Via the Gillies Highway, 8 km past Lake Barrine. Open 24 hours.
Directions in Google MapsA volcano's crater, now a swimming lake
Lake Eacham is a maar, a crater formed by a volcanic explosion, now filled with clear blue water 65 metres deep and surrounded by rainforest. It's in Crater Lakes National Park, just over an hour from Cairns.
You can swim or snorkel the edges, using the steps, ramps and ladders, and paddle out on a kayak or SUP. A 3 kilometre circuit track wraps the lake in about an hour.
At 720 metres above sea level it's cooler than the coast, and the water feels fresh even on a hot day.
Swimming at Lake Eacham
Swimming is a favourite here. Steps, ramps and ladders lead into the water, and you can snorkel the edges. Non-motorised craft like kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are welcome, using the boat ramp, which is rough and slippery.
- Don't jump or dive from decks, the pontoon, concrete blocks or the lake edge.
- It's a deep, open body of water. Take care, and supervise kids.
Yes, there's a freshwater croc
Queensland Parks notes that a freshwater crocodile lives in Lake Eacham. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, freshies are considered timid and non life-threatening, and very few incidents have been reported. It can still bite if disturbed, so don't approach it. Report sightings to CrocWatch on 1300 130 372.
Walks around Lake Eacham
- Lake Eacham circuit track: 3 km, about 1 hour, Grade 2.
- Children's walk: 1.4 km return, about an hour of play, Grade 2, with activities for kids along the way.
Watch for stinging trees beside the tracks: never touch them. There's a restricted access area between part of the circuit and the lake, so stay on the formed track.
Lake Eacham: good to know
No jumping or diving
Use the steps and ladders to get in.
Wildlife
Over 180 bird species, musky rat-kangaroos and, occasionally, cassowaries.
No pets, no fishing
Penalties apply for fishing. No camping either.
Bring a bag
There are no bins. Take your rubbish home.
Lake Eacham in pictures
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Lake Eacham: the route on a map
Crater Lakes National Park
About 68 kilometres from Cairns via the Gillies Highway, just over an hour. The turn-off is about 8 kilometres past Lake Barrine.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsAround the crater lakes
Lake Barrine is 8 kilometres back towards Cairns, Yungaburra and the Curtain Fig a few minutes the other way.
Lake Barrine
Twin 45 m kauri pines, a lakeside teahouse and a 5 km rainforest loop.
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 Eacham FAQs
Can you swim in Lake Eacham?
Yes. Use the steps, ramps and ladders, and don't jump or dive.
Are there crocodiles in Lake Eacham?
A freshwater crocodile lives in the lake. Queensland Parks says freshies are timid and non life-threatening, but don't approach it.
How deep is Lake Eacham?
About 65 metres.
How long is the walk around Lake Eacham?
The circuit track is 3 kilometres and takes about an hour.
How far is Lake Eacham from Cairns?
About 68 kilometres via the Gillies Highway, just over an hour.
Can you kayak on Lake Eacham?
Yes, non-motorised boats like kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are welcome.