Lake Burbury

Lake Hydroelectric reservoir on Tasmania's King River

On Tasmania’s west, Lake Burbury is a hydroelectric reservoir used by anglers, kayakers and walkers accessing trails off the Lyell Highway.

Main image

Lake Burbury is a man-made reservoir in western Tasmania, Australia, created by impounding the King River for hydroelectric development. It functions as a storage reservoir within Tasmania’s hydroelectric scheme.

The reservoir is used for recreational fishing and boating and is set among forested hills; visitor access is from nearby roads used by local communities and tourists. The shoreline and surrounding country are sparsely developed and mostly natural in character.

The lake was formed when the river valley was flooded as part of hydroelectric works in the 20th century, changing former valley landscapes into the present reservoir.

Lake Burbury lies in Tasmania’s West Coast region, northeast of the town of Queenstown and west of the island’s central plateau.

  • Recreation: Favoured by anglers for trout fishing and by small-boat users; roadside access is available from the Lyell Highway.
Lake Burbury
-42.1200, 145.6600
TasNetworks or local permit fees may apply for specific trails or activities; general access typically free

How to Get to Lake Burbury #

Access is via the Lyell Highway (A10) and then onto local roads toward Queenstown and the reservoir area. Distances from Hobart are long-plan for several hours by car.

Tips for Visiting Lake Burbury #

  • Boat access and fishing require permits-check local regulations and seasonal restrictions.
  • The lake can be very cold even in summer; short, wind-protected clothing and waterproof layers are useful.
  • Combine with hiking in the nearby high moorland for a classic Tasmanian wilderness day.

Best Time to Visit Lake Burbury #

Tasmanian summers provide the most comfortable conditions for outdoor pursuits around Lake Burbury.

Summer
December-February · 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Mildest weather and best for boating and hiking.
Autumn-Spring
March-May, Sep-Nov · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Crisper air and strong autumn colours; some rain likely.

Weather & Climate near Lake Burbury #

Climate

Lake Burbury's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 21°C. Heavy rainfall (2605 mm/year), wettest in August.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (225 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

225 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

259 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (226 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

226 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (271 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

271 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (275 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

275 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (268 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

268 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (246 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

246 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

199 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

Nearby Attractions to Lake Burbury