Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is a clear freshwater crater lake within Crater Lakes National Park on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, about 60 km southwest of Cairns. Formed by volcanic activity over 10,000 years ago, it is surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Notable for its deep blue water, twin kauri pines, lakeside teahouse operating since 1926, rainforest walking tracks and guided lake cruises, it is a popular day-trip destination from Cairns and Yungaburra.

Visitors can expect a deep, clear volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense World Heritage rainforest within Crater Lakes National Park. The site features a heritage lakeside teahouse with indoor and lakeside dining, a jetty for 45-minute guided lake cruises, two short rainforest walking tracks (Twin Kauri Pines track and lakeside circuit), picnic areas, lookouts over the water, and opportunities to see rainforest birds, turtles and eels in the lake. The environment is tranquil and shaded, with well-maintained paths and interpretive signage.

Lake Barrine was formed over 10,000 years ago when a volcanic maar crater filled with groundwater. European timber-getters arrived in the late 19th century. The Lake Barrine Teahouse was built in 1926 to serve tourists and is heritage-listed. The lake and surrounding forest were gazetted as Crater Lakes National Park and later included in the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area in 1988.

Located on the traditional lands of the Ngadjon-jii people of the Atherton Tablelands. The crater lakes and surrounding rainforest hold cultural significance for Traditional Owners and are recognised as part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area for their natural and cultural values.