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 (Queensland) at a Glance#
Address: Lake Eacham, Queensland (near Yungaburra), Australia
Website: https://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/
Hours: Open access (no formal hours)
Admission: Duck-feeding and walk access free; park facilities may have small fees
About Lake Eacham (Queensland)#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 19° - 28° | 24° | 267 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 19° - 28° | 24° | 580 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 26° | 23° | 454 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 334 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 152 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 21° | 17° | 177 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 20° | 16° | 75 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 22° | 17° | 57 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 24° | 19° | 59 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 17° - 28° | 23° | 74 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 19° - 28° | 23° | 145 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
