Lake Burrendong is a large inland reservoir in the NSW Central West, formed by Burrendong Dam on the Macquarie River. It covers approximately 72 square kilometres at capacity and holds up to 1,154 gigalitres, making it one of the larger inland water bodies in New South Wales. The lake sits roughly halfway between Dubbo and Orange, about 30 minutes south-east of Wellington.

The lake is open to canoeing and kayaking alongside a range of other water sports including skiing, jet skis, and sailing. Paddlers can explore the main body of the lake as well as the quieter upper reaches, where the Macquarie River arm extends toward Mookerawa Waters on the western bank — a more secluded stretch of water passing through forests and farmland that offers a notably different character from the busier central areas near the dam wall.

Several boat ramps provide lake access. The primary public access points are at the Reflections Holiday Parks on the western side of the dam and at Mookerawa Waters Park on the Macquarie River arm. Launch conditions at both ramps can vary depending on weather and lake level. There is no public access to the lake via the WaterNSW boat ramp. Day visitors can use the Reflections Holiday Parks boat ramp for a fee, with park access available from 5am to 9:30pm.

Weather conditions on the lake can change quickly, and paddlers are advised to monitor forecasts carefully and avoid going out in strong winds or storms. Standard water safety practices apply, including wearing a life jacket and maintaining awareness of underwater hazards. Algae alerts are issued periodically and should be checked before visiting.

The lake supports a variety of fish species including Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch, catfish, redfin perch, and European carp, which means boat traffic from fishing vessels is common, particularly in the warmer months when fishing activity peaks. The surrounding landscape includes bushland with native wildlife visible along the shoreline, and the dam wall area offers elevated views over the lake and basin. The Tobin Centre at the Reflections Holiday Park provides panoramic views of the lake and is accessible to pedestrians around the clock.