Crater Lakes | Lake Eacham | Lake Barrine

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Crater Lakes National Park | Lake Eacham | Lake Barrine

Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are two volcanic crater lakes surrounded by upland rainforest, a short drive from Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands.

Formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, the craters gradually filled with rainwater and are now protected within Crater Lakes National Park. There are no streams flowing into or out of the lakes, with water replenished by rainfall and lost through seepage and evaporation.

Today, the two lakes offer walking, wildlife watching, picnicking and time beside the water, while Lake Eacham is also a popular place for swimming and paddling.

Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is a maar – a volcanic crater formed by two massive explosions from superheating of groundwater. This vent now forms the catchment of the lake and is 65m deep. Some of the original underlying sedimentary rocks occur today as metamorphic rock outcrops in parts of the crater rim.

No streams flow into or out of the lake, with water only lost through seepage and evaporation.

The water level can fluctuate 4m between wet and dry seasons.

Indigenous stories of the explosion of Lake Eacham describe the forest at the time as “open scrub”. A subsequent study of pollen records from lake sediments supplements this view, suggesting the rainforest formed on the Atherton Tablelands only around 7600 years ago.

In 1988 Lake Eacham was included within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA) and in 1994 joined Lake Barrine under a single protected area -Crater Lakes National Park.

Lake Eacham is a clear, blue lake surrounded by lush rainforest and offers swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, picnic areas and shady walking tracks. It is a popular recreation area for locals and visitors.

The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Lake Eacham welcome you to their country and ask that you respect their special place.

Please refer to the QLD Parks website for more information

Things to do at Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is a popular place to swim, paddle, picnic and walk, with clear water surrounded by rainforest.

A three kilometre walking track circles the lake, passing through upland rainforest where more than 180 bird species have been recorded. Viewing platforms provide places to look for fish and turtles, while picnic and barbecue facilities make it easy to spend a few hours by the water.

Canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be used on the lake, while motorised craft are not permitted.

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Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are only a short drive apart but offer different ways to experience the national park. While Lake Eacham draws swimmers and paddlers to the water, Lake Barrine is well suited to walking, wildlife watching and exploring the rainforest around the shoreline.

Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine was formed over 17,000 years ago when a large volcano erupted, leaving a crater that over time filled up with water to create a lake. The crater was formed as a result of a series of volcanic explosions. These explosions were caused by the hot molten rock coming into contact with groundwater. This caused a build-up of steam, gases and pressure which blasted the central core from the volcano. This massive explosion left a huge crater, which filled with rainwater to create Lake Barrine.

A walking track around the lake allows for forest-fringed, secluded views of the lake and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. A pair of towering bull kauri pine trees, over 45m tall, is a feature of the park.

Lake cruises operate from the privately-owned Lake Barrine Teahouse offering visitors a relaxed view of the lake and its wildlife.

Please refer to the QLD Parks website for more information

Things to do at Lake Barrine

Walk beneath the rainforest canopy at Lake Barrine, where a five kilometre circuit follows the shoreline of the volcanic crater lake.

A shorter walk leads to two towering bull kauri trees thought to be more than 1,000 years old. Around the lake, keep watch for waterbirds, turtles, fish and eels.

Visitors can also see the lake from the water on a guided rainforest and wildlife cruise operated from the privately owned Lake Barrine Teahouse.

Things to do nearby

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Where to stay

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- Explore the crater lakes and surrounds

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Crater Lakes National Park

Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Eacham

Things to do at Lake Eacham

Lake Barrine

Things to do at Lake Barrine

Things to do nearby

Artistree Gallery

Avenue of Honour

Bromfield Swamp

Cross-Stitch & Quilting Corner

Curtain Fig, Yungaburra

Eyes on Wildlife

Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Eacham, Crater Lake National Park

Malanda Cycle Loop

Malanda Falls

Malanda Markets

Malanda Markets

Malanda Mosaic Trail

Mount Bartle Frere

Nick’s Restaurant

Our Place Restaurant

Where to stay

Altitude 700 Rural Retreat

Birds n Bloom Cottages

Bonadio RV and Nature Park

Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges

Curtain Fig Motel

Hitching Rail

Kookaburra Lodge Motel

Lake Eacham Caravan Park

Malanda Falls Caravan Park

Malanda Lodge

Sharlynn by the River B and B

The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses

The Gables Yungaburra

Tuscany on Tinaroo

Map

- Explore the crater lakes and surrounds

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