NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES LAKE EACHAM

Lake Barrine, in Crater Lakes National Park, is a volcanic maar, surrounded by rainforest. The deep waters of the lake and the pleasant coolness of the Atherton Tableland have combined to make Lake Barrine a popular stop for visitors to the area. The Lake circuit track is a pleasant walk around the crater lake passes through rainforest characteristic of the type found on fertile basalt (red) soils in areas of high rainfall. This track offers secluded forest-fringed views of the lake and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife, including saw-shelled turtles and eastern water dragons. Lake Barrine circuit track Grade: easy to moderate. Distance: 5 kilometres return. Time: allow 2 hours walking time.

Surrounded by dense rainforest, the North Johnstone River tumbles over basalt rock that was formed by an ancient lava flow at Malanda Falls. The much-photographed picturesque falls flow into an artificial swimming pool in this popular park near Malanda. Have a picnic and take a dip in the pool. Follow the easy one kilometre Tulip Oak walk beside the river and through the rainforest. Learn about the Ngadjon-Jii culture from interpretive signs as you walk along the track. Watch for platypus from the viewing platforms. Keep an eye out for secretive tree-kangaroos, sometimes seen here.

Malanda Falls, on the North Johnstone River, tumbles over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava flow that spread from the Mount Hypipamee area 15 kilometres away. Starting on the opposite side of the road to the car park, the Rainforest walk follows the North Johnstone River before turning back through the forest to its starting point. Look for platypus, fish and turtles from the viewing deck over the river, and learn some of the many tree species that make up the forest. Stay on the walking track and boardwalks at all times. Rainforest walk Grade: easy. Distance: 1.5 kilometres return. Time: allow 1 hour walking time.

The Curtain Fig National Park contains the renowned Curtain Fig Tree, an enormous strangler fig tree. Located a short drive out of Yungaburra, a small town in the Atherton Tableland, the giant tree has several aerial roots hanging down from its branches that look like curtains. It's over 500 years old and definitely worth a look! There's a short boardwalk around the base of the tree that is wheelchair accessible.

This popular park features a deep crater lake surrounded by cool lush rainforest. Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park, is a maar: a crater lake formed by volcanic explosions. In several places, large bull kauri pines, a species that once dominated the tableland forests, emerge through the rainforest canopy. Take the short stroll along the boardwalk to view the two giant bull kauris. Stretch your legs on the longer five kilometre walking track around the lake, pausing to admire the lake views. Look for rainforest animals, such as the colourful but cryptic Boyd's forest dragon, along the way. Take your canoe onto the lake and look for fish, turtles and waterbirds around the shallow reedy lake edges. Enjoy afternoon tea in the privately-operated teahouse. Lake cruises operate from the teahouse.

This park protects a small area of an endangered type of forest, called mabi forest, the local Aborignal (Ngadjon) word for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo. The large fig tree found in this park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, have formed a 'curtain'. Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighbouring tree-a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and is estimated to be over 500 years old. Explore the elevated boardwalk that encircles the curtain fig, protecting the roots while allowing for uninterrupted views from all angles. Return at night to spotlight for the elusive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and other nocturnal animals.