The main attraction of Lake Eacham is that of a maar. A maar is a volcanic crater that was formed by explosions from overheated ground water. This park is surrounded by rainforest.
Lake Eacham has different types of forest which have resulted from varying soil types and drainage patterns in this national park area. There is a track that runs around Lake Eacham which runs through many of the rainforest communities within the vicinity of Lake Eacham. National Parks such as The Crater are situated nearby this lake.
At the beginning of the track that surrounds Lake Eacham is remains of rainforest clearing that took place during World War II. Today grey-green wattles cover most of this area and a large number of young rainforest species are developing towards the ground level of this rainforest.
The rainforest ecosystem that surrounds Lake Eacham is home for about 100 species of birds. Moreover, a few species of marsupial exist here. The marsupial is described as a small, dark, muskrat-looking type of kangaroo.
Nearby Lake Eacham is the park mentioned previously in this article (The Crater National Park) along with others, such as Lake Barrine National Park. Lake Barrine is a clear blue lake that is 65km deep. Just like Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine is surrounded by rich rainforest land.
In the Lake Barrine area the vegetation mostly consists of tall trees, reaching as high as 40m high. In addition, many large fig trees are located here, and ginger plants and aeroids grow here as well. Those who want a tour around Lake Barrine can park their car and take the 6.5m trail that surrounds this lake.
Those that take the trail around Lake Barrine will pass two extremely and unusually enlarged-sized kauri pines. This is a tree which has been said to have dominated Tableland forests-which Lake Barrine National Park, Lake Eacham National Park, and other national parks are a part of-for thousands of years.
Other Wildlife that grows around Lake Barrine includes the saw-shelled turtle, water dragons, amethystine pythons, and the Boyd’s forest dragon. The Boyd’s dragon grows to be about 45cm.
Lake Barrine has for quite some time been one of the favorite spots of scientists. In this lake they study pollen found in the sediments of the lake floor. The sedimentary layer that is located on the bottom of Lake Barrine is noted to date back quite some time (at least a millennia).
Layer studies that are conducted in Lake Barrine enable scientists to record past changes in this area’s vegetation. In addition, climatic findings can be made through these studies. An entire theory has been proposed regarding the expansion and contraction of the Tableland rainforest ecosystem.
Other parks exist in the general area of Lake Eacham as well. For instance, Daintree National Park is located close by. This is a large rainforest park that consists of landscape formations such as river gorges and waterfalls. In addition, a walking track is located in this park, which starts at Mossman Gorge. Cruses can be taken up the Daintree River and swimming often takes place in this park.
Cape Tribulation is another favorite visiting spot. This park has quite a few beaches situated within it, which are surrounded by coral rainforests on one side and coral reefs on the other.
When travelers decide to take a trip to Lake Eacham the surrounding areas can be visited as well. An entire trip can be planned to North Queensland by using the Internet.