Why these photos of bikini-clad women swimming in an Instagram-famous location has sparked outrage
Selfish visitors were criticized for swimming in a pristine natural pool with water used by locals for drinking.
The aptly named Disappearing Tarn is located at the foot of Mount Wellington in Hobart’s outback, a 47-minute drive southwest of the city centre in Tasmania.
The elusive natural phenomenon only fills up briefly after a rain shower of more than 60 mm over several consecutive days.
Travelers have put the missing pool on their bucket list after the destination went viral on Instagram for its crystal clear blue waters surrounded by boulders and towering Tasmanian snow gums.
It could be an expensive dive, though, as swimming is strictly prohibited and swimmers risk a $4,000 fine.
Wellington Park management said in a statement: “We don’t put our fingers in your drink! Why would you swim in ours?”
‘The Disappearing Tarn’ is situated in a drinking water catchment area, just 400 metres from an inlet.
‘This water undergoes minimal treatment before it reaches the taps of Fern Tree residents.’
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Tasmania’s beautiful Disappearing Tarn, as it is located in a water catchment area. Swimmers risk a $4,000 fine
The park management has also stated that ‘inappropriate toilet use’ is prohibited.
“Respect this important water source,” the park management said, adding that swimmers risk hypothermia from the inviting but icy water.
Ben Masterman, Mount Wellington ranger, said ABC Radio Hobart “We collect drinking water, so we certainly don’t want people to go swimming.”
He said the rules have been relaxed slightly, in that visitors to the Disappearing Tarn will be allowed to leave the trail in the park except in the restricted areas, which are normally the reception areas.
“I want everyone to remember that if we take care of the mountain, the mountain will take care of us. And that goes for the environment in general,” Mr. Masterman said.
There are signs in the area that read “No Swimming,” warning travelers and hikers to stay out of the water.
Swimming in the disappearing mountain lakes carries the risk of deteriorating the quality of local drinking water.
The tap water in Fern Tree was named The best of Tasmania for two years in a row and is among the best in Australia.
Swimmers in Tasmania’s disappearing Tarn face not only a huge fine, but also hypothermia from the icy water
News spreads like wildfire among Tasmanians when rainfall floods the Disappearing Tarn, but many are disappointed to find the water has disappeared before they get there.
Those lucky enough to see the Tarn’s waters at full strength flood social media with breathtaking images of the vibrant lake.
The Disappearing Tarn is not easy to find as it is remote and not signposted, however many people have told how they found this magical lake.
The heavy rainfall that the Tarn brings can also cause flooding and road closures. Travelers are advised to check warnings in the area before traveling.