Lake Tinaroo

Lake Tinaroo is a large artificial reservoir on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, created by the Tinaroo Falls Dam on the Barron River. Located near Atherton and Yungaburra, it was constructed between 1953 and 1958 for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Surrounded by Danbulla National Park and State Forest, it is notable for scenic forested shores, extensive water-based recreation and as a major barramundi fishing destination.

Visitors can expect a large freshwater lake surrounded by rainforest and eucalypt forest of Danbulla National Park and Danbulla State Forest. The foreshore offers multiple day-use areas, picnic grounds, boat ramps, and camping areas. The lake is popular for boating, kayaking, water-skiing, swimming in designated areas, fishing, bushwalking on lakeside trails, birdwatching and photography. Facilities are spread around the lake with forested drives connecting lookouts and recreation areas.

Lake Tinaroo was formed by the construction of Tinaroo Falls Dam on the Barron River between 1953 and 1958. The dam was built to provide irrigation water for the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area and for hydroelectric power generation, playing a key role in the agricultural development of the Atherton Tablelands.

The lake is a significant recreational and economic resource for the Tablelands community, supporting tourism, agriculture through irrigation, and outdoor recreation. The surrounding Danbulla area is valued for its natural heritage and rainforest landscapes.