Crater Lakes National Park Tropical North Queensland

Lake Eacham day-use area upgrade – have your say

Have your say on the proposed upgrades to the Lake Eacham day-use area.

Photo credit: Darren Jew ©Tourism and Events Qld

Take your canoe and kayak for a majestic paddle along the edge of the lake. Photo credit: © Tourism Tropical North Qld

Walking tracks through the rainforest provide secluded forest-fringed views of the lake. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camping is not permitted anywhere within Crater Lakes National Park.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation near Crater Lakes National Park and in and around Yungaburra, Malanda and Atherton. For more information, see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    See Journeys for information on the range of walks available in Crater Lakes National Parks.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Picnic tables and toilets are provided at Lake Barrine day-use area as well as barbecues at Lake Eacham day-use areas. Visitors are responsible for their own rubbish as bins are not provided. Feeding the wildlife is prohibited.

    The privately-owned Lake Barrine Teahouse offers meals and drinks.

    Canoeing and kayaking

    Non-motorised boats, such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, are welcome at Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. At Lake Eacham, a boat ramp is provided for easy access. Take care on the ramp—it can be slippery.

    Motorised vessels and motorised recreational craft are prohibited without a permit. This includes (but is not limited to) any motorised boat, jetski, remote control craft and underwater propulsion device.

    Guided tours and talks

    The Lake Barrine Teahouse offers guided boat cruises.

    Swimming

    Swimming is permitted at Lake Barrine but care must be taken when boat cruises are running. Duck lice may irritate the skin of swimmers at certain times of the year.

    Enjoy a cool dip or snorkel the edges of Lake Eacham. Steps, ramps and ladders have been provided. Do not jump or dive from viewing decks, the pontoon, concrete blocks, lake edges or overhanging vegetation. Be aware of submerged objects and other swimmers. Recreational diving is permitted; commercial diving is permitted under strict permit conditions.

    Fishing

    Fishing, including the use of lines, traps and nets, is not permitted.

    Penalties apply.

    Viewing wildlife

    Crater Lakes National Park has an abundance of wildlife and several bird and mammal species are endemic to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. See the description of the park's natural environment for more details about Crater Lakes National Park wildlife.

    Other things to do

    Visit the Rainforest Display Centre at the Trees for the Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands (TREAT) Visitor Centre on McLeish Road, Lake Eacham. The display describes the clearing of tropical rainforest for timber and agriculture and the partial restoration of the rainforest today—particularly in linking isolated fragments. Four main vegetation restoration projects are showcased, as well as information on the benefits of tree planting and forest restoration, especially along waterways. Find out about the history and goals of TREAT and how the organisation functions alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). The visitor centre is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.