Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is a freshwater lake on the eastern parts of Atherton Tableland in the locality of Lake Barrine, in the Tablelands Region of Far North Queensland, Australia, close to Lake Eacham. The lake and surrounds are protected within the Crater Lakes National Park and are accessible via the Gillies Highway.[1]

For the locality of the same name, see Lake Barrine, Queensland.

Lake Barrine
View from a cruise
Lake Barrine
Lake Barrine
LocationLake Barrine, Queensland
Coordinates17°15′01″S 145°38′07″E
TypeCrater lake
Primary inflowsprecipitation
Basin countriesAustralia
Max. width1,230 m (4,040 ft)
Average depth35 m (115 ft)
Max. depth65 m (213 ft)
Shore length14.5 km (2.8 mi)
Surface elevation730 m (2,400 ft)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Origin

Lake Barrine was formed over 17,000 years ago[2] when a large volcano erupted, leaving a crater that over time filled up with water to create a lake. The crater or maar was formed as a result of a series of volcanic explosions. These explosions were caused by the hot molten rock coming into contact with groundwater. This caused a build-up of steam, gases and pressure which blasted the central core from the volcano. This massive explosion left a huge crater, which filled with rainwater to create Lake Barrine. Local Aboriginals called the lake Barany.[1]

Description
Viewed from the forest trail that encircles the lake

The largest of the natural volcanic lakes in the area, Lake Barrine is 730 m above sea level. It is about 1 km in diameter, with a shoreline of almost 4.5 km, an average depth of 35 m and a maximum depth of 65 m.[3] No streams or springs feed the crystal clear lake; it is filled only by rainwater. During the wet season a small creek flows out of the lake. It joins Toohey Creek which is a tributary of the Mulgrave River.[1]

Facilities

There are walking tracks around the lake and tour operators offer cruises on the lake.[4] Facilities at the lake include picnic grounds, a kiosk and a pre-war tea house which was built in 1926.[1] Visitors may also swim in the lake and partake in birdwatching. Camping and domestic animals are prohibited near the lake.

Fauna and flora
Ferns and palm trees on the forest walk

The surrounding rainforest contains giant kauri (Agathis microstachya), red cedar (Toona ciliata) and flowering umbrella trees (Schefflera actinophylla). Wildlife common in the area include eastern water dragons, giant eels, saw-shelled turtles, scrub pythons (Morelia kinghorni), pied cormorants, black ducks, plumed whistling ducks, black coot, whistling kites, brahminy kites, black kites, white-breasted sea eagles and dusky moorhens.

World War II

During World War II the teahouse was used by the Australian Army as a convalescent home.[5]

See also

References
  1. Shilton, Peter (2005). Natural areas of Queensland. Mount Gravatt, Queensland: Goldpress. pp. 48–51. ISBN 0-9758275-0-2.
  2. Head, M. J.; Taylor, L. J.; Walker, D. (1994). "ANU Radiocarbon Date List XI: Radiocarbon Dates from Lakes Barrine and Eacham, Atherton Tableland, North Queensland, Australia". Radiocarbon. 36 (1): 73–94. doi:10.1017/S003382220001434X. ISSN 0033-8222.
  3. Timms, B.V. (1976). "Morphology of Lakes Barrine, Eacham and Euramoo, Atherton Tableland, North Queensland". Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland. 87: 81–84.
  4. About Lake Barrine. Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. Retrieved on 29 December 2012.
  5. Official website Accessed 22 September 2013
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