Blue Lake / Warwar
A lake in the crater of the Mount Gambier volcano. Each year around November its water turns from grey-blue to a intense cobalt blue, making it the emblem of the city.
Blue Lake is the crater lake of the extinct Mount Gambier volcano. It is about 3.6 km in circumference and about 75 m deep, and it is also the city's drinking water source. Around November each year, the water changes within a few days from winter grey-blue to an intense cobalt blue, and the colour lasts until the following March. The change is linked to calcium carbonate precipitating out as the water warms. A 3.6 km walking trail circles the lake, with several viewing platforms, and you can also drive around it. At the lakeshore, Aquifer Tours takes visitors down in a glass lift to a spot close to the water surface and explains the hydrology (tickets required, about 45 minutes). Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Opening hours
Observation deck all day; Aquifer Tours approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi
- Cave Garden / Thugi
- Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre
- Centenary Tower
- Engelbrecht Cave
- Umpherston Sinkhole
- Mount Schank
- Little Blue Lake