A quick guide to visiting Little Blue Lake Tasmania. An epic pit stop for photos and to admire the aquatic remnants of Tasmania’s alluvial tin mining past.
Little Blue Lake is quickly becoming a popular pit stop among those on a Tassie road trip. That’s because Little Blue Lake is easily accessed on the road toward the East Coast and Mount William National Park.
We had seen photographs of the lake online and we were convinced that we had to see it. Luckily for us, we got here early and had the place all to ourselves.
Overview
- Location - Little Blue Lake is located in the South Mount Cameron region between Gladstone and Derby in northeast Tasmania, adjacent to Blue Lake, offering a strikingly vivid hue perfect for photography.
- Access and Directions - Accessible just 20 meters off Gladstone Road (B82), the site has an easily reachable car park from the sealed main road. From Launceston, it's a 1-hour 50-minute drive, and from Anson's Bay, a 30-minute journey west.
- Swimming Caution - Swimming in Little Blue Lake is not advised due to toxic mineral waste remnants from its tin mining past.
- Why It's Blue - The lake’s amazing turquoise color results from high mineral content, a legacy of alluvial tin mining that concluded post-World War II, transforming a man-dug mine hole into today's picturesque lake.
Read on for more details about Tasmania's Little Blue Lake!
Where is the Little Blue Lake in Tasmania?
Little Blue Lake is located in the South Mount Cameron region between Gladstone and Derby in Tasmania's north-east.
This awesome little spot is located adjacent to its bigger brother, which shares an equally unambiguous name; Blue Lake. However, Little Blue Lake is arguably more "blue" and therefore I think more worthy of a photo stop.
Below I've pinned the exact location of the Little Blue Lake to help you find it.
Location: 1753 Gladstone Rd, South Mount Cameron
How to Get to Little Blue Lake
The Little Blue Lake car park is easily accessible just 20 metres off of Gladstone Road (B82) which is sealed. However, the car park to the viewpoint is unsealed yet managed by any 2WD vehicle since it's literally just off the main road.
The lake makes a perfect stop for those heading to the east coast to explore the Freycinet Peninsula or the Bay of Fires.
From Launceston, expect a 1 hour 50 minute drive. If you're coming from Anson's Bay heading west, it's a shorter 30-minute drive.
Also Nearby: Halls Falls | Lilydale Falls | St Columba Falls
Visiting the Little Blue Lake Tasmania
Before arriving, we'd seen photos of this incredible blue lake and we were convinced it was worthy of a visit on our Tasmanian van road trip. As soon as we pulled off the main road, we saw the milky-turquoise waters of the lake from the viewpoint.
I'd expect that most people would probably only need to spend about 10-15 minutes here as a quick spot to stretch our legs. However, we probably spent well over an hour here, snapping frames and admiring the incredible blues.
Can You Swim at Little Blue Lake Tasmania?
Unfortunately, swimming is not recommended at Little Blue Lake due to the toxic mineral waste leftover from the tin mining era.
Why is Little Blue Lake Blue?
The lake is a milky shade of turquoise blue all year round due to the high mineral content in the water. These minerals were waste from years of alluvial tin mining which finished soon after World War II.
In fact, the lake itself is a man-dug hole from a mine. Once the mining lease ended, the miners abandoned the area and water soon filled the cavity, forming Little Blue Lake Tasmania.
Accommodation Near Little Blue Lake Tasmania
While we travelled Tasmania in our self-converted campervan, I still took the time to research some of the best-reviewed accommodation options near Little Blue Lake. Below is a summary:
- Lodge Nearby: Pioneer Lodge Tasmania
- Awesome Barn Accommodation in Derby: Derby Digs Barn
- Heritage-Listed Property (c. 1874) with Garden: Ringarooma Heritage Lodge
Camping Near Little Blue Lake
While currently not listed on Campermate or other apps, you'll find a small area just a little further down from the viewing platform. You can camp here in a camper or caravan.
While we didn't stay here the night, it certainly looked like a great spot if you were looking to break up the drive.
FAQs About Visiting Tasmania's Little Blue Lake
What is the best time of day to visit Little Blue Lake?
Early morning is ideal for avoiding crowds and for photography, as the lighting is softer and the area is less busy.
Are there any facilities at Little Blue Lake?
There isn't much shade or shelter, and no facilities besides parking. I recommend coming prepared with water, snacks, and anything else you might need as there are no shops nearby.
How long should I plan to spend at Little Blue Lake?
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes admiring the lake and taking photos, though you may choose to stay longer to enjoy the nice environment.
Can I get close to the water at Little Blue Lake?
Yes, visitors can easily view the lake from the dedicated viewing platform or walk to the cliff tops for a different perspective. For those wanting to get closer, a path leads down to the water's edge, though entering the water is not recommended.
Are there any walking tracks at Little Blue Lake?
There are a few short walking tracks around the lake, offering different views and perspectives. However, the area is not extensive, and the tracks are quite limited in terms of distance and challenge. In my opinion the best views are from the top of the car park area.
How does the weather affect the visit to Little Blue Lake?
The lake's vivid colors are most "blue" on sunny days. If visiting during winter or less sunny conditions, the experience might differ, but the lake remains a stunning sight year-round.
I hope that this quick visitor's guide to Little Blue Lake Tasmania has been useful in helping you plan your Tassie adventures. For more attractions and things to do in the area, make sure to check out some of my other blogs below.
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!