Lake Eacham

“Lake Eacham in the early morning belongs entirely to itself, the turtle breaking the surface, the kingfisher watching from the overhanging branch, the water so still it’s holding the sky up.”

Lake Eacham: The Tablelands’ Most Beloved Crater Lake

The most visited of the Atherton Tablelands is Lake Eacham volcanic crater lake, and its popularity is entirely deserved. A perfect, deep, circular crater lake surrounded by World Heritage rainforest and filled with some of the clearest, calmest freshwater in Australia, it is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and remarkable accessibility. Pack your swimmers; swimming is permitted and wonderful. The walking track around the lake is one of the best short walks on the Tablelands. And the wildlife, turtles, water dragons, kingfishers, and honeyeaters, are visible and active throughout the day.

The lake sits in the Lake Eacham National Park, just off the Gillies Highway between Atherton and Yungaburra. Parking is at the lake’s edge and the facilities include toilets and picnic areas. The track around the lake takes around 45 minutes at a comfortable walking pace.  Along the way, the trail passes through rainforest that includes some of the oldest trees in the Wet Tropics.

Swimming in the lake is best in the morning, when the water is at its clearest and the light gives the blue-green depth of the lake its most remarkable quality. Arrive early to avoid the midday tour buses and to have the lake’s early-morning calm essentially to yourself.

Lake Eacham is one of those places that rewards regular visits, different seasons, different light conditions, different times of day all reveal different aspects of its character. If you’re spending more than one day on the Tablelands, it’s worth coming back twice.

Explore the Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands MarketsFresh produce, arts and crafts, coffee and chocolate at the local markets.Atherton Tablelands WaterfallsFifteen falls, from the Millaa Millaa circuit to Millstream and Barron Falls.Walking TrailsRainforest and crater-rim walks across the Tablelands.

A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.

Lake Eacham FAQs

Where is Lake Eacham?

Lake Eacham is a volcanic crater lake in Lake Eacham National Park, just off the Gillies Highway between Atherton and Yungaburra, about an hour from Cairns.

Can you swim in Lake Eacham?

Yes. Swimming is permitted and popular at Lake Eacham. The clear, calm freshwater and easy access from the lakeside car park make it one of the best swimming spots on the Tablelands.

Is there a walking track around Lake Eacham?

Yes. A well-formed circuit track loops around the lake through World Heritage rainforest. It is one of the best short walks on the Tablelands and takes most walkers around an hour.

What wildlife can you see at Lake Eacham?

Lake Eacham is home to freshwater turtles, water dragons, kingfishers and honeyeaters, which are visible and active throughout the day, especially in the early morning.

Is there an entry fee for Lake Eacham?

No. Lake Eacham is free to visit, with free parking, picnic areas and toilets provided at the lakeside day-use area.