Lake Barrine, Queensland: Walk, cruises, Teahouse & swimming

A volcanic lake in the Atherton Tableland, Queensland, Lake Barrine is surrounded by rainforest. It’s safe from crocodiles for swimming, has a 5km walk around the rim, and the Lake Barrine Teahouse serves Devonshire teas.

Lake Barrine is one of the underrated highlights of the Atherton Tableland near Cairns, Queensland. This sizable freshwater lake is part of the Crater Lakes National Park. It lies just to the north-east of Yungaburra and the better-known Lake Eacham.

Lake Barrine is a volcanic crater, created around 17,000 years ago. Much of the appeal comes from the rainforest setting, but the water is often eerily blue, too.

For an Atherton Tableland tour that visits Lake Barrine, book here.

Lake Barrine walk

The obvious way to explore this Atherton Tableland lake is walking around it. A 5km walking track loops around the lake. You can start by looking upwards at the giant kauri trees, then keep your eye out for rainforest creatures such as the Boyd’s forest dragon on the way round.

Lake Barrine Teahouse menu

After the walk, you can indulge yourself at the charming Lake Barrine Teahouse. The building is 90 years old, and inside, Devonshire teas are the speciality. But there are also some more unexpected menu options, such as the kofta balls or creole chicken and mango salad.

The Lake Barrine Teahouse has its own boat, which is uses for lake cruises. Alas, there are not scheduled departures – the Lake Barrine cruises are something you need to book privately as a group. Realistically, this is beyond the means of most visitors.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Barrine?

You can, however, go for a swim in Lake Barrine. It is too high up and too inland for the dreaded crocodiles to reach. You’ll need to watch out for the cruise boat if it is running, however, and some swimmers have complained of irritation from duck lice.

Lake Barrine tours

If you’ve not got your own transport, it is possible to visit Lake Barrine on a tour. There’s a full day tour from Cairns that visits Lake Barrine as well as Paronella Park and Millaa Millaa Falls. This costs $171 at time of writing, and can be booked online.

More Queensland travel

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Why is the Cotton Tree Pool so good for swimming?

Is it worth taking the Rockhampton to Brisbane train?

Where can I go on the Caboolture train line?

Go diving on the HMAS Brisbane from Mooloolaba.