Understand
[edit]
Lake Burrinjuck was created in 1928 when the Burrinjuck Dam dammed up the Murrumbidgee River. Today, only around 100 people live in the hamlets of Wee Jasper and Burrinjuck, located on the south and north sides of Lake Burrinjuck. However, their location by the Murrumbidgee River make it a popular getaway for campers and fishers.
Tourist information
[edit]Get in
[edit]Wee Jasper is located 55 km (1 hour) away from Yass, 80 km (1-2) hr from Canberra. If approaching from the west, there is also an unsealed 35 km gravel road from Tumut and Gundagai, which is passable by 2WD unless it's very wet/snowy.
Burrinjuck can only be reached from Yass (55 km/1 hour), since the road ends at the dam.
Get around
[edit]You'll need your own car, since there is no public transport.
Outside Wee Jasper, there are no bridges across the Murrumbidgee, meaning that crossing to Burrinjuck or back requires a 100 km detour via Yass.
See and do
[edit]Fishing is the top draw at Lake Burrinjuck. Australia's largest freshwater fish, the metre-long Murray cod, is regularly caught here and there are also significant trout, perch and carp populations. Water levels can fluctuate significantly: at one point in the 1990s, the lake nearly dried out. The only boat ramps are at the holiday parks on the Burrinjuck side, while require day passes to enter.
- 1 Burrinjuck Nature Reserve. 5382-hectare nature reserve that covers much of the northern shores of Lake Burrinjuck. The 426 km Hume and Hovell Track passes through here.
- 2 Careys Cave (6 km from Wee Jasper), ☏ +61 438 313 889. Limestone caves accessible by guided tour only, Sa Su M at noon and 2PM. Some steps required, not suitable for children under 5. $23/15 adult/child.
The biggest event of the year is Dragon Dreaming in Wee Jasper, a four-day psychedelic trance music festival usually held in October that draws up to 5,000 people.
Buy
[edit]The holiday parks have kiosks stocked with basics like milk and ice. The nearest real shops are in Yass.
Eat
[edit]Stock up before you arrive: the only eating option is Wee Jasper Distillery (see Drink), which has limited lunch options on weekends only.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Wee Jasper Distillery. F-Su 10AM-4PM. Locally distilled gin and vodka. Tasting flights, grazing boards and sandwiches.
Sleep
[edit]The only holiday parks are in the area are on the Burrinjuck side.
- 1 Good Hope Resort. Basic holiday park with cabins, camping sites and a boat ramp, quite a distance down the river from the lake. Day passes from $30/car if you're not staying.
- 2 Reflections Burrinjuck Waters. Holiday park with cabins, camping sites and boat ramp. Waterfront location on the shore of Lake Burrinjuck, popular with fishermen (day pass $15/person if you're not staying).
Wee Jasper has a few B&Bs and camp sites.
- 3 Reflections Wee Jasper. Beautifully located unpowered campsites by Wee Jasper Creek. There are four different locations with varying amenities: some have hot showers, others don't even have running water. From $18/night.