Via the Gillies Highway. The circuit track is closed from 7 October to 4 November 2026.
Directions in Google MapsQueensland Parks has temporarily closed the 5 km circuit track from 7 October to 4 November 2026. The twin kauris walk is a separate short track.
Giant trees and a cup of tea by the water
Lake Barrine is the first of the two crater lakes on the Gillies Highway, about an hour from Cairns. Like Lake Eacham it's a volcanic maar, clear and blue and 65 metres deep.
The short twin kauris walk takes you to two bull kauri pines more than 45 metres tall. The 5 kilometre circuit track goes all the way around the lake through rainforest.
The privately owned Lake Barrine Teahouse sits on the shore, serving meals with a view, and runs guided boat cruises on the lake.
Walks at Lake Barrine
- Twin kauris walk: 160 m return, about 10 minutes, Grade 1. Sealed, and wheelchair accessible with assistance.
- Lake Barrine circuit track: 5 km, about 2 hours, Grade 3, through rainforest on rich red basalt soil. Closed 7 October to 4 November 2026.
- Rainforest walk: 600 m one way, about 15 minutes, Grade 4. Look for musky rat-kangaroos and listen for chowchillas.
The Lake Barrine Teahouse and cruises
The teahouse and gardens are on private land. It offers meals and drinks with relaxed views over the water, plus guided boat cruises that show you the lake and its wildlife from a different angle. It has ramps and wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Can you swim in Lake Barrine?
Yes, swimming is permitted. Take care when the boat cruises are running. Queensland Parks also notes that duck lice can irritate swimmers' skin at certain times of year. Lake Eacham, 8 kilometres on, is the better-known swimming lake.
Lake Barrine: good to know
Track closure
The 5 km circuit is closed 7 Oct to 4 Nov 2026.
Stinging trees
They grow beside the tracks. Never touch them.
No pets, no fishing
Domestic animals and fishing aren't permitted.
Traditional Owners
The Tablelands Yidinji welcome you to their special place.
Lake Barrine in pictures
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Lake Barrine: the route on a map
Crater Lakes National Park
About 60 kilometres from Cairns, an hour's drive up the Gillies Highway. It's the first lake you reach.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsKeep going up the Gillies
Lake Eacham is 8 kilometres on, then Yungaburra and the Curtain Fig.
Lake Eacham
A clear, deep volcanic lake with a pontoon, a shady 3 km loop and turtles.
See the guide →Curtain Fig Tree
A 500-year-old fig with roots that fall 15 metres like a curtain. Ten minutes on a boardwalk.
See the guide →Yungaburra Markets
The biggest market on the Tablelands: 250+ growers and makers, fourth Saturday of the month.
See the guide →Barefoot Tours
A full day of waterfalls and swimming holes on the Tablelands.
Hot Air Ballooning
Float over the Atherton Tablelands as the sun comes up.
Lake Barrine FAQs
How tall are the Lake Barrine kauri pines?
The twin bull kauri pines are over 45 metres tall.
Can you swim in Lake Barrine?
Yes. Take care when boat cruises are running, and be aware duck lice can irritate the skin at certain times of year.
How long is the walk around Lake Barrine?
The circuit track is 5 kilometres and takes about 2 hours. It's closed from 7 October to 4 November 2026.
Is there a cafe at Lake Barrine?
Yes, the privately owned Lake Barrine Teahouse serves meals and drinks and runs boat cruises.
How far is Lake Barrine from Cairns?
About 60 kilometres, an hour up the Gillies Highway.