to closure when the dam is spilling or if a spill is imminent. Before planning your journey, we recommend checking if the road below the spillway is closed by visiting www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au and searching Burdekin Falls Dam or by calling us on 13 15 89 during business hours.

Hazards

There is a known presence of submerged trees and other objects. Floating objects may be present after an inflow or flood event. Fast flowing water may be released suddenly from the spillway.

Read the signs and stay safe

For your own safety, please take note of the signs around the dam including those regarding private property and trespassing.
The signs indicate hazards to watch out for and areas to avoid. Keep an eye on your children and inform them of the hazards and permitted areas.

Emergency Management

View the Burdekin Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan, here.

Visitors must adhere to current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and are encouraged to observe good hygiene practices.

All persons entering Sunwater property at their own risk should exercise due care and attention and must comply with all signs, notices, the lawful directions of Sunwater, Sunwater staff, all laws, regulations and applicable standards (e.g. boating, fire, road usage). All liability of Sunwater (or its subsidiaries) to you or any other person for loss or damage of any kind (however caused, including by negligence) arising from or relating in any way to access to, or use of, Sunwater property is excluded.

Recreation Facility Upgrade Project

In 2022, the Queensland Government announced Sunwater would receive $24.5 million over five years to upgrade and maintain recreation facilities at Sunwater assets across the state.  Find out more about this project here.