Lakes and Wetlands...

Atherton and Everlyn Tablelands

The National and Environmental Parks of the Atherton and Everlyn Tablelands contain landform and vegetation patterns that show a period when the landscapes and climates were not constant, stretching millions of years. From 4 million to less than 100,000 years ago this area was in a state of volcanic upheaval. Across the landscape numerous volcanoes erupted.

At this time, the change of climate was a force affecting Rainforest distribution. About 10,000 years ago, as the last ice age receded and warmer moist conditions returned, Rainforest began to re-expand until they again covered much of the tablelands. The Atherton Tablelands are one of the oldest landmasses in the world.

Many physical factors such as rainfall and soil type affect the types of Rainforest present, and rainfall is greatest in the East and South. On a tour or drive you can see this variation.

The Tropical Tablelands are a surprising region of Australia, up the mountains behind Cairns. This unique tableland is made of: rolling hills, lush Rainforest, waterfalls and crater lakes.

There are attractions here to suit every taste, from the general scenic drives, the Waterfall Circuit, exploring the National Parks, Chillagoe, the Danbulla forest, shopping at craft stores, bird watching plus fishing and water sports on the lakes.

The average elevation is 1,100 metres, making the climate mild during the day all year round; summer nights are balmy and cool with the winter nights being crisp and clear. Morning mists cling to the valleys and the constant green of the countryside contrasts vividly with the rich red volcanic soil. In the clear blue distance Queensland's two highest peaks, Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker dominate the changing light of the landscape.

The red volcanic soil and dark loam grow almost everything from Roses, Wine Grapes, Maize, Coffee, Strawberries, Tobacco to Tropical Fruits and Nuts, while huge dairy herds supply Australia's longest milk run.

To most visitors Rainforests are alien environments. But you can soon learn to appreciate what Rainforests have to offer. Here are a few tips:

Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is a moor formed from explosive processes, about 10,000 years ago. The lake about 51 hectares with a depth of 65.5 metres. In November 1910 Lake Eacham became a National Park. There is a 4.5 klms track, which circles the lake.

You can see the evidence of Rainforest clearing from WWII in the canopy by the grey-green wattles and young Rainforest species in the understorey. Small gaps in the undisturbed section of the forest are indicated by the tangle of the Thorny Lawyer Cane and Stinging Tree. Fertile basaltic forests circle the outer crater border with trees of variable size, an uneven canopy and vines. The Candlenut, Wild Apple and the Red Tulip Oak are found her. The Red Tulip Oak is only found on the Tablelands though.

As well as some of the 100 odd birds recorded from the Rainforests here you may be lucky to see the Small Musky Rat Kangaroo, which only occur in the Rainforests between Cooktown and Townsville. It is thought that it forms a link between the Possum and Kangaroos. Other animals which can be seen are: the Red Legged Pademelon, Boyd's Rainforest Dragon, Python, Saw-Shelled Tortoise, Scrub Turkey, Wompoo Pidgin and the Cassowary.

In the late 1860's James English, Arnold Jones, Percy and Stan Davies first visited the Malanda District to inspect their sections. Other people settled in and by 1870 they were prospecting for tin and other minerals. Some settled in the area and cleared the land for farming.

Lake Barrine

Lake Barrine is a clear blue lake surrounded by lush Rainforest. Two massive explosions formed its volcanic crater. Around 95,000 years ago lava and ash poured out creating a rim around the vent. This forms the catchment of the lake, which is 65 metres deep.

A 6.5-klm track circles the lake edge and passes through Rainforest found on the North Eastern edge of the tablelands. Emerging in the canopy along the track are two large Kauri Pines almost identical to the Kauri fossils found in rocks ages 300 millions years old.

Lake Barrine has proven to be an ideal location for scientific studies of pollen found in sediments on the lakes floors. Each layer contains pollen from dominant vegetation species present at the time of its deposition. Layers record change in vegetation and interferences, climate conditions. Study of these sediments and other nearby marrs provides evidence of the theory of expansion and contraction of tableland Rainforest.

| Back | INDEX | Next |