Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Blue Lake (Kosciuszko)
Blue Lake is Australia's only glacial cirque lake, formed during the last ice age approximately 18,000 years ago within a bowl carved by a glacier on the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park. The lake lies at 1,884 m elevation and is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. Its distinctive deep blue colour comes from the clarity of the glacially fed water and the depth of the lake.
About
Blue Lake is Australia's only glacial cirque lake, formed during the last ice age approximately 18,000 years ago within a bowl carved by a glacier on the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park. The lake lies at 1,884 m elevation and is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. Its distinctive deep blue colour comes from the clarity of the glacially fed water and the depth of the lake.
History & Significance
Blue Lake is Australia's only glacial cirque lake, formed during the last ice age approximately 18,000 years ago when a glacier carved a bowl-shaped depression into the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park. The lake sits at 1,884 m elevation and is listed on the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance due to its unique geological and ecological significance. Its distinctive deep blue colour results from the exceptional clarity of glacially fed water and considerable depth.
Sources & References
Warnings
Getting There
Walk 7 km north from Charlotte Pass carpark on the Main Range track. Charlotte Pass is 56 km from Cooma via Snowy Mountains Highway and Kosciuszko Road.
Parking
Parking at Charlotte Pass, approximately 7 km south of the lake. Free parking available; limited capacity during peak seasons. No dedicated parking at the lake itself. All-terrain vehicle access to Charlotte Pass; standard vehicles may struggle in snow conditions. Overflow parking may be limited in winter.
Visitor Tips
- •Blue Lake is best visited as part of the full Main Range circuit (22 km, 7–8 hours from Charlotte Pass). The Blue Lake Lookout near Thredbo chairlift terminal gives views without the full walk.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 4–6 hours (as part of Main Range walk)
- Best Time
- January–March (snow-free, best access)
Location
- Region
- Snowy Mountains
- State
- New South Wales
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- Ages 8 and above for experienced hikers; not recommended for young children due to exposed terrain, cold water, and challenging navigation
- Shade/Cover
- No shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
Facilities available at Charlotte Pass (7 km south). Pit toilet at Snowy River crossing. BYO supplies essential; no food services at lake.
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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