A guide to the magical blue lakes of Mount Gambier

Dilvin YasaBy Dilvin Yasa
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With its vibrant hue, Blue Lake Mount Gambier is celebrated for all the right reasons, but the good news? There’s plenty more where that came from. 

To visit Blue Lake Mount Gambier or Little Blue Lake Mount Gambier? It’s far from the only question you’ll be asking when you descend on this breathtaking patch of South Australia’s Limestone Coast, such as…

What exactly are the Blue Lakes of Mount Gambier?

It’s unusual that so many spectacular lakes should be concentrated so close to one another, but they’re the result of explosive volcanic activity rocking the earth some 5,000 years ago, creating a series of crater lakes.

Little Blue Lake with its stairs and floating pontoon
The dazzling Little Blue Lake is around 47 metres deep. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos)

While Blue Lake/Warwar , celebrated for the mysterious way it turns a vibrant cobalt (and occasionally, turquoise) from November onwards before making the transition to steel grey come March, has become synonymous with Mount Gambier, it’s actually just one of several lakes that make up the Crater Lakes Precinct which includes Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi , Brownes Lake/Kroweratwari  and Leg of Mutton Lake/Yatton Loo .

the reflection of the Blue Lakes of Mount Gambier
The Blue Lakes of Mount Gambier are nothing short of spectacular. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

But wait, you forgot Little Blue Lake?

Disregard the ‘lake’ in its title, Little Blue Lake  – again, a dazzling body of water (some 47 metres deep) which turns a brilliant blue between November and March, is actually a sinkhole just 15 minutes from Mount Gambier.

the Little Blue Lake sinkhole in Mt Gambier
Little Blue Lake turns brilliant blue between November and March. (Image: Mitch Toft)

Popular with swimmers and cave divers (the latter only permitted for divers who hold at least the CDAA Deep Cavern grade dive rating, Little Blue Lake with its stairs and floating pontoon is one of Australia’s most accessible sinkholes.

Go swimming or cave diving at Little Blue Lake. (Image: paulpayasalad)

What’s the best way to experience Blue Lake? 

Let’s start with how you won’t be experiencing it; as the lake serves as the city’s water supply, there is no swimming allowed. The good news? You can still enjoy this almost circular, one kilometre lake however by tackling the 3.6-kilometre walking trail that follows its rim, a 45-minute journey best started at the Pioneer Memorial (although you can start the walk from any point).

a man jumping into the Little Blue Lake, Mt Gambier
The turquoise lake beckons for a refreshing dip. (Image: Joanne Rogers)

Scenic lookouts are dotted around the lake, but keep an eye out for Rotary Lookout where you can view the Centenary Tower, the Pumping Station and Mount Schank. As mentioned, if you can time your visit to slot in neatly between November and March, you’ll see the lake at its vibrant best.

diving in the Little Blue Lake, Mt Gambier
See the Little Blue Lake at its vibrant best. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos)

Which other lakes do you recommend around Mount Gambier? 

Take a short drive to the Crater Lakes where Valley Lake is home to a wildlife-filled conservation park heaving with native flora and fauna. While some choose to make the most of water sport options on the water, this is the ultimate spot for a relaxed picnic, a casual barbeque (there are free barbeque facilities onsite), or if you’re feeling active, a round or two of disc golf at the Crater Lakes Disc Course .

driving along the Crater Lakes, Mt Gambier
Be surrounded by native flora and fauna at the Crater Lakes. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/ Czech Aus Out)

Our recommendation? Set up a spot by Brownes Lake/Kroweratwari, the site of the original Mount Gambier Botanical Gardens and bring the kids: the adventure playground will thrill kids and kidults of all ages.

a woman sightseeing at the Little Blue Lake, Mt Gambier
Admire stunning vistas. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Valley Lakes Recreation Area is particularly picturesque in the autumn months when the flame trees put on a spectacular show of vibrant yellow, red and burnt orange hues.

an aerial view of the Valley Lakes, Mt Gambier
Valley Lake is most picturesque come autumn. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Be sure to also check out the curiously named Leg of Mutton Lake – for its shape which is, you guessed it, shaped like a lamb leg. Although it’s now dry due to reductions in the water table, the dramatic wooded area is an excellent location for hikes.

an aerial view of two people walking along the Limestone Coast
Tackle the scenic walking trail to the Blue Lake. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Choose between the 4.2-kilometre Mountain Trail (begin at Mark’s Lookout and follow the track in an anti-clockwise direction for the best views), the moderate 1.7-kilometre Pepperpot Trail and Blue Lake Circuit, or for those who prefer something shorter, the Oaks, Blue Gum and the The Browns Lake walks.

a man standing on the edge of a cliff at Valley Lake
The Valley Lakes Recreation Area is within the Crater Lakes precinct in Mount Gambier. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Is there anything else I should know? 

Sure, you can either hire a car and make your way to each of the lakes to explore at your own pace, or you can book an Aquifer Tour  at Blue Lake, if you prefer a guided experience with a side of history.

a man climbing up the stairs at Little Blue Lake, Mt Gambier
Cool off at the Little Blue Lake. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Head here for more tried and tested tips on visiting Mount Gambier.
Dilvin Yasa
Dilvin Yasa is a freelance journalist, author and TV presenter whose travels have taken her from the iceberg graveyards of Antarctica to the roaring rapids of Uganda. Always on the lookout for that next unforgettable meal, wildlife moment or 80s-themed nightclub, she is inexplicably drawn to polar destinations despite detesting the cold.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.