Lake Tinaroo in the centre of the Atherton Tablelands is a huge man-made lake set in lush bush with tons of things to do.
The lake has lots of fingers and bays to explore and is surrounded by the 12,000-hectare Dunbulla National Park and State Forest, rich in history, wildlife and recreational choices.
Look out for camping areas off Dunbulla Road, which follows the shoreline of the lake for some time. There is also access off the Gillies Range Road to some of the more remote reaches of the lake. The roads leading down to the lake here are gravel so know your car can cope.
Otherwise find the lake through Yungaburra or Tinaroo township. Via Yungaburra it is just a short hop out to the lake, which has a boat ramp, playground and a caravan park. Tinaroo Reserve is home to the Avenue of Honour, planted to remember service people who fought in Afghanistan. It is a special place, day and night.
Lake Tinaroo is made for exploration by boat and it is also a mecca for water skiing, kayaking and stand up paddleboards.
Find a quiet nook to have a fish for barra or sooty grunters. They grow fat here, but not lazy so prepare for a good fight. Red claw and yabby crayfish are also here in numbers. A permit is required to fish on Lake Tinaroo. Get one at fish and tackle shops or boat hire spots.
Tinaroo township on the shores of the lake has camping facilities and other accommodation, a boat ramp and playground. Stop at the Tinaroo Falls Dam Lookout for an over view of this construction behemoth.
Fun fact – Tinaroo is an old tin “field” and was named by combining tin with kangaroo.
There are lots of walks in the area, some right by Lake Tinaroo such as the 5km Kauri Creek circuit that traverses beautiful rainforest with a creek nearby for a swim. It’s a good hike to do the full circuit – allow two and a half hours.
Otherwise head a little further afield to encounter a majestic giant of the bush on the Cathedral Fig Tree Track, which is a gentle 10-minute stroll or explore the 15-minute Mobo Creek Crater Walk, which has geologists perplexed as to its providence.
*For more information and travel ideas check out the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Atherton journey guide or download on the Discover Atherton Tablelands App.
