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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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.