Lake Barrine Volcanic Crater

Lake Barrine is situated amongst the World Heritage Atherton Tablelands rainforest approximately a 1 hour drive from Cairns. As you travel south from Cairns you will travel through a small town called Gordonvale. From here there are two options you can take to reach Lake Barrine.

How To Get To Lake Barrine

Option 1

Turn right at the traffic lights at Gordonvale on to Riverstone Road and follow the road, you will reach the Gillies range, follow this range to the top of the Atherton Tablelands. Once you reach the top travel for approximately 5mins where you will see the sign Lake Barrine National Park, turn left and follow the road to Lake Barrine.

Option 2

If you are coming from Atherton you will follow the road to Yungaburra. As you continue to travel through the small town of Yungaburra approximately 8kilometres from Yungaburra you will see the turn off to Lake Barrine National Park.

Option 3

Cairns Northern Beaches – Travel South along the Captain Cook Highway which will turn to Sheridan St, continue travelling past the airport as you travel along Sheridan St you will pass the police station and courthouse on the right hand side, follow the road as it veers to the right, at the round about take the first exit as you travel along the road you will see a set of lights, at the traffic lights turn right onto Ray Jones drive continue along this road as if you were driving to Innisfail.

You are now on the Bruce Highway. As you reach Gordonvale turn right at the traffic lights at Gordonvale on to Riverstone Road and follow the road, you will reach the Gillies range; follow this range to the top of the Atherton Tablelands. Once you reach the top travel for approximately 5mins where you will see the sign Lake Barrine National Park, turn left and follow the road to Lake Barrine.

Option 4

Port Douglas – Travel along the Port Douglas Road at the intersection turn left and travel south along the Captain Cook Highway you will go past Ellis Beach and Palm Cove, continue to travel straight through all the Northern beaches roundabouts as you are travelling south along the Captain Cook Highway it will turn to Sheridan St, continue travelling past the airport as you travel along Sheridan St you will pass the police station and courthouse on the right hand side, follow the road as it veers to the right, at the round about take the first exit as you travel along the road you will see a set of lights, at the traffic lights turn right onto Ray Jones drive continue along this road as if you were driving to Innisfail.

You are now on the Bruce Highway. As you reach Gordonvale turn right at the traffic lights at Gordonvale on to Riverstone Road and follow the road, you will reach the Gillies range; follow this range to the top of the Atherton Tablelands. Once you reach the top travel for approximately 5mins where you will see the sign Lake Barrine National Park, turn left and follow the road to Lake Barrine.

Lake Barrine offers a relaxing and informative cruise around the edge of the lake. The 45 minute cruise gives you a close up view of one of the most incredible rainforest eco-systems. You also have the opportunity to see water dragons, snakes, turtles and a wide range of birdlife. Throughout the cruise the boat driver will give live commentary and give information and history of the lake and the surrounding areas. You may even be lucky enough to see some of the ducks that climb on board for a bit of bread from the driver. The cruises operate daily from 9.30am. Approximate prices start at:-

• Adult: $16
• Child (5-15): $8
• Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): $40

Lake Barrine Walking Trails

Lake Barrine offers a range of walking tracks for all fitness levels. While walking round the edge of the lake an incredible array of wildlife can be spotted such as a wide range of birdlife, snakes, insects, turtles and water dragons.

Walks include:

• An easy walk to the giant 1000 year old twin Kairi pines (wheelchair accessible). These are 2 huge giant trees that are standing side by side and are over 1000 years old. These Kairi Pines are a special site to see as George Curry set aside this area under the Lakes Trust so no trees are able to be used in this area.
• For the experienced walker there is a 5km track around the perimeter of Lake Barrine (1 ½ hrs). This walk is brilliant for bird watchers. There are rest stations and lookouts around the rim of Lake Barrine for you to view it from all angles.

Lake Barrine Teahouse - Restaurant

As you arrive at the Lake Barrine Teahouse you can smell the freshly baked scones. Lake Barrine teahouse offers award winning Devonshire tea and scones which are all made on premises with fresh jam and cream from local producers. Light lunches are also available. Lake Barrine Teahouse is open every day of the year from 9am (except Christmas Day) so why not arrive in time to try the tasty scones and relax and admire the scenic view of the lake on the upstairs balcony. The Lake Barrine Teahouse is owned and operated by the local Curry family and as you enter the teahouse there are walls lined with photographs and historical artifacts on the Second World War and how the Lake Barrine tea house was used as a hospital for the American and Australian soldiers to rest and recover. The Lake Barrine teahouse also has a range of souvenirs such as tea towels, coffee cups, and photos to remind you of your visit to Lake Barrine Volcano Crater Lake.

Swimming At Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is an excellent place to cool off in those hot summer months with fresh, cool water. Lake Barrine has both shallow and deep swimming areas which are accessible from beneath the teahouse. Swimming is available all year round. Please note no water craft are permitted on the Crater Lake apart from the authorized boat cruise operated by the Lake Barrine Tea House.

If you would like to visit the Atherton Tablelands and Lake Barrine on a guided Cairns Day Tour then please have a look at the tour tab at the top of the copy