Lake Eacham: Volcanic Lake in the Tropical Rainforest

Lake Eacham is an enclosed, water-filled volcanic crater, isolated from all other waterways. Lush tropical rainforest surrounds the lake, which is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. As a nationally significant DIWA wetland, Lake Eacham is also particularly defined by its water and rainforest. Travellers who want to make nature experiences the focus of their trip will find a distinctive mix here: views of the lake, activity along the shore and things to do on the water.

Experience the lake: from the shore and on the water

Visitors can swim or snorkel along the shores of the clear blue volcanic lake. Non-motorised boats such as canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are welcome on Lake Eacham; a boat ramp is available there. This lets you choose different priorities for your stay: get in the water, head out onto the lake in a non-motorised boat, or take in the scenery from the shore. Two viewing platforms in the Lake Eacham day-use area offer uninterrupted views of the lake and its inhabitants. If you prefer watching to going out on the water yourself, you can enjoy views of the lake and its surroundings from there.

Walks and time in the day-use area

The Lake Eacham circuit track is open 24 hours a day. There is also a short, 700 m self-guided walk that starts at the picnic area at Lake Eacham. These two options give you different ways to plan your day: the circuit track is open around the clock, while the walk is specifically described as short and self-guided.

The Lake Eacham day-use area has picnic tables, shelters, toilets and barbecue facilities. This makes it a practical place to take a break between a walk and time at the lake. The facilities are clearly geared towards spending time outdoors: you can picnic at the tables or use the barbecue facilities. The viewing platforms are also in the day-use area, combining your time there with views of the lake and its inhabitants.

Rainforest information and opening times

The Rainforest Display Centre on McLeish Road in Lake Eacham provides information about tropical rainforest and the Traditional Owners' land management before clearing. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm, except on public holidays. So when planning, consider not only whether you want to visit the Centre, but also which day of the week your stay falls on.

The QPWS Rainforest Restoration Nursery is also on McLeish Road. It is open on Fridays from 7 am to 12 pm, except Good Friday and Christmas week. The Centre and the Nursery have different opening days and times, so plan according to the destination you want to visit. Lake Eacham was declared a national park in 1934, adding a historical connection to the protected area to the nature experience.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Lake Eacham is about 68 km from Cairns; the drive via the Gillies Highway takes a little over an hour. If you are considering Cairns as a base, you can factor in this distance and drive time as you plan and decide how much importance to give the lake on your trip. The access roads to Lake Eacham are sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles. Toilets and some paths and boardwalks at Lake Eacham are wheelchair accessible with assistance.

When looking for a holiday rental, the key consideration is therefore how you want to position Lake Eacham in your itinerary: should it be a major nature stop, or would you like to visit other destinations from a different base? The information about the drive from Cairns helps you consider this question in practical terms, without implying anything about the location or facilities of individual accommodations.

More destinations

More destinations: Kooralbyn, Hughenden, Palmwoods, Brooloo, Slade Point, St Lucia, Townsville, Burleigh Waters.

To the regional travel overview: Queensland.