Blue Lake

Blue Lake, known as Warwar, is a volcanic crater lake in Mount Gambier, South Australia, occupying a maar formed about 28,000 years ago. It is one of four lakes in the Mount Gambier volcanic complex and provides the city's drinking water supply. Famous for its vivid cobalt-blue colour from November to March, turning steel-grey in winter, the lake is about 72 metres deep and viewed from rim lookouts and walking trails.

Visitors can expect elevated views of a deep, steep-walled volcanic crater filled with intensely coloured water, surrounded by parkland and pine forest. Access is via sealed roads to several lookouts and car parks around the rim, including viewpoints on Bay Road and John Watson Drive. A 3.6 km walking track circuits the crater with interpretive signage and photo points. There is no direct access to the water for swimming or boating; the experience is sightseeing, photography and walking.

Formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 28,000 years ago as part of the Mount Gambier maar volcano complex. Following European settlement in the 1840s, the lake was identified as a reliable water source and has supplied Mount Gambier's town water since the late 19th century. The Blue Lake and surrounding craters are listed as a State Heritage Place in South Australia.

Known as Warwar to the Boandik (Bunganditj) people, the traditional owners of the Mount Gambier area, the crater lakes hold cultural significance. Today the Blue Lake is the central natural landmark and identity symbol for the Mount Gambier community and a focal point for visitor interpretation of volcanic heritage.