A Living History of Lake Barrine
"A living history." I've always loved those three words set together—the way it makes you feel the story is still being told. My great-grandfather, George Curry, first came to Lake Barrine in 1913.
Each generation has a different focus, a different way of telling the story, of keeping the history alive. What continues to tie us together, however, is the love that we share for Lake Barrine and the joy it’s brought to our family.
Growing up, my parents used to ask us as kids, "What would you love to do?" when we found ourselves in different situations.
And I find that's at the very heart of our Teahouse. All of our family has had time working at Lake Barrine and has always put their heart into the business and strived to keep this beautiful story going. Our goal is to keep the Teahouse a family-friendly place, where people from all walks of life can gather, share time and hopefully fall in love with this little piece of paradise, just the way our family did.
— Nalita Curry, 2024
🌿 A Family Legacy Since the Early 1900s
The story of Lake Barrine begins with the Curry family, who first opened the teahouse more than a century ago.
During the 1940s, after the family lost their father in WWII, Margaret Curry returned home to Lake Barrine with her two young sons. To bring people together and create a sense of warmth, she began serving a Sunday Roast — a tradition that grew into a beloved community ritual for decades.
That spirit of home, care and hospitality still lives here today.
☕ A Place Built on Warm Hospitality
For generations, visitors have come to Lake Barrine for:
- Homemade food made fresh daily
- Our famous scones with homemade jam
- Friendly service
- Tranquil lake views
- A peaceful escape into nature
We continue to honour that legacy by offering warm, genuine hospitality to every guest — whether you’re here for a quick coffee, a family lunch, a scenic walk or a boat cruise.
🚤 A Unique Lake Experience
Our 45-minute guided boat cruise is an iconic part of the Lake Barrine experience.
Gliding across a volcanic crater lake surrounded by rainforest, guests learn about wildlife, local history and the natural wonders that make this place special.
It’s a calm, educational and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
💚 Today: Nalita, Felipe & the Next Chapter
Today, Lake Barrine is lovingly run by Nalita and Felipe, a couple who have combined their skills, passion and family heritage to guide the teahouse into a new era.
Nalita, a member of the Curry family, grew up surrounded by the traditions, stories and values that shaped the teahouse for over a century. Felipe, originally from Chile and with a background in business and marketing, brings fresh vision and renewed energy to the place.
Together, they share a deep appreciation for the lake, the rainforest and the history that surrounds it. Their focus is on preserving everything that makes Lake Barrine special — homemade food, warm hospitality, family connection and nature — while introducing new experiences for visitors. Under their care, the teahouse has continued to grow in a meaningful and creative way. One of their proudest achievements is Barrine Collective — a family of Australian-designed brands created right here at the lake, inspired by the wildlife and landscape of the Tablelands. Through this project, Nalita and Felipe are sharing a piece of Lake Barrine with visitors across Australia while staying true to the spirit of the place.
Felipe and Nalita are committed to honouring the past while building a vibrant future for Lake Barrine — one that supports the community, celebrates nature and welcomes visitors with the same warmth the Curry family offered for generations.