The Burdekin River is a major waterway in North Queensland, Australia, rising on the northern slopes of Boulder Mountain at Valley of Lagoons on the western slope of the Seaview Range and flowing into the Coral Sea at Upstart Bay. With a catchment area of approximately 130,000 square kilometres, it ranks as Australia's largest river by peak discharge volume and fourth-largest by overall flow volume. The river's flow is notably erratic — annual rainfall across the basin can range from 200 to 1,600 millimetres depending on monsoon activity and cyclone frequency, meaning the river can run at extraordinary volumes following severe weather events or experience up to seven months with no flow at all.

Popular access points and activity areas include the Macrossan Bridge near Charters Towers, Dave Chapman Recreational Park, the Burdekin Weir Park, and Burdekin Falls Dam (also known as Lake Dalrymple). The dam facility includes a boat ramp, car parking, picnic areas, BBQs, camping, toilets, treated water, and a lookout. A mapped kayak route of approximately 112 kilometres (69.6 miles) runs near Charters Towers, described as moderately hilly terrain on an A-to-B layout.

Paddlers should be aware that the Burdekin Falls Dam road at the spillway is subject to closure when the dam is spilling or when a spill is imminent, which can affect access. The boat ramp and recreation area at Lake Dalrymple have previously been closed following significant monsoon events, so checking current access status before visiting is advisable. Any organised events or group activities on Sunwater-managed land — including rowing or boating competitions — require prior approval from Sunwater.

The river corridor supports a diverse range of wildlife. Fish species include Barramundi, Black Bream, Jewfish, and Sleepy Cod. Birdlife along the banks is extensive, with jabirus, egrets, brolgas, terns, white-breasted sea eagles, stilts, ducks, cormorants, cockatoos, rosellas, bowerbirds, wrens, honeyeaters, orioles, kookaburras, dollarbirds, koels, bee-eaters, and kingfishers all recorded. Eastern Water Dragons are also present and can occasionally be spotted in riverside trees. The river's historical significance includes its naming by Ludwig Leichhardt's 1845 expedition in honour of Thomas Burdekin, one of the expedition's sponsors.