Lake Burragorang

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.

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.

• 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