Little Blue Lake
A stunning natural sinkhole near Mount Gambier, famous for its vibrant cobalt blue waters and refreshing, albeit chilly, swimming.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vivid blue color & cooler temps
Little Blue Lake
Best Time
Vivid blue color & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural sinkhole near Mount Gambier, famous for its vibrant cobalt blue waters and refreshing, albeit chilly, swimming.
"This sinkhole-turned-swimming hole is one of the most picturesque spots to take a dip in South Australia!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds by arriving around 9 AM to snag a good spot on the pontoon. :iphone:
🥶 Brace for Chilly Water
The water is a consistent 12°C year-round, so be prepared for a refreshing, albeit cold, swim!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Striking Cobalt Blue Waters
The main sinkhole
Witness a natural wonder's mesmerizing, vibrant blue color, especially stunning in summer.
Refreshing Swim and Plunge Spots
The water's edge and cliffs
Dive into the cool, deep waters from the pontoon or surrounding cliffs for an exhilarating experience.
Scuba Diving Haven
The deeper sections of the lake
Explore the depths of this sinkhole, a popular spot for divers due to its unique underwater formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Blue
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Dip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds by arriving around 9 AM to snag a good spot on the pontoon. :iphone:
🥶 Brace for Chilly Water
The water is a consistent 12°C year-round, so be prepared for a refreshing, albeit cold, swim!
🤿 Divers Welcome!
It's a popular spot for scuba divers; watch them explore the depths or join them if you're certified.
📸 Capture the Blue
The lake's color is best in summer, but it's photogenic year-round. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Beat the crowds by arriving around 9 AM to snag a good spot on the pontoon. :iphone:
🥶 Brace for Chilly Water
The water is a consistent 12°C year-round, so be prepared for a refreshing, albeit cold, swim!
🤿 Divers Welcome!
It's a popular spot for scuba divers; watch them explore the depths or join them if you're certified.
📸 Capture the Blue
The lake's color is best in summer, but it's photogenic year-round. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots.
⚠️ No Facilities Onsite
There are no toilets or amenities, so plan accordingly before you arrive. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Blue Lake's stunning, vibrant blue waters and its refreshing, albeit chilly, swimming conditions. It's a popular spot for both casual dips and scuba diving, offering a unique natural experience. While free and accessible, the lack of facilities and potential for crowds during peak times are minor drawbacks.
"The Little Blue Lake, also known locally as Baby Blue, is a unique water-filled sinkhole located about 18 km (roughly a 16-minute drive) out of Mount Gambier, near Mount Schank. It’s a smaller counterpart to the famous Blue Lake but has its own special charm. The lake is approximately 45–50 metres in diameter and drops around 8 metres from the rim to the water.
When we visited, the colour wasn’t at its vivid summer peak, but it still showed a striking deep blue with a slight greenish tinge. The lake is best known for turning a vibrant cobalt blue between November and March, which is linked to higher temperatures and algae levels. Even outside that window, it’s still a very photogenic spot.
The water here is surprisingly deep, up to 45 metres in places and around 25~30 metres in the shallower areas. We saw three divers coming out of the lake during our visit, and it’s clearly a popular location for them. They mentioned the water temperature is quite stable at around 12°C year-round, so it’s definitely chilly if you plan to get in!
There are steps on the car park side for easier access to the water, making it more visitor-friendly. If you’re out sightseeing around Mount Gambier and Mount Schank, this is a great little stop to add to your list."
John Winter
"Flag this for your sunset trip. Around 17km from city centre this is a small fresh water lake (deep blue color due to reflection of sky) ideal for swimming including few high plunges in the water(good swimmers only).
Bring some hot coffee and sip the warm sweet coffee after refreshing swim in relatively cold water. Wait out for the mesmerizing sunset and go back smiling as the day is well spent."
Subhajyoti Mukherjee
"Great free local water hole, a diver told us it's 40 metres deep at its deepest point and it shaped like an upside down mushroom. On a 20 degree day, the water temp was fairly consistent with the air, no great shocks jumping in. Lots of jumping spots and the walls are sheer so it's fairly safe to jump from any side."
Hayleigh Beach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Blue Lake is conveniently located about 18 km (a 16-minute drive) from Mount Gambier, near Mount Schank. Follow local signage for easy access.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to drive or consider a taxi/rideshare service from Mount Gambier.
There's a car park available, but it can get dusty and crowded during peak times. Arrive early for the best parking.
Yes, Little Blue Lake is a great stop on a road trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, offering a unique natural attraction.
There are multiple 'Little Blue Lakes.' The most popular one for swimming is near Mount Gambier in South Australia. Another picturesque one is in Tasmania.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Little Blue Lake is a free local waterhole, offering a great natural swimming experience without any admission cost.
The lake is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times.
No, tickets are not required as it's a free natural attraction. However, arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.
While generally open, always check local conditions. Some sources mention it was a former mine site and not recommended for swimming due to mineral content in Tasmania.
There are no facilities like toilets or changing rooms at the Little Blue Lake. Visitors should come prepared.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Yes, Little Blue Lake is a popular swimming spot, known for its refreshing, albeit chilly, waters. Be aware of the depth.
The depth varies, with shallower areas around 25-30 meters and deeper sections reaching up to 45-47 meters.
The water temperature is consistently around 12°C year-round, making it a cool and invigorating swim.
For strong swimmers, it's generally safe, but be mindful of the depth and potential for cold shock. There are jumping spots, but exercise caution.
Mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler parts of the day. Summer afternoons are warmer but busier.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lake's blue hues.
The striking blue color is due to the reflection of the sky and, in summer, increased algae levels and warmer temperatures.
Absolutely! The vibrant blue water, surrounding cliffs, and the pontoon offer numerous picturesque shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the lake and cliffs. A polarizing filter can enhance the blue tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be mindful of the significant depth of the lake and supervise children closely. There are no facilities on-site, so pack all necessities, including snacks, drinks, and towels. The drive from Mount Gambier is short, making it a manageable excursion.
🏊♀️ Adventure Seekers & Swimmers
Scuba divers will also find this spot intriguing due to its depth and unique underwater environment. Remember that the water temperature is consistently cold, so be prepared for a bracing swim. Arriving early is recommended to enjoy the jumping spots and diving areas without the peak crowds.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Visiting during golden hour will elevate your photos with beautiful light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the sinkhole and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's vibrant hues. It's an 'Instaworthy' spot that rarely disappoints.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Blue
Even outside of this peak season, the lake retains a beautiful, deep blue with hints of green. The depth of the sinkhole, which can reach up to 47 meters, also contributes to the perception of color, as deeper water absorbs more light, reflecting the bluer wavelengths.
It's important to note that the water temperature remains consistently cool at around 12°C year-round, regardless of the surface color's intensity. This stable temperature is a characteristic of deep, natural water bodies.
Swimming and Diving Adventures
However, it's crucial to be aware of the water's consistent 12°C temperature. This can be quite a shock, especially on hotter days. Divers also frequent the lake, drawn by its depth and unique underwater topography. Experienced divers can explore the sinkhole's considerable depths, which are a significant feature of this natural wonder.
While the lake is generally safe for strong swimmers, it's always wise to exercise caution, especially when jumping from heights. The depth varies significantly, so understanding your own swimming capabilities is paramount.
Photography Tips for Little Blue Lake
Utilize a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire sinkhole, including the surrounding cliffs and the pontoon. A polarizing filter can be a valuable tool to reduce glare on the water's surface and deepen the blue tones, making your photos truly pop.
Consider different perspectives; shots from the cliff tops offer a grand overview, while images taken from the water's edge or the pontoon provide a more intimate feel. Don't forget to capture the divers if they are present, as they add a dynamic element to the scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit