Lake Barrine

QLD 4884 • Queensland

170
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
16.99 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
Tourist HubRainforestLakesideQuiet
Advertisement

About Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is a small locality on the eastern Atherton Tablelands in the Tablelands Regional Council area of Far North Queensland, postcode 4884. Home to approximately 170 residents across nearly 17 square kilometres, the locality is best known as the site of Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake (maar) within Crater Lakes National Park. The area is accessible via the Gillies Highway and sits within one of Australia's most biodiverse regions, surrounded by World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest.

Lake Barrine is a popular eco-tourism destination offering rainforest walking circuits around the lake, boat tours, and birdwatching in the lush tropical environment. The historic Lake Barrine Rainforest Cruise and Teahouse has long been a landmark attraction for visitors exploring the Atherton Tablelands. The nearby townships of Yungaburra and Malanda provide everyday services including cafes, schools, and supermarkets. Cairns is approximately 75 kilometres to the north-east, accessible via the Gillies or Palmerston Highways.

Lake Barrine falls under postcode 4884 and is governed by the Tablelands Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4884
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.26°, 145.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
16.99 km²
Population Density
10 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4884

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4884, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,039
Median 2023–24
$48,685
28.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$61,099

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4884; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited Tablelands regional services — Atherton / Cairns Approx. 1 hr 30 min to Cairns

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
No direct rail service; Scenic Railway (Kuranda) is a tourist line only
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Via Gillies Highway; winding mountain roads require careful driving; Yungaburra (8 km) is the nearest service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Within the national park locality, all daily services require driving to Yungaburra or Malanda

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
170
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Tablelands Local Government Area, which contains Lake Barrine. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,556.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
414.2 / 100k
Non-FV assault
1,156.9 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
35.7 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
346.3 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Barrine known for? +

Lake Barrine is known for its spectacular volcanic crater lake within Crater Lakes National Park, surrounded by World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. The historic teahouse and rainforest boat tours make it one of the most visited natural attractions on the Atherton Tablelands.

How far is Lake Barrine from Cairns? +

Lake Barrine is approximately 75 kilometres south-west of Cairns, typically around a 1 to 1.5 hour drive via the Gillies Highway, which features scenic mountain passes through the rainforest.

Does Lake Barrine have public transport? +

There is no direct public transport to Lake Barrine. Limited regional bus services connect the broader Tablelands area to Atherton and Cairns, but a private vehicle is the most practical way to reach and move around the area.

What is the population of Lake Barrine? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Barrine has a population of approximately 170 residents across about 17 square kilometres, reflecting its small, nature-focused community within the national park locality.

Is Lake Barrine a good place to live? +

Lake Barrine suits those who value a quiet lifestyle immersed in tropical rainforest, with eco-tourism at their doorstep and the Tablelands' cool climate. Yungaburra (8 km) provides a charming village with cafes, a market, and basic services.

What is the postcode for Lake Barrine? +

The postcode for Lake Barrine is 4884, which it shares with surrounding Tablelands localities including Yungaburra and Peeramon in Far North Queensland.

Is Lake Barrine a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Barrine is part of the Tablelands LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.