Lake Eacham (Queensland)
Lake Volcanic crater lake on the Atherton Tablelands
A crater lake on the Atherton Tablelands, Lake Eacham lies inside Crater Lakes National Park; visitors swim from grassy shores, walk rim trails and watch for native birds in the rainforest setting.
Lake Eacham is a freshwater volcanic crater lake on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, protected within Crater Lakes National Park. It is a crater lake formed by volcanic activity and lies within a forested national park.
The site is used for swimming, picnicking and short bushwalks; a lakeside track provides an easy circuit and wildlife viewing opportunities including birdlife typical of the region. Facilities for day visitors are provided at the park entrance and day-use area.
The lake was formed by volcanic activity as a crater or maar and has long been recognised as a distinct geomorphological feature on the tableland. The surrounding forest is protected within the national park.
Lake Eacham sits on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland’s tropical uplands, inland from the coastal city of Cairns and within the network of volcanic crater lakes in the region.
- Walking circuit: A sealed walking track circles the lake and provides an accessible route through wet sclerophyll and rainforest, used for short walks and birdwatching.
How to Get to Lake Eacham (Queensland) #
About 1-1.5 hour drive from Cairns via the Gillies Range Road or via the Kennedy Highway to Yungaburra; local buses and tour operators include the crater lakes on day-trip circuits.
Tips for Visiting Lake Eacham (Queensland) #
- Arrive at dawn when the lake is calm and the mirror-like surface offers the best reflections
- Combine with Crater Lakes National Park trails for a fuller day in the Atherton Tablelands
- Public transport options exist from nearby towns but schedules are limited-plan ahead
Best Time to Visit Lake Eacham (Queensland) #
The dry season (May-October) offers the most comfortable visiting conditions and clearer trails.
Weather & Climate near Lake Eacham (Queensland) #
Lake Eacham (Queensland)'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 11°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2401 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 (267 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (580 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (454 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (334 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (57 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 26°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 27 mm.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
