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Lake Eacham
(Yidam)
Lake Eacham:
Geological History:
- Lake Eacham is an extinct volcanic crater lake filled with cool, clean, crystal clear
water, surrounded by 1200acres of lush tropical highland rainforest.
- Massive blocks were thrown up as a phreatic explosion created this maar.
Aboriginal History:
- A Ngadjonji story describes the creation of three volcanic crater lakes-
Yidam (Lake Eacham), Barany (Lake Barrine) and
Ngimun (Lake Euramoo).
- 'Two men broke a taboo and angered the rainbow serpent, a major spirit of
the area. The earth roared like thunder and the winds blew like a cyclone.
The ground began to twist and crack and there were red clouds in the sky
that had never been seen before. People ran from side to side but were
swallowed by a crack which opened in the earth.'
- Interestingly, in the course of this story, the country is described not
as rainforest but as open scrub. This observation is supported by pollen
records.
General Information:
- The lake is sixty
metres deep with a pontoon and children's pool available, offering excellent swimming
conditions.
- A large picnic area with plenty of covered wood and electric BBQ sites makes the lake
front ideal for family outings.
- There is an excellent four kilometre rainforest walking track around the lake's edge.
- A 700 metre self guided rainforest walking track leading from the
National Parks
Headquarters on Mcleish Road to the lake itself.
- A one kilometre rainforest track to the Eacham Waterfalls offers exceptional
photographic opportunities.
- For those who are not able to experience the walking tracks, there is a beautiful
rainforest drive that will take you through the World Heritage rainforest that surrounds
Lake Eacham.
- The National Parks and Wildlife Office for the Crater Lakes National Park is situated
at the rainforest edge on McLeish road.
- The National Parks office includes an information
centre which caters for people interested in learning more about the crater lake history,
rainforest ecology, birds and animals of the area.
- The most striking aspect of this particular crater lake is the peace and serenity that
accompany all it offers you.
- It is truly a magnificent and worthwhile experience.
Climate:
- Rainfall:
- Approximately 1500mm annually.
- The wet season is between December and March.
- March is usually the wettest month and August/September is
the driest.
- Temperature:
- Average of 250c, usually between 200c
and 300c, but can drop to 100c - 120c.
- The light and wind is filtered by the Rainforest Canopy resulting in cool, moist conditions.
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