5 July 2021

Canberra Day Trips: Beautiful Burrill Lake

| Canberra Day Trips
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Where Burrill Lake meets the sea near Dolphin Point. Photo: Supplied.

Have you been to Burrill Lake? It’s the name of both a body of water and a small village just off the Princes Highway south of Ulladulla. The peaceful, beautiful spot is a dream getaway for anyone who loves nature and the water, with pristine bushland, safe boating areas, excellent fishing, an estuary, forested areas and spectacular views, and a picturesque natural setting.

Why you’ll love it

  • The still water of Burrill Lake is the place to go if you’re keen on boating, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, or swimming.
  • Anglers will find a wide variety of fish species on offer in the estuary, including flathead, bream and blackfish. At the beach, there’s often Australian salmon, whiting and tailor to be caught.
  • The upper parts of the lake, near Kings Point, are popular with water-skiers and paddle-boarders. If you don’t have our own, you can hire a paddleboard or surfboard from the Burrill Lake Stand Up Paddle Shop.

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  • The enduring Burrill Lake Fish Shop serves up delicious freshly caught seafood and chips, and there are plenty of places near the sparkling water to find a seat to enjoy your meal.
  • The nearby village of Dolphin Point is a great place for whale watching and fishing off the rocks. You’ll find the best of both worlds here. On one side of the point are rugged and challenging surf beaches but on the other, still shores on the inlet to the lake.
  • The Lions Park is a pretty location to have a spin on your bike or enjoy a barbecue or picnic, and there is a well-equipped play area for kids to enjoy.
  • The Big 4 Holiday Park allows visitors to enjoy mini-golf, bird feeding and pedalo hire, even if you’re not staying at the park.
  • And check out the cutest vintage shop at the South Coast in the little strip of shops on the main road.

Getting there

The quickest way to get to Burrill Lake from Canberra is to take the Kings Highway through Queanbeyan, Bungendore and Braidwood. When the Kings Highway meets the Princes Highway just outside Batemans Bay, turn left and follow it north. You’ll come to Burrill Lake, which is right on the highway, after about 45kms.

If you’re keen to check out the upper part of the lake, head to Kings Point. Find it just west of the highway towards Ulladulla.

Burrill Lake inlet and beaches are to the east of the highway. Take the road to Dolphin Point, where there are some picnic areas and magnificent coastal views.

Shop up a storm at Lakeside Vintage. Photo: Jesse Rowan.

When to go

Temperatures at Burrill Lake vary throughout the year, but the warmer weather is best for getting the most out of your experience on or by the lake. In summer, the water is warm and the days long for enjoying all the area has to offer. In spring and autumn, there are fewer crowds than in summer, and the weather tends to be mild and pleasant. Winter is an excellent time for taking a walk, going for a ride or trying your luck whale watching.

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Key details

  • Duration: Allow 2 ½ hours each way to do the drive from Canberra.
  • Distance from Canberra: Just under 200km.
  • Recommended for: Anyone into water sports, enjoying the best of what nature has to offer, and wanting a coastal environment that lends itself to a variety of activities.
  • More information: Burrill Lake

Do you know of any other quiet coastal havens in the region that Canberra Day Trips should visit? Let us know in the comments.

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