Top Camp – Burdekin Falls Dam
Top Camp at Burdekin Falls Dam is a well-equipped campground and a renowned destination for freshwater anglers, located in a scenic and somewhat remote part of North Queensland near Ravenswood. Managed by Sunwater, this facility provides a comfortable base for exploring the impressive Burdekin Dam, which is the largest in Queensland, and its vast lake, Lake Dalrymple. The campground itself caters to a wide range of visitors with both powered and unpowered sites suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. The sites are spread across a spacious, open area with a mix of grass and gravel surfaces, offering views of the surrounding bushland. This is not a free camp; bookings are required and can be made online. The facilities are a major drawcard, including clean toilet and shower blocks, a camp kitchen, barbecues, and a laundry, ensuring a comfortable stay. The area is particularly famous for its barramundi fishing, attracting keen anglers from all over the country who come to try their luck in the dam’s stocked waters. A concrete boat ramp provides excellent access to the lake for those with their own watercraft. Beyond fishing, the area offers opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and simply relaxing in a peaceful natural environment. Visitors should be aware that the final stretch of road to the dam is unsealed but generally well-maintained and suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans. It’s essential to arrive with all necessary supplies, as the nearest town of Ravenswood is a considerable drive away. Due to its location, mobile phone service can be unreliable.
Top Camp, Burdekin Falls Dam
Address: 3889 Burdekin Falls Dam Rd, Ravenswood QLD 4816
Website: Facebook
GPS Coordinates: -20.6635, 147.1245
Site Information
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road then approx. 20km of good quality unsealed road.
- Site Surface: Grass, gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping. Bookings are essential.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Subject to booking.
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, camp kitchen, BBQs, laundry, boat ramp.
- Potable Water: Yes, available onsite.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to none. Telstra may have a weak signal in some spots.
- TV Reception: Poor.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted in designated hours, check with management.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous powered and unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: All food and fuel supplies, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: No, domestic animals are not permitted.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent barramundi fishing in Lake Dalrymple. A SIPS permit is required.
- Short Walks: Yes, around the dam wall and campground.
Local Amenities
The nearest services are in the historic town of Ravenswood.
- Local Pubs:
- Imperial Hotel, Ravenswood (approx. 85 km)
- Railway Hotel, Ravenswood (approx. 85 km)
- Mingela Hotel, Mingela (approx. 100 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Pub meals available in Ravenswood (approx. 85 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Burdekin Dam Wall Lookout (onsite)
- Historic town of Ravenswood (approx. 85 km)
- White Blow Environmental Park (approx. 140 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ravenswood Caravan Park (approx. 85 km)
- Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, Charters Towers (approx. 160 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Macrossan Park Camping Area (approx. 140 km)
- Fletcher Creek Camping Reserve (approx. 180 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Onsite at the campground
- Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre (approx. 160 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Ravenswood (check availability/hours, approx. 85 km)
- Puma Mingela (approx. 100 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Onsite at the campground
- Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the campground
- Ravenswood town centre (approx. 85 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The region has a dry tropical climate, with a distinct wet and dry season.
| Season | Average Temp (Max/Min) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec – Feb) | 34°C / 23°C | Hot and humid with the highest chance of rainfall and thunderstorms (the wet season). Access roads can be affected. |
| Autumn (Mar – May) | 31°C / 19°C | Warm, sunny days with decreasing humidity. A pleasant time to visit as the landscape is green. |
| Winter (Jun – Aug) | 27°C / 13°C | Mild, dry, and sunny days with cool nights. This is the peak tourist and fishing season. |
| Spring (Sep – Nov) | 33°C / 18°C | Temperatures and humidity build towards the wet season. Good for fishing before it gets too hot. |
