Where Should You Swim in the Atherton Tablelands?

A natural paradise bursting with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic crater lakes. The spellbinding beauty of the place gives you a breath of fresh air away from the concrete jungle.

With high humidity and sunny days, taking a break within the thick greenery to plunge into one of the many glistening swimming spots is well worth it. But where to start? There are countless watering holes to choose from the Atherton Tablelands, so we have picked the best of the best for you to head to!

•  Millaa Millaa

  This stunning rainforest has become worldwide famous for its aesthetic appeal and iconic representation. Most particularly when Peter Andre splashed around in this beautiful waterfall during his popular “Mysterious Girl” music video. Like many films and music videos which use real-life backdrops, the location became a hit, with many music fans visiting the location to re-enact the video. Since then it has featured in countless postcards, advertisements, and more, being one of the most picturesque locations around.

  Millaa Millaa Falls are easy to access by main road and have a host of facilities. A shady picnic area provides the perfect place for an outdoor lunch. The falls pool has a concreted entrance to assist with safe entry into the water. Millaa Millaa is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day!

• Lake Barrine

  Lake Barrine is no ordinary lake, but something quite special. It is, in fact, a water-filled crater left by a volcanic eruption that was around 10,000 years ago. It is a freshwater lake, home to an array of marine wildlife. You can swim the shallow borders of the lake or travel out even further on the 45-minute boat cruise of the region. With plenty of room to swim, a few walking tracks, and a picnic area, you can make a day of it in the stunning lake area. Additionally, you can even grab a snack at the nearby Lake Barrine Teahouse.

  The Lake Barrine Teahouse is nestled on the shore of the lake. Enjoy their award wining Devonshire Tea, including their secret recipe scones. All meals and teas are made from local produce, so you can support the community one scone at a time.

• Lake Eacham

  Another volcanic crater! Lake Eacham is even larger than Lake Barrine, averaging 65 metres in depth. The tranquil lake is an enclosed wonder, bordered by thick greenery surrounding the crystal-clear waters. It is the perfect place for a picnic day in the sun, with BBQ facilities, and permanent outdoor bathrooms sprinkling the edges. As the waters are so clear, snorkelling here is a great activity, letting you discover the native fish and stunning plant life littering the lake’s bottom.

  The lake is motor-free meaning you can enjoy the peace and quiet, as jet skis are banned. Take your snorkel gear with you and search for colourful fish below the waters surface. The lake is the perfect family friendly swimming spot. Be sure to swim safely as there are no lifesavers on guard here.

Related article: Why do they call it the Atherton Tablelands?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.