Crater Lakes National Park - QLD

Crater Lakes National Park comprises two separate sections—Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Each is centred around a volcanic crater lake called a maar. Maars are formed from an explosive process when confined water becomes super-heated by rising magma. These clear, blue lakes are 65m deep and surrounded by lush rainforest.Crater Lakes National Park is a popular stop for visitors. A walking track around each lake allows for forest-fringed, secluded views close to the water’s edge and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.At Lake Barrine, a pair of towering bull kauri pine trees, over 45m tall, are a feature of the park. Lake Barrine boat cruises operate from the privately-owned Lake Barrine Teahouse(external link). The gentle boat trip gives a different perspective on the lake and its wildlife. The privately-owned teahouse offers meals with relaxed views over the water.Lake Eacham offers swimming, grassy picnic areas and shady walking tracks, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy.Crater Lakes National Park is a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and supports a wide range of flora and fauna. More than180 bird species have been recorded from the rainforest and you may be lucky enough to see one of the few species of marsupial active during daytime—the small musky rat-kangaroo.