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GALLERY-HEADINGS-ATH-Lake-Eacham

The Volcanic Crater Lake Eacham

A mere 10-minute drive from the captivating Curtain Fig Tree in Yungaburra, Queensland, you’ll discover the serene Lake Eacham nestled within the Crater Lakes National Park Cairns. This pristine gem is known for its crystalline blue waters, embraced by lush, dense rainforests and inhabited by a variety of small creatures. It’s a National Park that’s perfect for birdwatching, bushwalking, swimming, and even canoeing.

Approximately 10,000 years ago, molten magma from the Earth’s mantle began its journey toward the Earth’s crust, heating the water that lay trapped underground. This process resulted in the release of steam in the Tablelands area, eventually leading to cracks in the ground. When the pressure reached its zenith, it caused massive explosions, giving rise to what we now know as Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.

Lake Eacham is a self-contained catchment, a volcanic crater brimming with water, with no direct outlets to nearby rivers, creeks, or streams. The water levels here ebb and flow by approximately four meters between seasons due to evaporation and seepage.

These Atherton Tablelands Lakes are an integral part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest and are entrusted to the care of the Traditional Rainforest People of the Ngadjonji Aboriginal Tribe.