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Lake Eacham is located between the two southern Tableland towns of Yungaburra and Malanda. It is part of the Crater Lakes National Park - Lake Eacham Section. It is a short but beautiful drive through the rainforest to a superb volcanic crater lake with deep emerald waters.

It was thought to be formed due to volcanic activity over 10,000 years ago. Lake Eacham is a maar — a volcanic crater formed by two massive explosions from super heating of groundwater. This vent now forms the catchment of the lake and is 65m deep. No streams flow into or out of the lake, with water only lost through seepage and evaporation. The water level fluctuates only four metres between wet and dry seasons.

The lake is Perfect for swimming and you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy bank. The lake is surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest, with a 4.5km walking track around its perimeter. You may spot a musky rat kangaroo dart in front of you, or see the Boyds forest dragon sitting motionless on a tree limb, perfectly camouflaged. The brush turkeys stalk the picnic areas, and turtles and fish are seen in the lake. BBQ and Toilet facilities.

Lake Barrine National Park is located on the Gillies Highway.

Lake Barrine is a volcanic maar similar to Lake Eacham, but Toohey Creek runs out of Lake Barrine, which means the water level remains fairly constant throughout the year, except during periods of severe inundation. The water from Toohey Creek feeds into the headwaters of the Mulgrave River.

The deep waters of the lake and the pleasant coolness of the Atherton Tableland have combined to make Lake Barrine a popular stop for visitors to the area.

The larger of the twin crater lakes, Lake Barrine has been operating as a tourist destination since the 1920s. Enjoy a lake cruise and a devonshire tea at the Tea House on the waters edge. Spot the sunbathing pythons, eels, turtles, ducks and other water birds. Experience remnant Tableland Rainforest on the 6.5km walk around the lake. There is a short walk to the 1,100 year old Twin Kauri Pines. Picnic and toilet facilities.

Lake Tinaroo was created by damming the Barron River in 1950 for the irrigation of agricultural areas.

However it has provided a huge water sports and recreational area. Sailing, waterskiing, canoeing and fishing are all popular, and the 200km of shoreline is great for camping, picnicking and bushwalking.

The Tinaburra arm of Lake Tinaroo is accessible from Yungaburra Village. Lake Tinaroo can also be accessed from the east (Danbulla Forest Drive) or from the west (via Kairi and Lake Tinaroo township).

Lake Euramoo : Lake Euramoo is situated on the Danbulla State Forest Drive. It is also a volcanic marr.

The massive explosions which which formed the crater lakes are still remembered in Aboriginal stories. These stories recall big winds, billowing red clouds and people swallowed by cracks in the ground. Water eventually filled the craters, creating tranquil lakes which give no indication of their violent creation.

Check the location of some of these lakes on our maps page.