Lake Eacham
Lake Eacham, called by the Aborigines Yidyam or Wiinggina, is a filled with groundwater volcanic maar in the Atherton Tablelands of Queensland in Australia. The lake is located in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, registered in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Cairns the maar is 68 km away and can be reached via the Gillies Highway through the Gillies Range.
Origin and Myth
The Lake Eacham and the nearby Lake Barrine originated about 12,000 years ago, when hot magma hit water. By doing so the explosion left a deep crater, which is then filled with groundwater.
In the myths of the aborigines of this event is transmitted orally: "It is said that two newly -initiated men broke a taboo and angered the rainbow serpent, major spirit of the area ( as of most of Australia ). As a result ' the camping -place began to change, the earth under the camp roaring like thunder. The wind started to blow down, as if a cyclone were coming. The camping -place began to twist and crack. While this what happening there something in the sky a red cloud, of a hue never seen before. The people tried to run from side to side but were swallowed by a crack Which opened in the ground ... "
Modern History
1886 should the Lake Eacham and the area around the lake are divided as farmland. However, it was recognized in 1888 that there is a unique landscape and area, a " Scenic Reserve " appointed. 1943, the Government of Australia declared the lake with the area surrounding the National Park and the Army created five picnic areas, a diving platform, and a Jetty. 1988, the lake was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage, the nearby Lake Barrine, also a maar, 1994 incorporated into the Crater Lake National Park ..
Ecology
The lake is part of the Crater Lakes National Park. Since no water flows, groundwater seeps into the lake only one and the rain filled it, so the water level fluctuates by up to four meters between the dry and rainy seasons.
In the lake there was an endemic fish, the rainbow fish Melanotaenia eachamensis whose small population was destroyed by larger fish exposed. 1989 were exposed to 3000 Rainbow Fish and six months later there was no one to watch more in the lake. These fish are found with breeders still continue. Today 9 types of fish are counted in the lake. Around the lake are 10 rare plant species. More than 180 bird species are located on the lake, there are also turtles and the Australian Amethystine, the largest snake in Australia and bandicoots Breitfuß Bag mice, possum, rats, bats, kangaroos and frogs.
Tourist information
The lake has an average depth of 65.5 m and is visited by recreational use for swimming, canoeing, hiking and bird watching. Motor boating is allowed on the lake. There is a large sunbathing area and a pontoon, a picnic opportunity to further a trail around the lake.