The boat ramp at Dave Chapman Park sits on the Burdekin River approximately one kilometre from the Burdekin Weir Park entrance, offering straightforward river access for fishing and recreational boating.

Since 2019, the waterway has been open to expanded activities including water skiing and powered watercraft with motors above 4hp, with designated operating areas and speed restrictions marked at the ramp.

All activities on the water are regulated by Maritime Safety Queensland. Access and permitted activities can vary seasonally.

Following wet-season flooding, the waterway is typically surveyed for submerged objects before Maritime Safety Queensland reinstalls navigation and safety buoys, which must be in place before power boats and skiing are permitted.

During such periods, use may be restricted to small watercraft and fishing boats at a maximum of 5 knots.