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Lake Barrine
Crater Lakes NP, Far North Queensland

There is limited space to access the water, but for the adventurous swimmer, there is an abundance of aquatic life in the shallow fringes of this otherwise deep crater lake.

Swimming at Lake Barrine

Above: The boat for the scenic cruise at Lake Barrine (Order this image)

I felt a little self-conscious about swimming here, because the best spots to access the water are right in front of the Lake Barrine Teahouse, so you have a guaranteed audience on the days when the teahouse is open. On days when the teahouse is closed, it can feel a little eery, almost like an abandoned space.

The best of the access points was the little inclined ramp in front of Table 20, or alternatively, from the lawn area next to the teahouse. Probably the best option is to get here early for a swim (bring your snorkel mask), followed by morning tea or lunch at the teahouse.

Swimming at Lake Barrine

Above: The teahouse at Lake Barrine (Order this image)

Unlike nearby Lake Eacham, this crater lake has a shallow fringe around the edges. This area is home to aquatic plants that support a wide range of fish species.

The most intriguing of these is the long-finned eel, but there were also plenty of fish and some tortoises.

Swimming at Lake Barrine

Above: The view from the teahouse at Lake Barrine (Order this image)

Given the limited space to access the water, Lake Barrine is not as well set up for swimming as nearby Lake Eacham, which I would recommend over swimming here for first time visitors to the region. If you do not want to swim, there is a boat cruise that goes around the lake when the tea house is operating.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location:Lake Barrine Teahouse, Lake Barrine Access Road, Crater Lakes National Park, Lake Barrine, 60 km (approx. 1 hour drive) south-west of Cairns and 22 km (approx. 20 minute drive) east of Atherton.
Latitude:-17.246023 Longitude:145.638796
Getting there: From Cairns head south along the Bruce Hwy (A1) to Gordonvale, then head inland along the Gillies Range Road (route 52), up over the Great Dividing Range. The short access road to the lake is signposted on Gillies Range Road, 22 km east of Atherton.

Facilities: Car park, teahouse, boat cruise, sheltered picnic tables (at the car park), public toilets (at the car park), information boards, lawn area, walking track. There are no bins, so plan to take your rubbish home with you.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Mud and silt
Maximum water depth: Greater than two metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced due to the deep water away from the shore
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No camping, no dogs, no cats, no fishing, no motor boats without a permit, no smoking within ten metres of public facilities such as toilets and picnic tables.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. Limited to no shade in the water.
Opening times: Always open. The teahouse is only open for breakfast and lunch from Thursday to Monday.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, wheelchair accessible paths for the first 80 metres along the lake circuit walk (to the Kauri trees).
Managing authority: Queensland Department of Environment and Science, with the teahouse managed by Lake Barrine Teahouse
Nearby attractions: Lake Eacham, 8 km by road to the south.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises to stay clear of the commercial boat cruise when swimming, and that duck lice may irritate the skin of swimmers at certain times of the year.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the lawn area that provides the best access to the water. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can my dog swim at Lake Barrine? No, dogs are not permitted to swim here.

Are there crocodiles at Lake Barrine? Crocodiles travel far and wide in far north Queensland. None had been reported here to my knowledge at the time of my visit, but always keep a lookout and heed any warning signs on site.

Can kids swim at Lake Barrine? Yes, under supervision, but because of the deep water, I do not recommend it. Canoeing is popular and might be more suitable for kids (with a life jacket).

Can I have a picnic at Lake Barrine? Yes, there are picnic tables up at the car park, a lawn area, and the teahouse which has lake views beside the water.

Can I take a boat cruise at Lake Barrine? Yes, there is a commercially operated boat cruise around the lake that departs from beside the teahouse that is arguably the best way to see all of the lake.

Can I fish at Lake Barrine? No, it is within a national park, so no fishing is permitted.

If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.

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