Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest Lake Eacham has amazing clear blue / green water which is both breathtaking and refreshing.
A beautiful, refreshing and serene blue and green lake! Perfect for swimming and canoeing.
Lake Eacham is located in the Atherton Tablelands near Yungaburra approx. 1.25 hours from Cairns. Admittedly it’s a bit of a hike from Cairns to get here, but oh so worth the drive here.
Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest this lake filled with amazing clear blue / green water is both breathtaking and refreshing.
The lake was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic explosion that then filled the crater with water. The lake is now 65m deep.
If you look into the beautiful clear water you can often see fish and turtles.
There is a walking path all the way around the lake and various viewing platforms.
There is also a large grassy picnic area with tables and BBQ’s.
Please note Lake Eacham gets very busy with locals, while there are toilets there, we have found them to be very dirty by the end of the day, which is a shame for such a beautiful spot.
It’s easy to access the water, with stairs leading down.
Please be aware that at the bottom of the stairs the water is quite shallow, but it drops off suddenly to very deep water.
The water is cool and refreshing and not nearly as cold as the creeks and waterfalls nearby.
Boats are prohibited but you can canoe and paddle board here
There is a fresh water crocodile that has on occasion been seen here. It will not attack or harm you unless it is threatened. Hundreds of people swim here every day – it is quite safe!
Not far from Lake Eacham, near Yungaburra is the amazing, gigantic Curtain Fig tree.
Definitely worth a visit when you are up this way.
From Cairns you have two options to get to Lake Eacham. The fastest way is generally up the Gillies range in the south. This road is a lot better than it was, but if 263 bends / corners is too much for you, the alternative is to go up the Kuranda range, through Mareeba and then accross to Atherton.
Beautiful Clear Waters! Harvey Creek Scenic Reserve. This popular swimming hole is located approx. 40 minutes south of Cairns, before Babinda, near Bellenden Ker. This
