Lake Burragorang
Lake Reservoir supplying Sydney in New South Wales
Formed by Warragamba Dam west of Sydney, Lake Burragorang supplies water to the city; lookouts on restricted-access roads, nearby bushwalking and Blue Mountains viewpoints attract day visitors and photographers.
Lake Burragorang is the reservoir created behind the Warragamba Dam in New South Wales, Australia. It is the principal storage for metropolitan Sydney’s water supply and occupies the inundated Burragorang Valley.
Public access to the reservoir and most of the surrounding catchment is restricted to protect water quality, so recreational access is limited. Visitors commonly view the lake and the dam from formal lookouts around the dam wall and from roadside vantage points in the adjacent Greater Blue Mountains area.
The valley was inundated when the dam was completed and the reservoir filled, creating a large impounded storage that altered riverine landscapes and former settlements in the valley. Management is primarily by water authorities for supply and catchment protection.
Lake Burragorang sits to the west of metropolitan Sydney within the Wollondilly and Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, occupying a deep river valley behind the Warragamba Dam.
- Sydney's water supply: Primary storage for the Sydney water supply system and access to the catchment is tightly controlled to protect water quality.
- Viewpoints: Best public viewpoints are from the Warragamba Dam wall and lookouts in the Greater Blue Mountains area rather than shoreline access, which is restricted.
What to See #
- Warragamba Dam: A large dam on the Coxs River that impounds the Burragorang Valley to create the reservoir and is the principal infrastructure supplying water to Sydney.
How to Get to Lake Burragorang #
From the Blue Mountains or Sydney, drive along the Great Western Highway and follow signs for Warragamba Dam; visitor lookouts and official parking are signposted near the dam precinct.
Tips for Visiting Lake Burragorang #
- Access is restricted-check WaterNSW or Sydney Water notices before planning a visit
- Viewing points along the Warragamba Dam wall or lookouts offer good panoramas without needing special permits
- Avoid unplanned shore visits-many parts of the reservoir are closed to protect water quality
Best Time to Visit Lake Burragorang #
Best seen from official lookouts in spring and autumn; check official notices for closures and safety advice.
Weather & Climate near Lake Burragorang #
Lake Burragorang's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (888 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).