The Blue Lake
The Blue Lake
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Blue Lake/Warwar in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the extinct volcano after which the city has been named. Early each November, the lake's sombre blue, which is in evidence during the winter months, mysteriously changes to an intense deep turquoise blue almost overnight. The colouring remains until late February, when it gradually changes. From late March, it returns to a distinct sombre blue colouring that remains until the following November. The 3.6 kilometre road and walking track around the circumference of the Blue Lake/Warwar provides access to many viewing points, the most popular being the underpass between the Blue Lake/Warwar and the Leg of Mutton Lake/Yatton Loo.
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- Christine KMildura, Australia140 contributionsTake your blues away with you!Amazing colour of the lake with turquoise tints at certain edges. We walked up to the Apex Lookout to get a good view of the lake, unsure if the colour was as awesome as it was supposed to be. It sure was and is certainly worth a visit since it turns blue only between November and March each year. Perhaps it is something to do with the sunlight, but the mystery remains as the cause has not yet been identified.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 January 2024
- EssbeebeeAthelstone, Australia179 contributionsOne of Australia's True Natural WondersThe Blue Lake is truly one of Australia's best natural wonders. In the summer months it absolutely sparkles in brilliant blue as the light and warmth react with the water. It's been quite a few years since I visited and this time was able to spend 4 days nearby and really take in its ever changing splendour and walk around much of it. The lake itself is quite pristine as it's way too steep for people to access the water. It's a reminder of the immense power of volcanos that created it and what can be left behind. It changes from sparkling in the sunlight when it's windy, to perfect reflections when it's still. Sunsets also provide another dimension in this unique amphitheatre of light and water. Amazingly you can both drive and walk around the whole crater - probably not too many old volcanos in the world where that's possible. Once seen in all its glory it will be with you forever I promise.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- KBofLBLittleborough, United Kingdom555 contributionsTrue blueFrom what I have read it is apparently a matter of luck as to whether the lake lives up to its name. Fortunately on the day of our visit it was clear blue from the viewpoint at which we overlooked it. Once seen, there was little else of merit in this area.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- Caroline DMelbourne, Australia408 contributionsInteresting local areaWe stopped at the main look out to take in this incredible site and I can only imagine if the sun was out how different the water would have been. It was a great colour even though it was a dull day. You can walk right around the lake or you can drive, we opted to drive. It is well worth stopping and reading all about itVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- James BNewcastle, Australia640 contributionsNot very blue at this time of year but still a great natural featureThe Blue Lake is very accessible and is worth spending time having a look. While it is not very blue at this time of the year, there are good walking tracks around the rim. It’s very close to the main CBD too. A must do in Mount Gambier.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
- Michelle REngadine, Australia398 contributionsLOVELY VIEWSWe stayed at the Holiday Park just across the road from the Blue Lake so very close. It is such an amazing lake and you can actually walk all the way around it. Not sure how many kms it is to walk. We drove around to the east side of the lake one night and watched the beautiful sunset over the lake. It was amazing. You can also walk underneath and see the lake from eye level as well. Certain parts of the day the lake is so blue when the sun is shining on it. Very spectacular.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2024
- The Walking CriticPerth, Australia1,085 contributionsBlue Lake Mount Gambier is a highlightThis has a somewhat deep meaning for me, as the last time I came here was after a great family loss. Today it was even blue and more magical, with the sun opening up for the whole time we were there. The last time it was grey and overcast. The look out vantage point is awesome. Take the time to suck up the incredible colours and lonely vista. Have a giggle at the padlocks that people lock onto the wire.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 July 2024
- EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia38,701 contributionsSouth Australian iconHave you visited Mount gambier unless you’ve see the blue lake? The blue is so striking and makes a lovely photo. There are numerous lookouts around the lake for different views or you can take part in a guided tour of the lake belowVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 July 2024
- CarloHelmondHelmond, The Netherlands725 contributionsBlue lake (even at night)We were camping at a place close by and walked by the lake. It does have some nice views and yes the lake is really blue. Later that night we walked along the lake again after having something to eat in the village. It was a clear sky and the nice thing is that you you could see the lake and the milky way at the same time. I know you have to be lucky, but this was very nice to seeVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 August 2024
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TripmanMelbourne
Melbourne, Australia248 contributions
Feb 2020
The Crater Lake starts changing to this Turquoise Blue from November and then changers back to a normal lake colour from March, I have seen the lake a few times in winter but this was the first time in Summer and I can say the Blue Lake is stunning and one of the most amazing natural sights I have seen in Australia. We stayed at the Big 4 Blue Lake Caravan Park right at the Crater edge which is great because at different times of the day photography from the 4 main lookouts gives the best lighting for morning and afternoon and day time photo’s. There is a 5 km walking and bike track around the Crater Rim if staying in town Probably would take the time to keep coming to view the lake at different times of the day. The only time to see this is over an Australian summer and subject a 3 night stay and go and visit Mt Schank and the Little Blue Lake for a swim. The Wildlife Reserve is just around the corner of the caravan park as well
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grank_Bernlio
Lisarow, Australia27 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Photos don’t really do this lake justice. It was amazingly blue. There’s lots of vantage points around the lake - it’s well worth taking your time to find the various vantage points. There’s lots of parking available at various places.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,604 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Pictures just don’t do the Blue Lake justice, this water is so unnaturally blue while surprisingly being so natural 🤯 on cloudy days it is not as blue though!
Believed to have formed about 500 years ago following a volcanic eruption, the lake is approx 80 meters deep and changes colour from summer to winter.
This catchment is also Mount Gambier’s drinking water supply, you cannot swim in it. There is an excellent lookout and walking circuit though which is not to strenuous.
“Jonique Life”
Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Believed to have formed about 500 years ago following a volcanic eruption, the lake is approx 80 meters deep and changes colour from summer to winter.
This catchment is also Mount Gambier’s drinking water supply, you cannot swim in it. There is an excellent lookout and walking circuit though which is not to strenuous.
“Jonique Life”
Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KettsOnTour
Albion Park, Australia246 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We have been to see pink lakes that had just a tinge of pink, so we expected something similar. To our surprize this lake was a stunning blue! Best seen when the sun is shining above the lake. Just beautiful. You cant swim in this lake as it is the towns water supply, but swimming is possible at little blue lake, not far out of town.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darryl
5 contributions
Dec 2019
The Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is a beautiful scenic venue for casually strolling around and if inclined you can do a Park Run at 8 am on a Saturday morning taking in the majestic old volcano holding the towns water supply. Fantastic colour at the right time of the year . Also enjoy the coffee and cakes at the cafe after a tour of the water pumping station. Excellent.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HDStripad
Australia969 contributions
Nov 2020
Very cold weather for November, too rainy to walk around the rim and too early to see the glorious summer blue. The tour of the pump station and in the glass walled lift to the base of the shaft has been suspended because it could not comply with Covid social distancing rules. We enjoyed seeing the grey lake with a hint of glorious blue at the edge and reading the interpretive signage to learn about the volcanic eruptions that formed it.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aus23
Adelaide23 contributions
Mar 2021
The walk around the lake was nice, however lots of locals (I assume they are locals) walk their dogs around the lake. They do not pick up after their dogs, so it was a bit disgusting. I have never seen it as bad as it was here. I think the council needs to install more dog bag stations and people need to take responsibility and do the right thing.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MACIMI
West Kelowna, Canada313 contributions
Feb 2020
The blue of the lake was just stunning. There were several places to stop and view and the day we went there were no tourists so we could stand anywhere. It’s a pleasant drive all around the lake or you can walk it. Not being so nimble we drove. We also declined the tour for the same reason, but you can still enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake just the same. Lots of parking to chose from and the view points are disabled friendly.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_alkeenan1
Sunshine Coast, Australia12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Absolutely stunning is all I can say about the Blue Lake!!! You have to see it to believe it!!! I have never seen a more spectacular lake and so close to town that you have to drive around it to access other parts of town. Fantastic walking track around the circumference and a great lookout that you go under the road to view. Unique little gift shop for a great souvenir also.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ulrica O
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We did the walk around the lake, a medium to brisk one, took 40 min. I wouldn’t say it was spectacular. A normal pathway around the lake with a viewing balcony here and there and glimpses between the trees of the lake. The lake itself was very blue and great to see. The walk is not necessary to see the lake.
Written 22 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi fellow travelers, I am planning a family trip to Melbourne in late June and thinking of a few days in the Blue Lake area. Since there will be a teenager among us I would be grateful if someone could give me some advice about: 1) if it is a good time and worthwhile to visit Blue Lake area in the second half of June, will it be too cold? 2) what are some of the available activities/local tours during that period, and will most rentals be closed at that time? and 3) what might be the most convenient transportation to that area from Melbourne if we are not driving, considering we will have a few big luggage? Many thanks!
Written 13 May 2024
Hi
Is the blue lake still blue in March? Or is it better to see it in mid feb when we will be going? Also, how's the temp in Adelaide in mid February? Does it get really hot?
Thanks
Written 20 November 2016
The blue lake will still be nice, and it will be a more vibrant blue than your average lake for sure, but it is certainly it's most impressive from November-Feb.
As for Adelaide, in Feb you can expect periods where the temperature stays above 30C for 2 weeks continuous and there will be at least 5 days in Feb that will go over 40C. We have had a couple of years where it went >45C. I live there. It is usually our heatwave month. But it is a dry heat if that is any saving grace.
Written 21 November 2016
Is there a souvenir store and if so what are the opening times? Thanks
Written 9 August 2016
There is a coffee shop which has souvenirs not sure of hours as they vary
Written 10 August 2016
Hi Wendy, as arr0w123 and others have mentioned, no you can't because it is our town water supply. Having said that if you are visiting, the 45min tour held every hour on the hour is brilliant. We have only been here 8yrs and have done this tour a few times ourselves and recommend it to any visitors. He explains how the aquifer system works here, which we found indeed fascinating. The best time to see the blue lake at it's bluest is around Nov-March as it turns dark during the cooler months which is to do with the minerals in the water and the sun with how they're reflected back (also explained on the tour)
Written 14 March 2015
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