Is the Blue Lake extinct?

The Blue Lake/Warwar in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the extinct volcano after which the city has been named. Early each November, the lake's sombre blue, which is in evidence during the winter months, mysteriously changes to an intense deep turquoise blue almost overnight.

Is the Blue Lake dormant or extinct?

The Blue Lake is a large, monomictic, crater lake located in a dormant volcanic maar associated with the Mount Gambier maar complex. The lake is situated near Mount Gambier in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, and is one of four crater lakes on Mount Gambier maar.

Is Blue Lake active?

Mount Gambier's Blue Lake and the nearby Mount Schank are Australia's most recently active volcanoes, having erupted about 5,000 years ago. With an estimated eruption frequency of once every 10,000 years, the likelihood there will be activity anytime soon is not high.

When did the Blue Lake last erupt?

The most recent estimate, based on radiocarbon dating of plant fibers in the main crater (Blue Lake) suggests an eruption a little before 6000 years ago. It is believed to be dormant rather than extinct.

How long ago was Blue Lake formed?

The blue lake: the facts

The blue lake was formed about 500 years ago during a volcanic eruption. The lake itself is the window to large unconfined aquifer. Another fact I didn't know until today was that the water from this aquifer takes 2000 to 4000 years to reach the coast.

The Blue Lake

Can you swim in the Blue Lake?

Hi. You cannot swim in the Blue Lake. It is the Mount Gambier town water supply.

Is Blue Lake a sinkhole?

In short, it's a volcanic sinkhole in the middle of a paddock that the public can swim in! The Little Blue Lake is located in the Kanawinka volcanic area between two dormant volcanoes, Mount Schank and Mount Gambier.

How was Blue Lake created?

The Blue Lake was formed when the volcano erupted through the limestone allowing the underground water to fill the crater, creating the lake that we see today. The lake itself is thought to be between 72 and 75m deep., and provides the town with drinking water.

Who owns the Blue Lake?

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM with SA Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs MP at the iconic Blue Lake. Crown Lands - Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has granted City of Mount Gambier and SA Water joint custodianship of a key land parcel at the Blue Lake.

Does Australia have a super volcano?

There are no volcanoes on the Australian mainland that have erupted since European settlement, but some volcanoes in Victoria, South Australia and North Queensland could have been witnessed by Aboriginal people several thousand years ago.

What is Australia's largest extinct volcano?

Australia is the only continent without any current volcanic activity, but it hosts one of the world's largest extinct volcanoes, the Tweed Volcano.

How many extinct volcanoes are in Australia?

Even though Australia is home to nearly 150 volcanoes, none of them has erupted for about 4,000 to 5,000 years! The lack of volcanic activity is due to the island's location in relation to a tectonic plate, the two layers of the Earth's crust (or lithosphere).

Does Australia have any extinct volcanoes?

The Tweed Volcano in New South Wales is extinct, having last erupted over 23 million years ago, and it's an example of a shield volcano. Rather than a cone shape, shield volcanoes have a flatter, dome-like shape overall.

What was the last volcano to erupt in Australia?

The most recent eruptions were around 5000 years ago at Mount Schank and Mount Gambier. The area is considered dormant, which means it is not currently active, but could become active at any time.

Is the Blue Lake Blue at the moment?

The colouring remains until late February, when it gradually changes. From late March, it returns to a distinct sombre blue colouring that remains until the following November.

Can you ride around Blue Lake?

Blue Lake Loop Details

All gravel road loop which takes you around the Blue lake in Yellow Gum Park. Parking, Toilets, BBQ area, water & several lookouts are accessible from this loop.

Are there fish in the Blue Lake?

Free from nuisance fish species, Blue Lake fishes excellent with most anglers nearly limiting on the opener and experiencing very good fishing throughout the rest of the season. Shoreline access: Good - Several shoreline fishing areas along State Route 17 and at the many private resorts.

What time of year is the Blue Lake blue?

Whilst offering many awe-inspiring scenic spots of Mount Gambier and its volcanic crater, the Blue Lake also boasts a vibrant cobalt blue colour during the months of December through to March each year. From April through to November, the lake turns to a darker steel grey colour.

How did the Blue Lake fill with water?

As the crater floor in maar volcanoes is under the pre- eruption land surface, the bottom of the crater that formed the Blue Lake was now well below the water table. Thus it began to fill with water which flowed through the limestone aquifer. The top of the lake reflects the top of the current watertable.

How old is Schank?

Mount Schank is a dormant volcano, originally errupting 4,500 years ago. Access the Mount from the Port MacDonnell Road. There is a picnic area with a shelter and toilets.

How did the Blue Lake get its name?

The large caldera lake is called Blue Lake due to a rather peculiar characteristic: the water turns a brilliant cobalt blue during the summer and early fall (approximately November-March).

Can dogs go to Blue Lake?

Blue Lake/Warwar

Enjoy one of Mount Gambier's most renowned attractions with your four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed to join you on the 3.6km walk around the Blue Lake/Warwar. Just make sure they remain on a leash at all times. Dog tidy bag stations are located around the lake.

Can you swim in Little Blue Lake Tasmania?

Originally a mine hole, the lake reflects a vivid aqua blue from the minerals in its base. Now popular with locals for waterskiing, swimming is, nevertheless, not recommended due to the high mineral content in the water.