Blue Lake

Blue Lake is a stunning natural wonder located within the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves.

It is one of only four cirque lakes in mainland Australia and stands out with its size, depth, and glacial features. The lake covers an area of 16 hectares and drops nearly 28 meters deep. It is located 28 kilometers west of Jindabyne and 3.5 kilometers north of Charlotte Pass.

This magnificent lake was formed by glacial activity that carved out a basin in the granite bedrock. It can be accessed by a 2-hour walk from Charlott Pass, offering a captivating journey through glacial landscapes.

The lake is surrounded by an ecosystem consisting of alpine herbfield, heaths, bogs, and fens that support unique and diverse flora and fauna. It is recognized as a wetland of international importance and is home to rare, vulnerable, and endangered species of plant and animal life. The lake is also home to several rare or threatened plants and animals, including the critically endangered Kosciuszko galaxias fish species.

Visitors can partake in a range of activities at Blue Lake, including environmental education, bushwalking, skiing, and ice climbing. It is important for visitors to maintain nutrient balance and prevent contamination by not camping in the catchments of the glacial lakes. Blue Lake remains frozen for four months during the year and overflows in spring with the melting of the snow. The water level remains stable for the rest of the year.

In conclusion, Blue Lake is a must-visit site for nature enthusiasts and hikers due to its beauty, unique ecosystem, and adventurous trek through the Kosciuszko alpine area.