A picturesque lake that changes colour through the year and is surrounded by mountains has been hailed as the perfect hiking spot for adventurers.
Blue Lake in Mount Gambier in South Australia, halfway between Melbourne in Adelaide, has a series of incredible walking trails with sweeping views of the water below and hills above.
Each November, the Blue Lake changes from a deep bluish grey to a vibrant cobalt with dots of turquoise in the shallows seemingly overnight until late March when it fades back.
The incredible Blue Lake in Mount Gambier that changes colour throughout the year and is surrounded by tall mountains and lush forest has been dubbed a travel hot spot for hikers
In South Australia halfway between Melbourne in Adelaide, Blue Lake has a series of incredible walking trails with sweeping views of the water below and hills above
The walking trails wind through an array of lakes, forests, gardens, picnic spots and viewing platforms
Blue Lake sits in an extinct volcanic crater and its unique landscape has made it one of Mount Gambier’s most popular tourist hot spots.
The walking trails wind through an array of lakes, forests, gardens, picnic spots and viewing platforms.
There is one 3.6km track, accessible for walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs, that goes the whole way around the lake and has a string of lookouts dotted along the trail to take in the breath-taking views.
Each November, the Blue Lake changes from a deep bluish grey to a vibrant blue with dots of turquoise in the shallow seemingly overnight until late February when it fades back to a dark
Blue Lake sits in an extinct volcanic crater and its unique landscape has made it one of Mount Gambier’s most popular tourist hot spots
There is one 3.6km track, accessible for walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs, that goes the whole way around the lake and has a string of lookouts dotted along the trail to take in the breath-taking views
The walk to the neighbouring Valley Lake is as spectacular with a conservation area that features forest covered gorges, a wildlife park and boardwalk, and the scenic Leg of Mutton crater.
Just a short drive from Blue Lake, there is an incredible sunken garden that looks like a set from Avatar to capture epic Instagram photos.
The lush green landscape is nestled in a sinkhole that was once a limestone cave was created when the top of the cave’s chamber collapsed, with gardens opened there by Scottish emigrant farmer, James Umpherston, in 1886.
The site now features viewing platforms, sculptures, benches and walking paths that wind around vibrant flower beds and terraces of native plants where hanging vines drape overhead.
Just a short drive from Blue Lake, there is an incredible sunken garden that looks like a set from Avatar to capture epic Instagram photos
The lush green landscape is nestled in a sinkhole that was once a limestone cave in Mount Gambier, SA
Open from dawn until dusk, the Umpherston Sinkhole comes alive at sunset each evening when possums venture into the floodlit gardens to feed.
Best of all, entry is free.
Many say the beauty of the sinkhole ‘needs to be seen to be believed’.
Photos and videos on social media offer a glimpse at what the gardens have to offer, with some comparing them to scenes from Jurassic Park.
The sinkhole was created when the top of the cave’s chamber collapsed, with gardens opened there by Scottish emigrant farmer, James Umpherston, in 1886
The site now features viewing platforms, sculptures, benches and walking paths that wind around vibrant flower beds and terraces of native plants where hanging vines drape overhead
Many say the beauty of the sinkhole ‘needs to be seen to be believed’
‘Such a great perspective of this awesome place. The possums waking up at dusk and crawling up the vines is so great,’ one person wrote under drone footage of the sinkhole.
‘This is so beautiful,’ said a second, while a third dubbed it ‘spectacular’.
Others warned that the steps leading out of the sinkhole are ‘really steep’ and may not be suitable for the elderly, injured or anyone with physical disabilities.