Lake BurburyAbout Lake Burbury
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.
Best Time to Visit Lake Burbury
Tasmanian summers provide the most comfortable conditions for outdoor pursuits around Lake Burbury.
Weather & Climate near Lake Burbury
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 162 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 21° | 15° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 163 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 16° | 11° | 225 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 259 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 11° | 4° | 226 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 10° | 3° | 271 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 11° | 3° | 275 mm | - | - | 6.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 268 mm | - | - | 7.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 14° | 7° | 246 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 197 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 199 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
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.