Lake Burbury, Tasmania: Can I go fishing and camping?

The trout fishing at Lake Burbury near Queenstown in Tasmania is superb. It’s also possible to pitch a tent or take a campervan to the Lake Burbury Camping Ground.

Lake Burbury is one of the biggest reservoirs on Tasmania’s west coast. It’s right on the edge of the World Heritage Wilderness Area and a 15 minute drive east of Queenstown. As with many lakes in Tasmania, Lake Burbury looks delightfully pretty.

This Tasmanian lake is a relative newcomer. It was made in the 1990s for hydro-electricity production. The introduction of the Crotty Dam across the King River created a 54 square kilometre lake.

Fishing at Lake Burbury, Tasmania

Facilities at Lake Burbury in Tasmania include boat ramps, plus picnic and barbecue facilities. But this Tasmanian lake is mainly of interest to anglers. It has a reputation as one of the best fishing lakes in Australia, particularly with regards to trout.

Before the lake was created, the Inland Fisheries Service introduced large stocks of brown trout and rainbow trout. The fish have flourished since.

Lake Burbury is primarily a boat fishing lake, which is not ideal for overseas tourists without their own boat. If you’re fly-fishing from the shore, aim for the morning after a large midge hatch when the brown trout and rainbow trout are biting.

Lake Burbury Camping Ground

It’s also possible to go camping at Lake Burbury, but don’t expect scale or facilities. The Lake Burbury Camping Ground has just two grassed sites. They are suitable for campervans, caravans and motorhomes as well as tents. There are public toilets available, as well as coin-operated barbecues. But that’s about it. You need to carry your own firewood and water.

The Lake Burbury Camping Ground doesn’t require bookings. Just pay the caretaker on site – it costs under $10.