Perfect weekend escape
Get away: Lake Tinaroo has a little something for everybody. Picture: Tablelands Tropical Tourism.
With its glistening waters and tropical weather, Lake Tinaroo is an ideal spot for anyone looking for a weekend of enjoyable entertainment.
Located on the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, Tinaroo is one of the region's most popular holiday spots.
There is a huge rang of water sports and activities available at Tinaroo, as well as house boat and dinghy hire, water skiing and plenty of opportunities for fishing, bird watching and sailing.
The spectacular birdlife, safe swimming and an abundance of camping sites around the lake makes this an idyllic spot for yourself, a partner or the whole family.
If you are a fishing enthusiast, Tinaroo is the place to go.
Home to record-size Barramundi and the freshwater crayfish known as Redclaw - Tinaroo is the fisherman’s catch.
The famous Barra Bash is held on the lake each year and participation is encouraged - but make sure you put your best foot forward as competition is stiff!
Boats may be hired from nearby Lake Tinaroo Township.
Tinaroo is part of a fish stocking scheme, so permits are required to fish in the lake (which is a contribution to the scheme).
Permits cost approximately $7 per week for a couple, with children under 18 free - they can be obtained from local shops (prices may be subject to change, so visitors are advised to check before purchase).
Close by is the the Dunbulla Forest, which surrounds a large part of the lake.
It includes 8000 hectors of rainforest and offers many secluded beaches and bays where the trees stretch down the shoreline.
Also just past Tinaroo is Platypus Rock, one of the 5 State Forest Parks.
It offers tranquil walking trails and inviting picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Along the forest drive you also have the opportunity to visit famous Tablelands tourist attractions including the Cathedral Fig Tree, The Chimneys, Lake Euramoo, Mobo Creek Crater, and the Gillies lookout.
Bookings are required for all camping sites, so hurry in and be quick if you are planning a Christmas trip.
Camping is allowed only at the designated QPWS camping grounds where basic facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and tap water.
Generators and dogs are not allowed in the camping areas, and firewood is not provided but can be purchase at the nearby caravan park or Kairi service station.
Bookings can be made by calling 131304 or the ranger on 40910 1844.
Would you like to know more about Lake Tinaroo, or other tourist attractions on the Atherton Tablelands? Follow the links below to find out:
>> Atherton Tablelands Tourist Information
>> Tropical Tablelands Tourism
>> Scotty Hillier's Friday Fishing Photogallery
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