Lake Barrine fills a volcanic crater on the Atherton Tablelands, a deep round lake fringed by dense rainforest, formed by a violent volcanic explosion many thousands of years ago when rising magma met groundwater. Its sister lake, Lake Eacham, lies a few kilometres away, and both are part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Site. The water is clear and deep, and the rainforest around it is home to some remarkable creatures: Lumholtz's tree kangaroos, musky rat-kangaroos, Boyd's forest dragons and many birds.
A walking track circles the lake through the forest, passing giant trees, strangler figs and a pair of huge kauri pines near the teahouse. The teahouse on the shore has been a stop for travellers for generations, and a boat cruise on the lake offers a chance to see turtles, eels and birds. Early morning, with mist on the water and the calls of birds in the forest, is magical.
Lake Barrine sits right on the Gillies Highway, the road that climbs from Gordonvale on the coastal plain up to the tablelands. Coming up from the coast, the road is a seemingly endless series of hairpins and switchbacks through the rainforest, and Lake Barrine is often the first stop after the climb, a place to catch your breath and have a cup of tea. Going down, the road is equally demanding, with steep descents and tight bends, and it requires full concentration, especially in the wet.
The tablelands are a patchwork of farmland, rainforest remnants and small towns, with volcanic cones and crater lakes scattered across the landscape. The soil is rich and red, and dairy farms, avocado orchards and sugar cane fields surround the towns. The climate is mild, and the roads across the tablelands are relaxed and scenic, with plenty of opportunities to explore.
Fuel is available in Yungaburra, six kilometres away, and in Atherton and Malanda. Lake Eacham is a popular swimming spot, with clear water and a small beach, and swimming there on a hot day is a delight. Cassowaries are sometimes seen in the area; if you meet one, keep your distance and do not feed it.