Visitors can now enjoy stunning views of the majestic Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park with an upgrade of the viewing platform.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Alpine Queanbeyan Area Manager Anthony Evans said the new platform, open on World Wetlands Day, offers a fantastic view while helping to protect the fragile shore.
“Blue Lake is one of only four glacial lakes on mainland Australia, and intrepid hikers willing to tackle the challenging Main Range Walk will enjoy the new platform while walking across alpine high country,” said Mr Evans.
“The platform will provide a safe vantage point to enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the glacial cirque. It’s hoped that the upgraded lookout will encourage people to enjoy the best views of the lake, which are available from the platform, rather than trampling the fragile vegetation on the lake’s edge,” he said.
“Off-track foot pads lead people to trample through woody heath and sphagnum moss beds which further damages vegetation and changes the flow of water through the landscape. If allowed to continue, the easily eroded peat soils can be exposed quickly leading to damaging erosion.”
Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of international significance as it is a rare example of a near-natural alpine wetland and home to several threatened and endangered plant and animal species including the Mountain pygmy possum, Alpine tree frog and the Anemone buttercup.
It is also one of the few lakes in Australia that completely freezes over each year.
This work is part of the Government’s $149.6 million ‘Improving Access to National Parks’ program, a statewide investment to improve national park walking trails to make them safer and more accessible.
