🔍

Lake Eacham

QLD 4884 • Queensland

459
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
28.06 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietLeafyTourist Hub
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About Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is a rural locality on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, within the Tablelands Region local government area, approximately 66 kilometres south-west of Cairns and 19 kilometres east of Atherton. The locality takes its name from Lake Eacham itself — a stunning volcanic crater lake set within the Crater Lakes National Park, renowned for its clear, still waters surrounded by tropical rainforest. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 459 residents spread across a 28 square kilometre area, giving the locality a low density of around 15 people per square kilometre. The median household income of approximately $38,039 is below the national average, reflecting the area's predominantly rural and lifestyle residential character.

Lake Eacham attracts nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful rainforest lifestyle on the Tablelands plateau. The crater lake itself is a popular swimming and picnicking spot, and the surrounding national park offers walking trails through ancient rainforest teeming with birdlife, turtles, and the distinctive Lake Eacham rainbowfish. The nearby village of Yungaburra, just a few kilometres away, provides cafes, a weekly markets and community amenities. Residents typically rely on cars for daily needs, with the larger towns of Atherton and Malanda within easy reach for shopping, schools, and health services.

Lake Eacham 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
Queensland
Postcode
4884
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Tablelands
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.29°, 145.65°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
28.06 km²
Population Density
16 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 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

  • Tablelands Bus Services (limited) — Atherton / Malanda 20–30 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
66 km
By Train
No rail service; coach connections available via Atherton
By Car (Peak)
1h 10min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55min–1h

🛣️ Atherton (19km) and Malanda (12km) are the primary service centres; Cairns for major services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Lake Eacham is a very low-density rural locality; a car is essential for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
459
▲ 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 Eacham. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,556.7 / 100k
2yr Up 40.5% 10yr Up 168.9%
Motor vehicle theft
414.2 / 100k
2yr Up 68.5% 10yr Up 154.7%
Non-FV assault
1,156.9 / 100k
2yr Down 12.2% 10yr Up 180.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
35.7 / 100k
2yr Up 62.2% 10yr Up 200.1%
Steal from vehicle
346.3 / 100k
2yr Up 38.8% 10yr Up 30.4%
View all offence categories for Tablelands →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Eacham known for? +

Lake Eacham is best known for its breathtaking volcanic crater lake set within Crater Lakes National Park. The crystal-clear freshwater lake is a popular swimming and picnicking destination, surrounded by ancient tropical rainforest and home to rare wildlife including the Lake Eacham rainbowfish and freshwater turtles.

How far is Lake Eacham from Cairns? +

Lake Eacham is approximately 66 kilometres south-west of Cairns, typically around a 1-hour drive via the Gillies Highway. The nearby village of Yungaburra is the closest community hub, a few kilometres away.

Does Lake Eacham have public transport? +

Public transport in Lake Eacham is very limited. There is no rail service on the Atherton Tablelands, and bus services are infrequent. A car is essential for residents to access shops, schools, and services in nearby Atherton and Malanda.

What is the population of Lake Eacham? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Eacham has a population of 459 residents across a 28 square kilometre area, giving it a very low population density of around 15 people per square kilometre. It is a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle locality.

Is Lake Eacham a good place to live? +

Lake Eacham is ideal for those who value natural beauty, tranquillity, and a rainforest lifestyle close to one of Queensland's most spectacular national parks. It suits nature lovers, retirees, and those working locally on the Tablelands, though access to major urban services requires a drive to Cairns.

What is the postcode for Lake Eacham? +

The postcode for Lake Eacham, QLD is 4884, which is shared with surrounding Atherton Tablelands localities including Yungaburra and Peeramon.

Is Lake Eacham a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Eacham 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.