Planning a trip to North Queensland, maybe a second or a third? Why not experience the Atherton Tableland’s main attraction, Lake Tinaroo?

Located about an hour and a half from Cairns, this man-made marvel is protected from the winds and the heavy humidity of the lower regions, which affords a refreshing change in atmosphere for the more than 500,000 tourists who visit the Northern Region each year.

With its peaceful waters, temperate weather, and gorgeous scenery, it’s the perfect place to plan a fast getaway or a memory-filled vacation.

Built primarily for irrigation, the 45 metre Lake Tinaroo also called the Tinaroo Dam, was completed in 1958 and trapped enough water from the Barron River to form a surface area about ¾ the size of Sydney Harbour.

Its average depth is 13 metres and the shoreline extends about 210 kilometres, affording an array of water activities including swimming (sans the threat of crocs, sharks and stingers), water skiing, sailing, canoeing, even house boating.

The fishing is second to none with prize-winning Sooty Grunder up to 6 kg and the most popular catch, the Barramundi, some weighing in at 34 kgs and up to 120 cms in length!

Lake Tinaroo Barramundi fishing
Lake Tinaroo Barramundi fishing

Surrounded by Tinaroo Range and Danbulla State Forest, Lake Tinaroo is an incredible and unique retreat.

It’s a sanctuary for birdwatchers with more than 200 recorded species to keep them enthralled, while the more adventurous can hike through lush rainforest or ride mountain bikes on miles of track around the dam.

Pitch a tent or park your motor-home on camping grounds on the shore or pamper yourself and stay in a luxurious resort.

With as much as there is to see and do, it is no wonder that Lake Tinaroo is the Tableland’s most popular holiday spot.