Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham (Yidyam) is a clear, isolated volcanic crater lake within Crater Lakes National Park on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, about 60 km southwest of Cairns near Yungaburra. Formed by volcanic activity about 9,000 years ago, the 65-hectare lake reaches 65 metres deep and is surrounded by dense rainforest. Notable for its exceptionally clear water, swimming, rainforest walks and wildlife viewing, it is a popular day-use natural attraction in the Tablelands Region.

Visitors can expect a near-circular, deep blue crater lake enclosed by World Heritage-listed rainforest with a small sandy beach and grassed day-use area. The site offers clear freshwater swimming, a 3 km rainforest circuit walk around the lake, picnic and barbecue areas, viewing platforms and abundant birdlife and turtles. There are no shops or boat hire; the setting is natural and tranquil, accessed via a sealed road and car park.

Lake Eacham is a maar formed by volcanic steam explosions about 9,000 years ago when rising magma contacted groundwater. The crater later filled with rainwater to form a 65-hectare lake up to 65 metres deep. It was declared a Scenic Reserve in 1888, became Lake Eacham National Park in 1934, and in 1988 was included in the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area as part of Crater Lakes National Park.

Known as Yidyam to the Ngadjon-jii people, the lake holds cultural significance and is associated with traditional stories of the Tablelands crater lakes. The surrounding rainforest is part of the Wet Tropics cultural landscape valued for its natural heritage and ongoing connection for Traditional Owners.