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.

Main image

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.
Lake Burragorang
Warragamba Dam area, New South Wales
-34.0084, 150.4359
Viewing areas open; reservoir access governed by water authorities (check local notices)
Access usually requires permission from Sydney Water authority or state agencies; fees may apply for certain recreational activities

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.

Spring (Sep-Nov)
September-November · 10-25°C
Wildflowers and more comfortable walking conditions; lookouts are pleasant
Autumn (Mar-May)
March-May · 10-25°C
Crisp air and quieter crowds
Winter (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 5-15°C
Cooler and often clear; dam wall views are particularly crisp

Weather & Climate near Lake Burragorang #

Climate

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).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

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