This document summarises the ecological information available for this Ramsar site. Key ecological benefits/services provided by the Blue Lake Ramsar site include that it is a rare and unique example of a near-natural wetland; flora, fauna, bioregion and biosphere support; hydrological stability; sediment retention; recreation and tourism; and cultural heritage. Processes and components that support these services may be summarised as climate, geomorphology, hydrology, physico-chemical environment, habitats, flora and fauna.
Blue Lake and Hedley Tarn are located in Kosciuszko National Park in the alpine region of NSW at a surface elevation of approximately 1890 m and 1850 m above sea level, respectively. Together with Lake Cootapatamba, Albina Lake and Club Lake, they make up the alpine lakes of south-eastern Australia. Blue Lake is one of only four cirque lakes on mainland Australia and is the only lake exhibiting a dimictic thermal regime.
