Lakes of the Atherton Tablelands

Whether your passion is fishing or water-skiing, wildlife watching, picnicking, swimming or just chilling, the lakes of Tinaroo, Eacham and Barrine extend a refreshing welcome to all.

Lake Tinaroo

To the locals of the region, Lake Tinaroo is a classic fixture of both childhood holidays and adult recreation. Camping, fishing, water-skiing and successful catches of the delicious freshwater red-claw which abound in its waters make up fond holiday memories.

On the lake, water sports - sailing, canoeing, skiing and fishing - are year round activities. On land, the more than 200 kilometres of shore provides scenic drives, camping, bushwalking and picnicking.

The scenic country drive to Tinaroo takes you through the village of Kairi, where the original Queenslander style pub is a popular refreshment stop.

Fishing and red-claw potting are favourite pastimes at Lake Tinaroo. Barramundi can be caught in the waters all year round as the lake is annually restocked with fingerlings and is not affected by seasonal closures. The world record barramundi - a 38.75kg beauty - was caught in Lake Tinaroo some years ago. Fishing permits are required and can be readily obtained; enquire at information centres. Fishing and boat hire can easily be arranged from local companies who are experienced in knowing the lake and its seasonal variations.

The leisurely pace of house boating (and onboard dining!) is well suited to the catch of the day, be it barramundi or the other local delicacy, sooty grunter.

Tinaroo was created back in the 1950's by damming the Barron River and now its precious water provides irrigation for much of the region's crops. Recreational use of the beautiful lake is high and the campgrounds are very popular with locals seeking to escape the humidity of the coast during the warmer months.

Lake Tinaroo's spillway is a favourite picnic spot and photo opportunity. There are tables and long grassy stretches perfect for children's games. Birching and wildlife spotting is just as popular here as it is on the rest of the Atherton Tablelands/ Cairns Highlands and for those with a dose of patience, the quiet, shy platypus are always somewhere in the lake shallows.

A lakeside tour around Danbulla Forest Drive through the beautiful stand of kauri pine forest on the way to Fongon Bay will bring you past a local landmark; the Chimneys. The bricks and mortar are all that remain of a farmhouse dating back to the 1920's. There are no less than five State Forest Parks along the drive, dipping down to the foreshores of the dam, and offering idyllic spots for picnicking or camping overnight.
A feature of the drive is the Cathedral Fig Tree. This remarkable forest giant is actually a strangler fig living on a tree host. The reserve has several craters (at Mobo Creek and Lake Euramoo) and many short walks through the forest.

House boating is a great way to see Lake Tinaroo. Lake Tinaroo Terraces has good value apartments. At the waters-edge, Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park offers holiday units and cabin accommodation as well as a caravan park and camping areas. There are a number of public camping areas around Danbulia Forest Drive.

Lake Barrine

Once a volcanic crater, Lake Barrine is today a picture postcard. Its calm waters are surrounded by fringing rainforest offset by a quaint 80 year old teahouse which serves excellent Devonshire teas and other welcome fare.

The Lake Barrine Teahouse and its sister facility, the excellent value-for-money Lake Barrine Cruise, were established by Margaret and George Curry back in the late 1800's. Today, second and third generations of the Curry family own and manage them both.

The lake cruise, which runs regularly throughout the day, perfectly complements the gracious teahouse. During the 40 minute cruise, the commentary reflects back on the history of the family and the lake. It's slow-paced, and perfect for wildlife watching. No-one will be disappointed by the water dragons, eels, turtles, pelicans, ducks and occasional amethystine pythons sunning themselves on the banks.

The circuit walk around Lake Barrine takes you past the Twin Kauri Pines, estimated to be well over 1,000 years old. These forest giants are the sentinels near the start of the 6.5 kilometre walk through the rainforest where you'll encounter bird life, shy and sleepy mammals, and often a few surprised water dragons.

When you've mustered an appetite, the menu at the teahouse will satisfy. The popular Devonshire teas are made with home made jams and fresh cream from the neighbouring dairylands of Malanda; the Currys have been using the same recipe for almost 80 years. The all day menu extends to lunches and light snacks, which can be enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the quietly resting lake.

Souvenirs, environmental information and local information on places to stay and visit are available at the Lake Barrine Teahouse, which was also used as a convalescent hospital for Australian troops returning from New Guinea during World War 11.

Lake Eacham

The entrance road to Lake Eacham is charming, with deep stands of rainforest nearly meeting in a tunnel overhead. Bush turkeys are a common sight here. Their glossy black plumage and red and black wattles stand out against the greens and khakis of the background forest warning motorists of their presence.

Like Lake Barrine, no motorized water sports are allowed at Lake Eacham, so the tranquility of the place is refreshingly intact. A long stretch of grassy lawn meets the lakeside, there are barbecues, picnic areas, an all weather shelter and toilets. The 3 kilometre path encircling the lake is a moderately easy walk. The views across the lake are spectacular and the atmosphere serene. You can also do a short self-guided walk through the forest to the ranger station.

Both the lakes are explosion craters, also known as maars. These are the result of rising lava coming into contact with ground water causing steam to create a violent explosion producing a crater. The lakes are approximately 65 metres deep and thought to be around 10,000 years old.
Waterfall Walk

The Lakes Drive divides into two and the smaller right hand branch takes you to Vision Fails and stream, a relaxing 30 minute stroll through the rainforest.
It's a short walk down to the waterfall, and the walking path follows the route of the creek and forms a circuit, passing under the bridge and then heading back up towards the roadway. As you pass under the bridge, look out for the giant ferns towering above, and throughout the rest of the walk remember to look up at the numerous epiphytes growing on the taller trees, and down to the smaller plants and fungi living on the forest floor.

The Lake Eacham Roadhouse at the top of the Gillies Highway caters well to visitors. Lake Eacham Caravan Park is close to the lake itself, and in the surrounding forest are luxury retreats, bed & breakfasts, cottages and cabins tucked away in the trees - see the wildlife at Chamber's Wildlife Rainforest Lodge, or share an indulgent escape at B&B's such as the Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages.

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