Lake Tinaroo at Tinaburra Drive

Yungaburra, Far North Queensland

This peninsula within a huge irrigation storage provides a starting point for long-distance swims, or splashing around after a picnic on the shore. Just watch out for oncoming traffic from the speedboats, tinnies and other water craft that flock to the lake to fish and waterski, with this area of the lake also hosting events from two local waterskiing clubs. Above: The lawn area leading down to the water of Lake Tinaroo at the end of Tinaburra Drive (Order this image)

Getting into the water from the shore, there is lawn area down to the high water mark of the lake, with rich red volcanic dirt and mud between there and the water's edge. If there are no boats launching or returning, you can avoid the mud by starting your swim at the end of the boat ramp, provided you move quickly away from that area. There is also a handy sign with a dial at the boat ramp indicating the blue-green algae risk for the day, which it is worth checking before you get into the water. Like many irrigation storages, the surrounding landscape is quite barren, particularly when the lake is drawn down. But this lake makes up for that with its size, with return swims ranging from a few hundred metres to a couple of kilometres, depending on which direction you head. Above: The boat ramp into Lake Tinaroo at the end of Tinaburra Drive (Order this image)

Out of the water, the lawns are expansive, so it is a good spot for a picnic by the water, particularly for large groups. There are a range of facilities including picnic tables, public barbecues, a playground, and a war memorial garden. As such, there is something of interest to different age groups, even for those not going in the water. Above: The playground on the shore of Lake Tinaroo at the end of Tinaburra Drive (Order this image)

Lake Tinaroo is massive and there are several other spots with road access down to the water, but I have not had a chance to explore them yet, including some that are set in a more natural landscape on the north-eastern shores of the lake. 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 that there is deep water, steep drop offs, submerged hazards, underwater vegetation, underwater obstructions, shallow water, water intake pipes (but did not say where), and that the boat ramp can be slippery, with a steep drop off at the end of the ramp. The managing authority advises that blue-green algae can be present in the water, which may cause skin and eye irritation, and cause illness if swallowed. The marker indicates the approximate location of the lawn area at the end of Tinaburra Drive. 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 Can my dog swim at Lake Tinaroo? Yes, dogs are permitted at the end of Tinaburra Drive, but not in the playground area.

Are there crocodiles at Lake Tinaroo? 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 Tinaroo? Yes, under supervision, noting various underwater hazards and steep dropoffs in some areas.

Can I have a picnic at Lake Tinaroo? Yes, there are picnic tables overlooking the lake at the end of Tinaburra Drive.

Can I fish at Lake Tinaroo? Yes, fishing is permitted at the end of Tinaburra Drive, either from the shore or from your boat.

Can I waterski at Lake Tinaroo? Yes, the boat ramp at the end of Tinaburra Drive hosts events from two local waterskiing clubs.

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