Lake Barrine-the largest of the Atherton Tableland crater lakes-was formed by volcanic activity as recently as 10,000 years ago. Logging of rainforest timber in the area commenced during the 1880s and to prevent the complete loss of the large kauri and cedar pines around the lake the Forestry Department and local council formed what was known as the Lakes Trust to protect the lake and surrounding land from logging. In 1888 the natural and recreational significance of Lake Barrine was formally recognised and the crater lake, along with a band of shoreline vegetation, was proclaimed a scenic reserve. Since the 1920s several generations of the Curry family have been running a tea house at Lake Barrine and providing boat cruises for visitors.