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Restaurant

Little Blue Lake

Mount Salt Rd, Mount Schank SA 5291, Australia

Recommended by 33 people

Updated

Find Little Blue Lake

Mount Salt Rd, Mount Schank SA 5291, Australia

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HoursMonday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About Little Blue Lake

Ditch the protected crater lake where swimming is banned—drive 18 kilometers past Mount Gambier to dive straight into a swimmable volcanic sinkhole. Locals call it Baby Blue, a circular chasm carved into sheep paddock limestone where water depths plunge straight to 45 meters. A sturdy stairway leads down the rock wall to a floating pontoon, sparing you a slippery scramble. The spring-fed fresh water hovers around a bracing 12°C to 14°C year-round—shocking the senses before turning soothing on scorching summer afternoons. Divers gear up for the bottomless visibility, while swimmers drift on inflatables beneath high cliffs that turn turquoise when midday sun hits the surface.

  • Naturally Formed Sinkhole: Reaches depths of up to 45 metres in a natural limestone sinkhole, maintaining a brisk 12°C to 14°C water temperature.
  • Pontoon Access: A solid set of stairs and ladder lead from the rim down to a floating pontoon for easy water entry without rock scrambling.
  • Seasonal Cobalt Hues: Water shifts to vivid turquoise and cobalt shades between November and March when direct sunlight hits the surface.
RestaurantRestaurant

What's On at Little Blue Lake

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Key Advantages of Little Blue Lake

Why swimmers, divers, and road-trippers choose Little Blue Lake for an open freshwater plunge.

  • Direct Staircase and Pontoon Access

    Built infrastructure directly leads visitors down into the sinkhole, featuring a solid staircase and pontoon setup to avoid scrambling over rugged terrain.

    There’s a solid set of stairs leading down to a floating pontoon, making it easy to get in and out without scrambling over rocks.

    Jamel Mekawy

  • Permitted Deep Sinkhole Swimming

    Unlike nearby crater lakes where water entry is forbidden, this sinkhole allows visitors to take an open plunge into deep freshwater.

    Awesome swimming hole with steps and ladder to get into the water

    Em G

  • Invigorating Cold-Water Refreshment

    The steady cold freshwater temperatures provide an intense, stimulating plunge that cools swimmers off immediately.

    The Water: It is crystal clear, though be warned—it stays a refreshing (and very chilly!) 12°C to 14°C year-round. Great for waking up the senses!

    Jamel Mekawy

  • Natural Hot-Day Relief

    The natural sinkhole pool offers the ideal relief for swimmers wanting to cool off during warmer regional weather.

    great location to quench yourself in a hot day. Naturally formed pool of water in a sinkhole.

    Jyju Jossey

  • Limestone Wall Swimming Ambiance

    Floating and swimming within the circular crater offers an immersive perspective surrounded by sheer vertical limestone rock formations.

    The Setting: It’s a perfectly circular volcanic sinkhole. Swimming while looking up at the high limestone walls is incredible.

    Jamel Mekawy

  • Deep Freshwater Snorkelling and Diving

    Reaching depths up to 45 metres with consistent 12°C conditions year-round, the sinkhole attracts divers and snorkellers exploring subterranean freshwater terrain.

    Nice spot, easy parking, stairs down to water for swimming and snorkelling

    DebGArts

Before you head over

Practical tips on water conditions, access stairs, and on-site facilities before visiting.

  • Prepare for Deep, Cold Water

    The water is 25 to 45 metres deep and stays between 12°C and 14°C year-round. Bring an inflatable ring or float if you want to rest comfortably, as the depths are suited to confident swimmers.

  • Check Stairs and Accessibility

    A dedicated staircase leads from the rim down to the pontoon for entry, but note that the stairs are not wheelchair accessible and require navigating steps into the sinkhole.

  • Plan Ahead for Limited Facilities

    There are no changing rooms or amenities down by the water, and on-site facilities are limited to a portable toilet, so change and prepare before arriving.

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