Lake Barrine is part of the Crater Lakes National Park along with Lake Eachem. Both lakes were formed when molten lava came in contact with groundwater. Steam built up and exploded leaving craters in the earth which filled with water.

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1. Swimming

During the humid summers of Tropical North Queensland, the fresh clear water of Lake Barrine is a god send.

2. Wildlife

Lake Barrine and the tropical rainforest that surrounds it is home to a rich and beautiful eco-system. During my walks I have seen tree snakes (they are harmless and quite beautiful), water birds, sun birds, moorhens, ducks, water dragons, turtles, frogs, the iridescent blue Ulysses butterfly, and little hopping marsupials (possibly musky rat kangaroos, melomys, potoroos, or betongs).

3. Walking

A 4.5 km forest trail circles Lake Barrine. It is shaded the whole way and paved for a good part of it. Some of the strangler figs have created tunnels with their roots. The plants are such vigorous growers, you can really sense their aliveness. It’s like walking through Mirkwood among ents (for the Tolkien fans).

4. Giant twin kauri pines

How often do you get to see something that has been living for 1,000 years? A short walk on the wheel chair accessible board walk brings you to two 1,000 year old giant kauri pines. They began growing in the middle ages before the Battle of Hastings, before the crusades began, before Oxford University was founded, before the Notre Dame Cathedral was built in Paris, and before compasses were invented. By the time Christopher Columbus sailed to America the twin kauri pines at Lake Barrine had been growing for over 400 years.

5. Scones and other yumminess

The scones at Lake Barrine Teahouse are award-winning and the recipe has been passed down through four generations. The tea house also serves locally grown tea and coffee, lunches, and have vegetarian and gluten-free options. It is located in a traditional Queenslander house where you can sit on the verandah and enjoy views across the Lake.

6. Boat Tours

An electric boat tours Lake Barrine regularly throughout the day introducing you to the local wildlife and explaining how Lake Barrine was formed.

7. Dive the crystal clear waters

In 165 m deep Lake Barrine, you’ll see fish, eels, turtles and more. Rumour has it there are world war II wrecks down there, too. Time your dive so you aren’t there during a boat tour of the lake.

Lake Barrine is part of a 197 km Misty Mountains Loop south of Cairns which takes in waterfalls, swimming holes, forest trails, summit climbs, and local food providers.

More Information

• If you plan to hire a campervan to explore Australia, consider Camperman Australia. Their prices are all inclusive and as low as $49 per day. For longer adventures, consider buying a used campervan and selling it back when you’re finished.
• If this is a romantic getaway, honeymoon destination or marriage proposal trip, Misty Mountains Rainforest Retreat is a garden of Eden for couples. And it’s so private you get your money back if you see another soul.
• To see blogged campgrounds and places of interest in the region visit the Wooroonooran Blog Map.
• The Blog Map is a google map of everything blogged all over Australia.

Happy travels!