Lake Eacham
Crater Lakes National Park
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GPS Tracks
A clear, blue lake surrounded by cool rainforest, Lake Eacham offers swimming, bird watching, canoeing, picnic areas and shady walking tracks. It is a popular recreation area for locals and visitors.
In geological terms, the lake is a maar; a volcanic crater formed by massive explosions from the superheating of groundwater. The crater fills with rain water only, forming a lake 65m deep.
Over 180 bird species have been recorded from the rainforest and you may be lucky enough to see one of the few species of marsupial active during daytime—the small musky rat-kangaroo.
Getting there:
About 3km east of Yungaburra on the Gillies Highway, turn at the Gillies Roadhouse (Altitude Cafe) into Lake Barrine Road and then after 500m, left into Lakes Drive, which take you to the lake's car park.
Due to the nature of the Gillies Highway (includes 20km of very twisty uphill driving - known as 'crash alley!', this would be well over an hours' drive from Cairns.
Maps:
Route/Trail notes:
A well signposted walking track takes you along gravel pathways and boardwalks around the lake.
Permits/Costs:
None.
Other References/Comments:
Atherton and Yungaburra both have a selection of accommodation options and there is a camp site at Eacham Lake itself.
36 Lake Eacham (GPX)
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