Tucked away in the north-eastern areas of the South Burnett is Bjelke-Petersen Dam and Lake Barambah, a wonderful fishery serviced by the fantastic facilities at Yallakool Park on BP Dam.

The Bjelke-Petersen Dam, which is also known as Lake Barambah, is located 15km from Murgon in the beautiful South Burnett region. The dam holds back over a million megalitres of water and the lake covers 2,500 hectares of land.

Yallakool Park on BP Dam is an extremely popular base for freshwater fishing, boating, camping and picnicking. With its car park, boat ramp, numerous picnic and BBQ areas, never ending supply of nature and wildlife, it is an ideal place to have a family picnic, weekend break or holiday.

The park allows visitors to get up close and personal with its natural inhabitants, explore the local bushland and witness first hand its natural beauty. Kangaroos, wallabies and koalas can be seen around the lake as well as swans, pelicans, ducks and cormorants.

Bjelke-Petersen Dam is stocked with an abundance of fish. Everything from golden perch and silver perch to sartoga and Australian bass can be found. There are also a large quantity of tandans (commonly known as eel-tailed catfish) and spangled perch as well as the more recent illegally introduced sleepy cod and redclaw crayfish.

South Burnett offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the whole of Queensland. During the first weekend in October every year, anglers from all around flock to the Bjelke-Petersen Dam competing against one another in search for the 'biggest catch. This is a fantastic weekend for both locals and visitors to the area.

Although the dam is primarily used for irrigation and water supply to surrounding towns, it has become a great tourist attraction, holiday destination and centre point of numerous water sports and activities. With the lake / dam covering 2500 hectares there is an abundance of fun to be had by all, so what are you waiting for?

With over 55,000 visitors a year, its no wonder that Yallakool Park on BP Dam is an excellent choice for any holiday, or short breakaway.

Situated on the banks of the Bjelke-Petersen Dam, amidst the raw Australian bushland, this award winning choice of accommodation is a winner for all. With its rolling views, spectacular walkways and characteristic charms you are bound to fall under the spell of this increasingly popular holiday destination.

Yallakool Park on BP Dam offers a variety of accommodation from self-contained cabins to powered and un-powered camping sites. Each cabin is complete with balcony, ceiling fan, complete cooking facilities, cutlery and crockery, TV and ironing board.

For the more adventurous who wish to camp, the camp site offer a fantastic camp kitchen with all mod cons, BBQ facilities, toilet, shower and laundry facilities. Also on site is a pool, boat ramp, shop and full size tennis court.

While residing at the caravan park, you can avail yourself of all activities. They offer everything from fishing, boating, sailing water skiing and canoeing to tennis, swimming, bush walking and bird watching.

The camp sites ideal location means that you are within kilometres of other local amenities and activities such as a bowling club, hospital, bus stop, restaurants, shops, pubs and a visitor information centre. While visiting the area don't forget to visit the local wineries where you may sample the local delights. Please note, booking is sometimes essential with certain wineries so please check this in advance.

On our most recent trip we stayed in the basic cabin, which can sleep 5 in a double bed and three bunks. The cabin has an air conditioner, stove, oven, basic kitchen, toilet, shower and TV. For a group of anglers or a family of 4, these cabins are ideal. You can prepare all your meals, get a good night’s rest and still be close enough to the playground, pool and communal camp kitchen to still feel part of the atmosphere.

You need to bring your own. I’d suggest bringing your own, especially for the kids as I know my 5 year old loves her own doona and pillows! And Shayne and Greg love their sleeping teddies too, so it’s wise even for the big kids to bring their own sleeping linen.

What I do like about Yallakool Park on BP is that the new managers are keen to embrace the whole experience. If you visit, make sure you find out what special events are going to be on during the week as you might be surprised to find scone and tea afternoons, camp cooking feeds and more in the camp kitchen area. These get togethers make it easy to get to know the other campers and visitors and enjoy your time more.

Check-in time is from 1pm and check-out time is 10am. The reception is open from 7am to 6pm daily and the friendly staff are very knowledgeable with the local area, activities, tours and more. In fact they’ll be able to point you in the right direction for any fishing opportunities and even make sure you’re kitted out with the right bait or lures.

Yallakool Park on BP Dam can be contacted on or visit the website at www.yallakoolpark.com.au for more information on this great getaway destination in the South Burnett.