PARKS GARDENS AND CEMETARIES NORTH JOHNSTONE

Lake Barrine, in Crater Lakes National Park, is a volcanic maar, surrounded by rainforest. The deep waters of the lake and the pleasant coolness of the Atherton Tableland have combined to make Lake Barrine a popular stop for visitors to the area. The Lake circuit track is a pleasant walk around the crater lake passes through rainforest characteristic of the type found on fertile basalt (red) soils in areas of high rainfall. This track offers secluded forest-fringed views of the lake and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife, including saw-shelled turtles and eastern water dragons. Lake Barrine circuit track Grade: easy to moderate. Distance: 5 kilometres return. Time: allow 2 hours walking time.

Surrounded by dense rainforest, the North Johnstone River tumbles over basalt rock that was formed by an ancient lava flow at Malanda Falls. The much-photographed picturesque falls flow into an artificial swimming pool in this popular park near Malanda. Have a picnic and take a dip in the pool. Follow the easy one kilometre Tulip Oak walk beside the river and through the rainforest. Learn about the Ngadjon-Jii culture from interpretive signs as you walk along the track. Watch for platypus from the viewing platforms. Keep an eye out for secretive tree-kangaroos, sometimes seen here.

Malanda Falls, on the North Johnstone River, tumbles over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava flow that spread from the Mount Hypipamee area 15 kilometres away. Starting on the opposite side of the road to the car park, the Rainforest walk follows the North Johnstone River before turning back through the forest to its starting point. Look for platypus, fish and turtles from the viewing deck over the river, and learn some of the many tree species that make up the forest. Stay on the walking track and boardwalks at all times. Rainforest walk Grade: easy. Distance: 1.5 kilometres return. Time: allow 1 hour walking time.