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.

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.