Blue Lake

Home . Thredbo, NSW

All About

Blue Lake

Highlights

Blue Lake resides in Australia’s winter wonderland, the Snowy Mountains. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when glaciers swept through the Great Dividing Range, carving the granite bedrock as it surged. Due to this unique formation of the lake, Blue Lake is one of only four cirque lakes in Australia, meaning the lakes are shaped like an amphitheatre in the foothills of a valley.

The area, located to the west of Jindabyne, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and has been listed as a Wetland of International Importance, under the Ramsar Convention of 1996. The site holds great biological significance due to the highly concentrated numbers of threatened flora and fauna living in the area, including the mountain pygmy possum and the broad-toothed mouse. For this reason, Blue Lake is used for environmental education with a focus on managing ecosystems and maintaining sustainable biological diversity.

You can access Blue Lake from Charlotte’s Pass at the west end of Kosciusko Road. The four hour return journey passes over the famous Snowy River, along the Main Range Track, and offers stunning glacial scenery. Camping is not permitted due to the conservation efforts

Activities

Hiking
Sight-seeing

Facilities

Walking trail - 22km loop, grade 4 along the Main Range Track.

Important Information

Guidelines

Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions.
Ensure to check the relevant website for any updates relating to any warnings that may be issued for the area, national park admission prices, opening and closing times.
Wear suitable footwear and ensure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements.
Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
National park and camping fees apply, check the parks website for bookings and further details.

Photo credits: NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services.

Location

Getting to Blue Lake

Address: Blue Lake Walk Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo, New South Wales 2625

Website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/wetlands/internationally-significant-wetlands/blue-lake

Common Questions

Blue Lake FAQ

Where is Blue Lake NSW located?
Blue Lake NSW is located at Blue Lake Walk in Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo, New South Wales 2625. It's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts seeking scenic alpine landscapes.
What makes Blue Lake NSW a must-visit spot?
Blue Lake is renowned for its pristine glacial waters and surrounding alpine scenery, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of Australia's few glacial lakes.
How can I access Blue Lake NSW?
Access to Blue Lake is via the Blue Lake Walk, a trail within Kosciuszko National Park. Visitors can enjoy a hike through alpine terrain to reach the lake.
Are there any facilities near Blue Lake NSW?
Facilities are limited near Blue Lake due to its remote alpine location. Visitors should prepare accordingly and check the NSW National Parks website for more information.