Crater Lakes National Park Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Darren Jew ©Tourism and Events Qld

Photo credit: Darren Jew ©Tourism and Events Qld

Take your canoe and kayak for a majestic paddle along the edge of the lake. Photo credit: © Tourism Tropical North Qld

Walking tracks through the rainforest provide secluded forest-fringed views of the lake. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Chasing volcanoes (and waterfalls) in the tropical north

They say ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls’ but we suggest you do, and volcanoes too! Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

Lake Eacham circuit track

Take a stroll around the crater for forest-fringed views of the lake.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
3km circuit
Time suggested
Allow 1 hr walking time
Grade
Grade 2 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Walk-in

Journey facilities

  • Walking

A pleasant walk around the lake, this track offers secluded forest-fringed views of the lake and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. Trackside markers indicate distance travelled.

Walk the 3km lake circuit track and learn about the geology, history and natural features of this park. The clear blue Lake Eacham is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The lake is a maar or volcanic crater created thousands of years ago by 2 massive explosions of superheated groundwater. Differences in soil type, drainage or past disturbances have shaped the forest and a number of rainforest communities can be seen around the lake.

Saw-shelled turtles and eastern water dragons are common lake residents while over 180 bird species have been recorded. On the forest floor, it is not unusual to see the smallest member of the macropod family, the musky rat-kangaroo which are active during the day.

There is a restricted access area (PDF, 186.6KB) between a section of the Lake Eacham circuit track and the lake. For your safety, visitors must remain on the formed walking track. Entry to the restricted access area is prohibited.

Enjoy a cool dip or snorkel at the edges of Lake Eacham after your walk.

Getting there and getting around

Lake Eacham circuit track is in the Lake Eacham section of Crater Lakes National Park, about 68km drive up the Gillies Range from Cairns.

Access roads are sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles.

  • From Cairns, drive approximately 68km up Gillies Range Road, turn left on Lake Barrine Road and then left into Lakes Drive. Alternatively, drive approximately 4km from Yungaburra township along the Gillies Range Road, turn right into Lake Barrine Road and then left into Lakes Drive.
  • The start of the circuit track is located at the northern end of the Lake Eacham day-use area, near the boat ramp car park. Alternatively, you can access the circuit track from the start of the Lake Eacham children’s walk.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lake Eacham circuit track is open 24 hours a day.

There is a restricted access area (PDF, 186.6KB) between a section of the Lake Eacham circuit track and the lake. For your safety, visitors must remain on the formed walking track. Entry to the restricted access area is prohibited.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Crater Lakes safely and Walk with care.