Meet the site
Lake Barrine is the largest of the natural volcanic lakes on the Atherton Tablelands, a rainforest-fringed crater about 1 km across with a shoreline of nearly 4.5 km, an average depth of about 35 m and a maximum of about 65 m. It formed more than 17,000 years ago in a volcanic explosion, and like nearby Lake Eacham it is fed only by rainfall, with no streams flowing in or out, which keeps the water clear. It sits at about 730 m above sea level within Crater Lakes National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The lake is better known to tourists than to divers: a pre-war teahouse, built in 1926, overlooks the water and runs cruises, and walking tracks lead to a pair of giant bull kauri trees. Swimming is allowed, and Queensland Parks states that recreational diving is permitted in the Crater Lakes, with commercial diving subject to permit. In practice Lake Barrine is dived far less than Lake Eacham, which has easier entry and a well-known dive route, and there is little published information about diving here. Expect a similar environment: steep crater walls falling into deep, dark water, fallen rainforest timber along the shoreline, silt on the bottom, visibility typically 5-10 m, and freshwater life such as turtles, eels and small fish. Divers should take the same precautions as at Eacham: altitude-adjusted computers, careful weighting and finning, and awareness of boat traffic from the cruise vessel. It suits Open Water divers wanting to explore a quieter crater lake.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lake Barrine is recorded as Freshwater Lake/River in Atherton Tablelands. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Lake Barrine suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Lake Barrine through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Freshwater turtles, eels, small native and introduced fish (no published dive species list); waterbirds; rainforest shoreline
Location
Largest of the Atherton Tablelands crater lakes, about 1 km across and up to 65 m deep, at around 730 m elevation in Crater Lakes National Park, a few kilometres north-east of Lake Eacham.
Facilities nearby
Day-use area with parking, picnic grounds, teahouse (accessible toilets), lake cruises, walking tracks; nearest air fills in Cairns
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
en.wikipedia.orgparks.qld.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.