Treasure in the rainforest
Cool and calm: Lake Barrine's cool waters make it a perfect spot to escape the chaos of the city and experience the Atherton Tablelands. Picture: TTNQ
Lake Barrine is a beautiful natural lake nestled among World Heritage rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands.
Whether you're interested in a fully guided boat tour of the lake and its creatures, a swim in the 10,000-year-old freshwater lake (along with a few friendly ducks), or a quick snack at the lakeside teahouse amongst beautiful terraced gardens, Lake Barrine offers one of the most beautiful and relaxing environments in the tropics.
The lake is famous for it’s informative relaxing rainforest & wildlife cruises around the volcanic crater brim.
The 40-minute, 6km cruises provides a close-up view of one of the most complex and amazing rainforest eco-systems in the world and is perfect for birdwatches, nature lovers and just those wishing to learn a bit about the diverse ecosystem of the region.
There are also a number of walking tracks around the Lake's rim, complete with age-old trees and magnificent views over the water.
One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors to Lake Barrine is the family history that has seen three generations of one family associated with its care.
George Curry fell in love with the Lake while surveying the region in the pioneering days. He and the Local Council and Forestry Department formed what was then called the Lake's Trust.
This trust sought to protect the lake and surrounding land from logging.
In 1923 George applied for a grant and was given a perpetual lease over one acre of land on the shore of Lake Barrine.
Living on the edge of the lake in a corrugated iron hut George first showed the visitors around Lake Barrine in a row boat.
The timber Tea House was originally built in the 1930's as a dance hall and has since had many uses, including an aquatic centre, guest house, school and a convalescent home during World War II.
Today the Tea House, nestled right on the lake's edge, provides breakfasts, lunches and their famous prize-winning Devonshire teas.
The third generation of the Curry family still own & manage the Tea House and Rainforest Cruise and their commitment to the preservation of the natural heritage of the lake is unchanged.
If you fancy staying a bit longer, the fully self-contained Heritage Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a great retreat at a reasonable price.
Lake Barrine is located at the top of the Gillies Highway, in Yungaburra.
It is best accessed by personal vehicle or with one of the many Atherton Tablelands coach tours that operate daily.
Would you like to know more about Lake Barrine, or other tourist attractions on the Atherton Tablelands? Follow the links below to find out:
> Atherton Tablelands Tourist Information
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