The small city of Mount Gambier, located in the picturesque South Eastern region of South Australia boasts some of the state's most amazing natural wonders. Of these, the most famous is the breathtaking Blue Lake; the only of its kind in the world.
The Geology of the Site
The land surrounding Mount Gambier is densely rich in limestone, due to the remnant of a shallow sea which lay over the region millions of years ago. The limestone, made up from fossils of fish and coral, forms a crust under the earth which extends for over two hundred kilometres and reaches a maximum depth at three hundred metres at Port MacDonnell, a small fishing town nearby. Over the years, this abundance of limestone has gradually been worn away by the ever flowing water table and has created an immense system of caves and underground caverns, providing a beautiful sight for divers.
The History of the Blue Lake
Mount Gambier's Blue Lake is actually situated in a dormant volcano crater and lies over fifty metres below ground level. Here, the crystal clear water found in the numerous underground caves is exposed, as it flows slowly through the layers of limestone under the city. The lake is made found by the remarkable colour changes it undergoes throughout the year. The summer months are the most spectacular, with the lake turning almost a fluorescent aquamarine. Following this, it starts to change back and maintains a steely grey colour during the winter.
Why The Lake Changes Colous
Many crazy theories abound as to why the Blue is the colour it is; the most common being that certain molecules in the water reflect the sunshine differently at certain times of the year. However, according to the information provided by Mount Gambier Tourism Centre, the natural colour of the water is blue. By why then, does the colour change in the winter? The simplest explanation is the increase in rainfall causes a disturbance in the delicate balance between the layers which create such a blue colour. Hence in winter, the position of the top layer of algae, largest responsible for the aquamarine colour, becomes altered and the clarity of the water becomes decreased.
The Blue Lake: A Tourist Attraction
The Blue Lake is the single biggest tourist attraction in the city, with thousands of people travelling from all over the world during the summer months to catch a glimpse of the azure colour. There is a road which wind its way around the lake, with several look outs positioned along the way to allow you to stop and take in the view. However, if time is on your side there is also a footpath which surrounds the perimeter and is favourite walk for locals and tourists alike. The circumference of the lake is just over three kilometres and provides a leisurely one hour walk where the lake can be viewed from all perspectives. There is a variety of accommodation available for tourists metres from the lake and a quaint coffee ship which also offers guided tours right down to the surface of the lake.
For more information on the Blue Lake contact Mount Gambier Tourist or the Lady Nelson Tourism Information. http://www.mountgambiertourism.com.au/home.asp
Have I huffed and puffed my way around that lake numerous times?
Definitely
Is it a little hard to get a good view in the summer with all the people eager to see the lake?
Maybe
Will you regret heading there for a look?
Probably Not!
Much love
Sez x
