Blue Lake Loop

A sealed circuit around the rim of Mount Gambier's Blue Lake, the crater lake that turns vivid blue from November to March. The council's own pet guide names the walk directly, calls it a 3.6 km path and puts a single condition on it: dogs must be on a leash, with tidy bag stations around the lake. AllTrails logs 3.9 km for the full lap.

The walk. Flat, paved and easy the whole way, following John Watson Drive and Bay Road around the crater rim, with about an hour needed at a walking pace. It is a genuine loop, so you finish at the car. Lookouts break it up and the lake is in view for most of it.

The rules. The City of Mount Gambier requires dogs on a leash in all council reserves, and this circuit is one. Carry a bag: failing to pick up draws a $55 expiation and a maximum penalty of $125, and there is a separate $66 fine for not carrying a bag at all. Dogs are not permitted inside the Umpherston Sinkhole. If you are planning a wider Limestone Coast trip, the limit to know is regional. Dogs are not allowed in national or conservation parks in this part of South Australia, so council reserves are where your walking is.

Hazards. The path runs alongside the road for much of the circuit, with traffic at speed and no barrier in places. A short lead is the sensible choice, particularly at the lookout car parks where cars pull in and out across the footpath.

Water. There are water stations for people and dogs at Apex Lookout. There is no lake access at any point. Blue Lake is the city's drinking supply and the walk stays on the rim above it, so bring what your dog needs.

Nearby with the dogs. If your dog needs to run, the city has several off leash reserves, including Blue Lake Sports Park, Corriedale Park, Don MacDonnell Reserve, Frew Park and Northumberland Avenue. Hastings Cunningham Reserve is the pick, with obstacles and two fenced areas separating large dogs from small, and Mount Gambier Off leash dog area is the other. Bay Blue Espresso Bar is on Bay Road within reach of the lake and Presto Eatery has a large undercover area in town. Blue Lake Holiday Park takes dogs on designated sites.

When to go. November to March for the colour, which is the whole reason to walk the rim, and early morning or near sunset to miss both the crowds and the heat coming off the pavement. Weekend mornings are busiest. Good for seniors and steady walkers: flat, sealed, and never far from the car.

Sources

• City of Mount Gambier Pet Guide · s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com
• Blue Lake Circuit | Walking SA · www.walkingsa.org.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.