📍Pindari Lake: Best Things To Do At The Stunning Boulder-Lined Dam In The Inverell Region Of NSW.

WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT VISITING PINDARI LAKE?

Lake Pindari is one of northern NSW’s most spectacular hidden aquatic playgrounds. Located in the central parts of the Inverell Shire in New South Wales, 60km north-northeast of the town of the same name, it is nestled admist boulder terrain, which, along with these eyecatching landmarks lie massive exposed sandstone slabs that create breathtaking key characteristics that make this lake such a beautiful place to visit.

This makes it a fantastic base for picturesque picnics, water-based activities, and remote overnight adventures, thanks to its three scenic recreation areas, two boat ramps, and a large, FREE camping ground that make it a stunning countryside escape.

Here are the best things I found to do there are to do from a road trip enthusiast who recently visited with my dad for a 3-day adventure from Brisbane.

1. Paddling.

One of the most peaceful and immersive ways to soak up Lake Pindari’s rugged beauty, boulder-strewn landscapes and exposed rocky slabs is by paddling across the surface in a kayak or canoe. I especially loved observing the former waterline, which was its own distinct landmark that you could see across the entire lake, earmarked by the trees that had died from becoming waterlogged and the living ones that existed above the highest level.

A special point of interest was the massive exposed corner slabs, where you can see all the picnic areas, which had several hard, solid lines showing the exact water levels that the lake formerly had. Rounding it was even more fascinating as I could see all of that distinction so clearly from so far away that it was just an incredibly striking view.

The wind also really funnels through there, too, with the formerly peaceful, calm water paddling experience making it feel like I was kayaking on the sea, which makes things a bit more challenging, so be cautious on those gusty days.

It’s also a great way to see the wildlife that calls this place home. There were always plenty of eagles flying around while navigating close to the trees, sticking out of the grounds takes you closer to other birdlife such as cormorants and ducks.

Plus, if you’re staying at the campground and are set up by the water, you can launch directly from your site, perfect for that straight-to-nature experience.

2. Boating & Towing.

The most popular way to spend time at Pindari Dam is by boat, which is always a great way to explore the most remote aquatic plains. But with few restrictions for vessels and towables, that’s just the start of the fun you can have here, especially with family or friends.

Tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are a few of the classic interacting ways to add more thrills and adrenaline on the water, especially if there’s a beginner in the group who you can hilariously watch stack it or an expert who can perform high-end tricks for your entertainment. Meanwhile, parasailing is a great way to see this place from a seldom-seen perspective, and especially with the lake’s unique surrounding landscape, it adds another fun and relaxing elevated dynamic to a fun day out at this gorgeous hidden northern NSW lake.

Psst: When the water is high, you can launch from either one of the two sealed boat ramps, but when it’s low, as it was when we visited (48% full), only the lower one will be available.

3. Jetskiing.

Turning things up a few adrenaline-pumping notches is the ever-exciting jet-ski. Zip around this breathtaking lake while enjoying its gorgeous rocky terrain at its farthest reaches, perfect for a solo or with a friend or partner. Speaking of travelling with the latter, you can get creative and utilise the jet-ski as a boat and use the aforementioned towables to create an exhilarating hybrid experience that is fun and wildly entertaining for both parties.

4. Sailing.

Midway between boating and paddling, sailing is another fantastic activity that Pindari Dam is perfect for, thanks to the decent amount of real estate it has to explore, allowing you to spend plenty of time out on the water, but without the sound of engines drowning out the sounds of nature.

That said, it can get pretty gusty, with the wind funnelling through the main part of the lake, which can present a good challenge for those looking for one, or a headache for beginners.

5. Swimming.

Another fantastic way to spend time at Lake Pindari is by splashing around in the water. There’s no designated swimming area, but the water is beautifully calm, if a little cold at the campground, with plenty of space to find your quiet area if you have a 4WD to drive on the dirt roads.

It’s even better taking some things along with you, such as a pool floaty so you can relax and watch the clouds go by, or take one of those floating inflatable tents for a fun secret hideout, however, you might want to take an anchor or something so you don’t end up between all the dead trees where a hidden tree branch just below the surface might pop it, which while hilarious, is not a great way to spend time on the water.

Either way, Pindari Lake has solar hot showers at the upper recreational area, which is a godsend and a rarity, perfect for all aquatic forays.

6. Picnic/ BBQ.

One of the best things about this lake is the picnic areas. They all capitalise on the scenery, with each having stunning views of its unique landscape. The top recreation area has several sheltered picnic tables near the dam wall, with sweeping panoramic views and a small playground for the kids to burn off all their energy running around on. We also saw wild wallabies and a mommy goat with her adorable baby up here.

The lower picnic area has even more tables to enjoy, with the one closest to the campground having the most, with each one having breathtaking views, a small woodfire BBQ to cook up a storm on and an individual parking space, making it the unique picnic area set-up I’ve come across.

7. Stay The Night.

One of the unequivocally best things to do at Pindari Dam is to spend the night. At the campground, you can pitch your tent right by the water and park your boat, kayak or other watercraft right next to where you’re staying, so you can head out on an aquatic adventure right after waking up or refuelling your belly, with no set up time, because you’re already done that.

It’s also picturesque with rocky sandstone boulders covering the landscape, and views of the lake and opposite banks directly ahead. Plus, because it’s located at the bottom of the western branch, this place is naturally sheltered from the wind, because, dam, (no pun intended), it can get windy, especially once you round the corner opposite the dam wall. Plus, because it faces east, you get views of both the sun and the moonrise

A caveat of staying here, though, is that there are no trees for shade, especially at the enviable by-the-water spots, so bringing some form of shelter is a must. On the flipside, it’s exceptional for stargazing, especially when there’s no moon, thanks to the lake being so far away from civilisation and light pollution.

Psst: The dirt roads are a little rough for conventional vehicles. Dad and I just parked and camped near the boat ramp, which was a beautiful little spot.

8. Photography.

For those who love taking pictures, Pindari Dam is a fantastic setting for landscape photography thanks to the stunning hilltops featuring the aforementioned giant sandstone slabs and boulders that proliferate the rolling hillscape scenery, which are all on beautiful display at all the recreation areas and look particularly beautiful at sunrise.

It is also great for capturing wildlife, which we saw in abundance. Beautiful pelicans were often swimming close to the shore, while majestic sea eagles were circling the skies, and cormorants were frequently ducking below the water and popping up again.

We also saw several wallabies in and around the northern recreational area closest to the dam wall, including some that were a different subspecies I had never seen before. Meanwhile, the local wild goat population was notably present in the areas around the boat ramps, and we even saw a baby following its mother, which was the cutest thing ever.

Plus, if you’re staying the night, the campground has exceptionally clear views of the sky, making it gorgeous for nighttime and astrophotography. Plus, it sits facing east, so you can watch the moon and sunrise behind the hill on the opposite bank, so you can watch both of those happen while comfortably sitting at your campsite, opening up even more photographic opportunities.

The recreational areas at Lake Pindari use generic terms, so I’ll just list them from north to south, like you’re approaching from Ashford.

Pindari Dam Visiting Hours.

Pindari Dam is always open, so you can visit any time like, whether that be to catch the sunrise, photograph the stars or spend some time on the lake at night.

• Two boat ramps. One next to the dam and another at the camping ground. The one at the concrete dam wall is only usable when the water levels are high, while the asphalt one at the campground is usable at much lower levels.

Listed Permitted Water Activities.

• Boating & towable activities.
  • Tubing.
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding.
  • Kneeboarding.
• Jet skiing,
• Sailing.
• Paddling.
• Swimming (No designated area.)

Other Aquatic Activities You May Be Able To Do.

• Wind surfing.
• Fliteboarding.
• Diving.

Kwaimbal National Park.

Kings Plain National Park.

Dthinnia Dthinnia National Park.

Torrington Conservation Park.

Located northeast of Lake Pindari, Torrington Conservation Park is another spectacular, underrated gem in northern NSW.

Featuring even more prolifically, the boulder-strewn landscape this region is renowned for, it’s a place no nature lovers should miss because while there are only 3 short walking trails (all under 3km long), they are all incredible trails that lead to some unforgettable sights.

One highlight is Ugly Creek Falls, which is much more beautiful than its name implies, thanks to the creek bed’s sharp right-angle edges that you don’t often see in nature. However, as picturesque as it is and the dramatic cliff face, the falls cascade off, there was almost water coming off it even though it was the middle of the rainy season, so a visit after heavy rain offers a better experience.

Thunderbolt’s Lookout is even more incredible, thanks to its position atop a series of spectacular boulders that infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt is said to have used as a hideout. And you have to walk through before climbing a near-vertical 5-metre ladder to reach the top, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Saving the best one for last is the Mystery Face Trail, which features a rock formation resembling the side profile of an elderly man. It’s a cool feature, but I was most impressed with the Wellington Rocks, which consist of massive, towering boulders piled together to create a natural rock shelter you can explore, which is even more impressive than the one at Thunderbolt’s Lookout.

Not to mention, this trail is super scenic, with unique boulders to walk on, through, and under, making it visually interesting and impactful from start to finish, so I highly recommend allowing more time than you would think to walk the circuit, especially if you are a photographer like I am, as there are so many interesting compositions and photo opportunities to enjoy here.

Where Is Lake Pindari?

Lake Pindari lies in the Inverell Shire about 60km north northeast of the town of the same name, in the New England Region of Northern New South Wales.

How To Get There?

From Inverell:

From Tenterfield:

What To Take to Lake Pindari.

• Sunscreen.
• Hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Lip Balm.
• Camera/ Waterproof Camera.
• Food/Snacks.
• Drinking Water.
• Cooler.
• BBQ/Picnic Stuff.
• Beach Shelter/Gazebo.
• Beach Chairs.
• Sports Equipment.
• Paddleboard/Kayak/Canoe & Equipment.
• Binoculars.
• Book/ Music Playlist.

Interesting Facts About Pindari Dam.

• Type Of Dam: Rock fill embankment with a concrete slab.
• Year Completed: 1969s, enlarged in the 1990s.
• Maximum Capacity: 312 gigalitres.
• Catchment Area: 1994 sqkm.

Accommodation: Where To Stay.

• Lake Pindari Camping Area.

With stunning aquatic landscapes surrounded by huge sandstone stabs and boulders, Lake Pindari is a gorgeous place to enjoy scenic picnics, kayaking and boating adventures. Plus, with the free lakeside campground AND hot showers, it is the perfect northern NSW country escape.

If you plan to visit Lake Pindari, consider looking at these other posts.

• 📍5 Best National Parks Near Tenterfield, NSW, Within 150km For Hiking & Sightseeing. (2025.)

• 📍9 Best Breathtakingly Scenic Things To Do In Tenterfield, NSW For Nature Lovers. (2025.)

• 📍8 Best Unforgettable Day Trips From Tenterfield Within 2 Hours Drive From A Road Trip & Hiking Enthusiast. (2025.)