Cube Rock Walk
- September 4, 2026
A moderate return walk through the Cameron Regional Reserve to Cube Rock, a striking cube-shaped granite tor with 360-degree views…
Little Blue Lake is one of Tasmania’s more unusual sights — a startlingly vivid turquoise lake formed in a former tin mine pit between Derby and Gladstone. The striking colour comes from high mineral content in the water, a legacy of the alluvial tin mining that operated here until after World War II.
It is an easy roadside stop that is best enjoyed as a photography destination rather than a swimming spot.
Swimming Warning: Swimming is not recommended. The water contains elevated levels of aluminium and other minerals from the former tin mine, making it acidic. Signs at the lake advise visitors not to enter the water.
| Location | South Mount Cameron, North East Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Distance | Short walk from the car park |
| Time | 10–20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Track Type | Return walk to viewing areas |
| Surface | Unsealed path with an accessible main lookout |
| Best Time | Sunny days for the brightest water colour |
See also:
A small car park sits beside Gladstone Road (B82). From here, an easy unsealed path leads to the main lookout overlooking the lake.
The main viewing area is accessible, while the ground beyond becomes uneven and can be slippery close to the water.
This is rated an Easy walk. It is essentially a short stroll from the car park and suitable for most visitors.
The vivid blue colour is caused by aluminium, kaolinite and cassiterite remaining from historic tin mining. On a sunny day the lake appears almost unreal.
The lake occupies the former Endurance Tin Mine and provides a fascinating reminder of Tasmania’s mining history.
The surrounding district is well known for fossicking, with smoky quartz, amethyst and topaz found throughout the area.
Top Tip: Combine your visit with Derby or the Bay of Fires for an excellent day exploring North East Tasmania.
Yes. The short walk is suitable for families, although children should be supervised around the water.
Dogs are generally permitted on a lead as this is not a national park. Keep them away from the water.
Little Blue Lake is located beside Gladstone Road (B82) at South Mount Cameron between Derby and Gladstone. It is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Launceston.
Little Blue Lake is one of Tasmania’s most photogenic roadside attractions. Its vivid turquoise water, fascinating mining history and convenient location make it an easy and memorable stop while exploring the North East.
A moderate return walk through the Cameron Regional Reserve to Cube Rock, a striking cube-shaped granite tor with 360-degree views…
A moderate loop through dense myrtle forest to Australia"s widest living tree, the 60m Giant Tree, and the enormous Cradle…
An easy, family-friendly walk along the Groom River to a series of pretty cascades, rock pools and a historic 19th-century…
A short, varied walk through myrtle rainforest and buttongrass moorland to Tasmania"s highest single-drop waterfall - a spectacular 90m ribbon…
An easy loop to the base of the White Knights - five of the tallest White Gums in the world,…
A short, easy rainforest walk to one of Tasmania"s tallest waterfalls, plunging nearly 90m near the cheese-making village of Pyengana.…
