Monday, 13 July 2015

Tableland Lakes & Crystals

This morning we were up early for a brisk walk around the picturesque Lake Eacham.  Lake Eacham is a clear blue lake surrounded by lush rainforest.  In geological terms the lake is a maar - a volcanic crater formed about 10 000 years ago when massive explosions superheated the groundwater and blew a big hole in the ground.  Conveniently, the groundwater then filled the crater, forming the 65 metre deep lake.  It has no incoming or outgoing creeks so there are probably no crocs in there and the water is a balmy 29 degrees.


If you think we look cold in this photo, you're right!  The water might have been 29 degrees but the air temperature didn't get over 10 degrees!  The 3 km walk warmed us up a bit, offering forest fringed views of the lake and the perfect opportunity to view the turtles!

Even they were trying to soak up some rays!

Our reward for this early morning exercise came in the form of morning tea at the Lake Barrine Teahouse just a few kilometres away.  We all tucked into the Devonshire tea with wild abandon.  According to Jack the scone were like "eating a cloud".


It was then off to another treat for the boys - the Crystal Caves.  This is a most unusual museum where we got to explore a fantasy cave and to see and touch more than 600 crystals and fossils from around the world.

 
This one was the boys' favourite.  The Empress of Uruguay is the world's biggest Amethyst geode.  It's from Uruguay, and stands 3.5 metres tall and weighs 2.7 tonnes.
 
The boys loved it, but to me it was really just a bunch of rocks.  I liked the car better....
 
 Imagine driving that around Keysbrook!
 
 Back at Ron & Paula's farm we were spoilt by lawn mower rides...
 
 
...and a breathtaking Tablelands sunset.
 
 
They are brolgas that you can see flying back to their local billabong for the night.



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