About

Yarrie Lake is roughly circular in shape and is approximately 3km in diameter. The origin of the lake is thought to be a meteorite strike. Just west of Yarrie Lake is another strike site which has resulted in another lake slightly smaller than Yarrie Lake - the second lake is on private and is known locally as "Round Swamp".

The lake water is known for its milky appearance which is thought to be attributed to the clay residue from water running in from the Pilliga forest. It may not look as clear as coastal lakes but is just as enjoyable.

There is no real fishing at Yarrie Lake but there is ample opportunity for yabbying, just be sure to adhere to NSW fisheries restrictions and have the appropriate fishing license which can be purchased in Narrabri or Wee Waa.

Yarrie Lake is known to host around 70 different varieties of birds which can be seen from the walking tracks closest to the inlet. You can pick up a bird spotting guide from the Narrabri Tourist Information Centre to help you with your search.

Where?

Yarrie Lake can be easily accessed from both the Narrabri and Wee Waa directions. The roads are sealed and suitable for 2wd, caravans and motorhomes however caution should be taken during rainy periods as the roads are subject to flooding.

Yarrie Lake is 28km west of Narrabri, it is a quick trip to stock up on supplies or if you forget something. The town of Wee Waa is 26km further to the west, and just beyond Wee Waa are the hot spring baths at Pilliga and Burren Junction.

Virtually next door to Yarrie Lake is the Australia telescope. Check out its website here. For other attractions in the area check out the Narrabri Shire Council tourism website here.

1. Yarrie Lake Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust is managed by

volunteers appointed by the NSW Government. Up to 7 Trustees may be appointed. The trustees are Melissa Cain, Wayne Steele, Russell Booby, Janelle Nehrkorn and Bernie Smith.

2. The Trust is assisted in a voluntary capacity by persons

who are willing to act as Voluntary Caretaker. The Voluntary Caretaker resides at Yarrie Lake and collects camping fees and assists to maintain the area.

3. The Trust’s only income is the income received from

annual boat permits and from camping fees. The Trust receives no annual funding from Narrabri Shire Council or from any State or Federal Government.

4. The boat fees and camping fees are used to pay all the

costs associated with Yarrie Lake, costs such as electricity for camp sites, amenities blocks and pumping water, as well as fuel and repairs for the tractor/slasher and the mower and any other equipment owned by the Trust, as well as all other costs.

5. The Trust has no employees and pays no wages – all work

done at Yarrie Lake is done on a voluntary basis (other than when a contractor is engaged to do a specific job).

6. From time to time the Trust receives grants to be spent

on upgrading Yarrie Lake and the surrounds – however these grants are few and far between.

7. The Trust conducts working bees on the first Sunday of

each month and encourages boat owners and lake users to give a couple of hours to help keep the lake area tidy and maintained.

8. Yarrie Lake and its surrounds are a public area and all

applicable NSW and Commonwealth laws apply – the Police have full authority at Yarrie Lake.

9. Camping fees and annual boat permit fees are set

annually by the Trust and typically the Trust returns a small profit at years’ end – providing no major repairs or breakdowns occur. Any accumulated profits are returned to the area by way of upgraded facilities.

F.A.Q