Less than a two-hour drive from Canberra, nestled on the shores of Lake Burrinjuck and the Murrumbidgee River, is a hidden gem – Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park. Guests are invited to step back to holidays of bygone days when children played outside until the sun had set and there were no mobile devices to distract you.
Greeted by managing team Wendy-woo and Dean Brind, their care and passion for the place are evident from the moment you meet them. Proud of the park’s vast offerings, Wendy explained the walking tracks, water sport options, and where to spot the local wildlife.
Located at the bottom of a long and beautiful stretch of bush-clad mountain means phone reception at the park is nearly nonexistent. Shutting out the noise of the outside world, you can get a hit of Wi-Fi connection at the centrally located kiosk if required.
Known for its beautiful waters, loyal visitors (some visiting for over 50 years) come equipped with boats, water skis and inflatables, jet skis, and fishing equipment. The bites are good on the banks and in the boats as Murray cod, redfin and trout can often be found on the end of the hook.
Where we stayed
Accommodation at the park include cabins, powered and unpowered campsites, all of which were near capacity over the long weekend when we stayed.
CW’s entertainment editor Jessica Cordwell and guest were treated to a stay in one of the six-person Superior Cabins which opened to a stunning waterscape – we couldn’t have asked for a better view!
The cosy accommodation is equipped with everything a family might need for a weekend of relaxation. There is a fully functional kitchen attached to a lounge/dining room with TV equipped with Foxtel. For slumber, there is a master bedroom with queen bed, TV and walk-in robe, plus a second room with two sets of bunk beds. Although there are communal shower options around the park, the cabins come with their own bathroom and toilet.
Outside, there is convenient parking and a covered veranda with gas barbecue, seating and fire pit (subject to fire bans) – the perfect spot for sharing a meal with your loved ones, new and feathered friends.
How we spent our time
After a slightly early check-in, we set our belongings down, popped the food in the fridge and explored. The expansive park boasts ample off-water activities including two playgrounds, tennis courts, volleyball net, disc golf course, communal picnic areas and walking opportunities.
Not far from the cabin was a short headland walk, the track taking us above the water line. Easy and quick, lined with the scent of the native plants filling the air as cockatoos land in nearby trees, ending at a communal picnic site as a cool breeze blows from the lake – a pleasant stroll to take just before sunset.
Back at the cabin, we prepared dinner on the barbecue. Cooked to perfection, we enjoyed our meal as we watched young fishermen, unaware that the rocks thrown by their mates nearby would probably scare away any catches.
As the night grew dark, the stars came out shining brighter than ever noticeable in the city. We made our way to bed, the cabin came fully stocked with linen, the mattress and pillows were comfortable, and we fell asleep to the silence of the bush.
Waking up to no alarms and sun shining in the window was bliss. We cooked breakfast on the barbeuce while rosellas and cockatoos bid us good morning. The friendly birds will climb into your hand for bird seed which can be purchased at the office and the kiosk.
Our cabin neighbours, Liz and Ernie, who met at the park as children and have been coming back ever since, gave us some suggestions of sites to check out. We jumped in the car to visit heritage-listed Burrinjuck Dam. While the grounds had been fenced off to the public, the views of the mammoth pre-WWI structure were incredible.
The road offered many places to pull off and start a walk or dip your toes in the cool but surprisingly not cold alpine waters. The bushland is alive with creatures; we caught glimpses of lizards, heard goats, and spotted birds flying overhead. Some paths are marked but surrounded by dense bushland, so with limited phone reception, it’s best to inform someone where you are going.
Back at the park, we decided to check out part of the Hume and Hovell Walking Track from Carrolls Creek. Stretching from Yass to Albury, the track leads hikers through beautiful bushlands and can take up to a month to complete. This section sees you walk along the waterline of the lake on a fairly flat and easy path. We passed couples and groups laughing and fishing from the edge. Connection and a sense of community are strong across the park; many people seem to know each other and are welcoming of newcomers.
Stopping in at the kiosk to access the Wi-Fi and check on the pets at home, we spotted the hot food menu. The classic fish and chip shop offerings hit the spot when you’ve had a busy morning or day on the lake and don’t feel like cooking.
Due to strong winds, our planned canoe trip for the afternoon is rescheduled, so we take advantage of the free time and enjoy the beautiful surroundings from the veranda. Feeding cockatoos (away from the veranda) that came flocking by the dozens, sharing their not-so-soothing songs.
Late afternoon is the time to see the kangaroos graze the grounds, and you can purchase kangaroo pellets to feed them. It didn’t take long to come across a group of mothers and joeys grazing. An absolute highlight of the stay was hand-feeding the gentle creatures.
As the winds were stronger on the second evening, we decided to take advantage of the kitchen to cook our meal. Everything was clean and easy to use. We unwound with a spot of Foxtel after a full day in the sun before bed.
Winds had calmed down by the time we rose early next morning to join Dean on the boat as he ferried a bushwalker across the lake. The only one licensed to run the boat, Dean drops off the walker before taking the scenic route back; he stops by the other islands and tells us about their history, including Cave Island. Depending on what capacity the dam is, Cave Island can be completely submerged and experienced divers come here to explore the complex system hidden underneath.
Next up, canoes. Run by Valley Outdoors and available for a couple of hours, a full day or overnight, the canoes are a great alternative to motorised boats for exploring the lake. Heading off around the bend, we were advised to go against the wind so that the trip back would be easier. Accompanied by only the sounds of the water, canoeing provides another view of the surroundings and a deep sense of peace with nature.
Packing the car before dropping off the keys and saying goodbye we left Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park feeling refreshed and as though we had been welcomed into a secret garden.
Getaway at Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park; reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/parks/burrinjuck-waters
Canberra Daily entertainment editor Jessica Cordwell enjoyed a complimentary stay in the Superior Cabin at Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park on 30 September- 2 October.
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