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Lake Eacham
Crater Lakes NP, Far North Queensland

This groundwater fed crater lake is well set up for swimming, with entry steps into clear water from the shore or from a small pier.

Swimming at Lake Eacham, Kgari

Above: Divers in the water on a commercial dive at Lake Eacham (Order this image)

At over 700 metres across, there is plenty of room for swimming, with the water becoming immediately very deep, down into the crater, only a few metres from the shore. As such, most of the aquatic life clings close to the shore.

Combined with the very high visibility in the water, this is a great snorkelling and swimming venue. When it has been raining, the water at most other swimming holes in the region turns a turbid brown from the soil being washed into the rivers. But not at Lake Eacham, where the pure groundwater that fills the lake remains crystal clear no matter the weather conditions.

Swimming at Lake Eacham, Kgari

Above: The short pier / pontoon with a step ladder into the water, to the left of the main swimming area (Order this image)

This swim comes with one significant caveat though. The lake is home to a freshwater crocodile, who lives on the opposite side of the lake. There are warning signs on site advising swimmers about the croc, stating that "freshwater crocodiles are considered timid and non-life threatening", and that "very few incidents have been reported involving people", but that "this crocodile may become aggressive and cause injury if disturbed".

Crocodiles are far better swimmers than people, so I was naturally a little nervous about swimming here and did not wander too far from shore. Fortunately, my mind was put more at ease by a commercial diving tour operator, who was taking a couple of divers for a class in the water. As with any swim in waters with freshwater crocodiles, consider the risks carefully, and make up your own mind whether you want to swim here.

Swimming at Lake Eacham, Kgari

Above: The well-defined steps into clear water in front of the lawn at Lake Eacham (Order this image)

Once in the water, I really enjoyed my swim here because it was so easy to spot fish only a few metres from the shore, keeping one eye out for that croc at all times (as if I would actually see it coming). There is also a small lawn in front of the main swimming area to watch others in the water in between your swims, and to have a picnic.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Lakes Drive, Lake Eacham day-use area, Crater Lakes National Park, 65 km (approx. 1 hour 10 minute drive) south-west of Cairns and 23 km (approx. 20 minute drive) east of Atherton.
Latitude:-17.285151 Longitude:145.629229
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 access road to the lake (Wrights Creek Road, which becomes Lakes Drive) is signposted on Gillies Range Road, 21 km east of Atherton. The road to the lake is sealed, and was suitable for 2WD vehicles on my visit.

Facilities: Car park, picnic tables (sheltered and unsheltered), lawn area, canoe ramp, public barbecues, public toilets, walking track, information boards.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Gravel
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 diving from the viewing decks, no motor boats without a permit, no smoking within ten metres of public facilities such as toilets and picnic tables. Canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards are permitted.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. Limited to no shade in the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets, wheelchair accessible paths.
Managing authority: Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Nearby attractions: Lake Barrine, 8 km by road to the north.

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 not to dive from the viewing platforms due to the shallow water at the very edge of the lake. There are various warnings on site about the resident freshwater crocodile.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the main swimming area at the lake. 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 Eacham? No, dogs are not permitted at Lake Eacham.

Are there crocodiles at Lake Eacham? Yes, there is a resident freshwater crocodile living in Lake Eacham. Freshwater crocodiles are generally considered timid unless disturbed by people, and signs on site indicated that there are generally few incidents if you leave them alone.

Can kids swim at Lake Eacham? Yes, under supervision, noting the water gets very deep quickly, away from the edge of the lake.

Can I have a picnic at Lake Eacham? Yes, there are picnic tables overlooking the lake, as well as picnic areas set back from the water.

Can I have a scuba dive at Lake Eacham? Yes, there was a commercial operator in the water doing some dive training when I swam here.

Can I fish at Lake Eacham? 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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