Crater Lakes National Park
Park Queensland park featuring volcanic crater lakes and rainforest
Part of the Atherton Tablelands, Crater Lakes National Park protects volcanic crater lakes like Eacham and Barrine, with boardwalks, swimming areas and short rainforest walks.
Crater Lakes National Park is a small protected area in Far North Queensland, Australia, that preserves two volcanic crater lakes and their surrounding rainforest. The park safeguards these deep, water-filled maars and the adjacent wet tropical forest.
The lakes were formed by volcanic explosions that created maar craters; the surrounding rainforest has been protected as part of Queensland’s park system and is included within the broader Wet Tropics conservation area. Over time both sites have been managed for recreation and conservation of rainforest ecosystems.
The park lies on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, within the region of tropical upland rainforest. It is inland from the tropical coast and is accessed from towns on the tablelands.
- Two crater lakes: Contains two volcanic crater lakes formed in maar explosions, set within World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest.
What to See #
- Lake Eacham (Yidyam): A volcanic crater lake set within rainforest; its shoreline includes walking tracks, picnic facilities and a popular freshwater swimming spot.
- Lake Barrine: A second crater lake surrounded by rainforest with walking trails and lookouts; it is a separate protected waterbody within the park.
How to Get to Crater Lakes National Park #
Crater Lakes National Park is near Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. From Cairns, drive west on the Gillies Range Road (State Route 52) then follow local roads to Yungaburra and the lakes; the park is about 1-1.5 hours from Cairns by car.
Tips for Visiting Crater Lakes National Park #
- Visit Lake Eacham or Lake Barrine early in the morning to avoid crowds and see birds and wallabies near the shore.
- Bring a thermos-the cloud forest mornings are cool and still, and the reflection on the lakes is best at dawn.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lakes National Park #
Crater Lakes National Park (Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine) on the Atherton Tablelands; best visited in the dry season for walking and wildlife spotting.
Weather & Climate near Crater Lakes National Park #
Crater Lakes National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2917 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (537 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (568 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (555 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (257 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (278 mm).
