Lake Barrine is one of three amazing lakes on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. There is one family that’s owned and operated a teahouse on its shores for close to one hundred years. Kudos to them, through all the generations, for this wonderful business that continues to thrive today. A visit to the Lake Barrine Teahouse to enjoy tea and scones and the opportunity to experience their boat cruises is a must-do item on every visitor’s itinerary to our area.
While my characters are all fictional, a tragic waterskiing accident did happen years ago on Lake Barrine which might have triggered the closure of waterskiing on both Lake Barrine and its sister lake, Lake Eacham. I can’t confirm with certainty that this was the catalyst.
The old ramps are still there below water level, and old pictures show a story of congested mayhem on the weekends as the popularity of waterskiing grew in the area.
I can’t say I’m too saddened by the closure of the lakes to waterskiing, being a water skier myself (albeit very amateurish). These days, the lakes are beautiful and tranquil, ideal for swimming, paddling and family time. Lake Barrine has the added attraction of 1000-year-old trees and, of course, the iconic teahouse.
By this stage, Tinaroo Dam had progressed as the place for waterskiing, so the outcome was not too detrimental for the diehard water skiers of the area. Whether it was a result of the accident, the option of skiing on the newly constructed dam or just a good idea to move skiing on from such precious natural wonders, it eventually happened.
Waterskiing is still a drawcard to our beautiful area, which I can personally attest to. There were many Sunday mornings when our small family of five rose early, sleepy children included, for a waterski on the idyllic waters of the dam.
The Atherton Tablelands is also renowned for its potato farmers. One family has for many years grown a special variety of potato used by leading Australian potato crisp manufacturers. Australians enjoy potato crisps in many varieties and flavours, and a vast majority of those crisps are made from potatoes grown in our local area.
Wind farms are popping up everywhere in our beautiful north. As my story suggests, it’s a delicate balance that we have to get right. Providing clean energy while protecting our beautiful rainforest and animals takes careful consideration by all. Let’s hope they get it right.
Lastly, the volunteer organisation TREAT really does exist. They do an amazing job of planting thousands of native trees and joining tracts of rainforest cleared earlier this century, thus giving animals the freedom to move easily from one patch of rainforest to another. Their work is valuable and needs all the encouragement they can get. I hope they remain strong for many years to come.