Warning of prohibited activity at the famous Disappearing Tarn results in $4,000 fine

Authorities are urging travelers to avoid a pristine waterway at the base of a famous Australian mountain. Anyone caught swimming in the scenic catchment area faces a $4,000 fine.

The aptly named Disappearing Tarn only appears when heavy rains drench the Mount Wellington region of southeast Tasmania. Typically, more than 60 millimetres of rain must fall over several days to fill the tarn, which is about a 45-minute drive from Hobart and is part of a drinking water catchment for locals.

It is known for its pristine nature and is characterized by its deep blue, clear water, which, according to the authorities, can be tempting to take a dip in the cool water. However, anyone who does so could not only freeze to death, but also face a hefty fine.

“Inappropriate use of toilets”, swimming prohibited in hard-to-find places

“Disappearing Tarn is located in a drinking water catchment area, just 400m from a water abstraction point,” the park authority said in a statement. “This water undergoes minimal treatment before being distributed to the taps of Fern Tree residents.”

They warned that swimming or “inappropriate toilet use” near the area was strictly prohibited and could affect water quality for residents further down the mountain.

“Please respect this important water source,” management said, adding that swimmers were also at risk of hypothermia.

Park ranger issues serious warning

Mount Wellington ranger Ben Masterman said the spot – which is frequently seen on Instagram – had always been a “no swimming allowed in the drinking water catchment”, regardless of what was written on social media. “We are collecting drinking water, so we definitely don’t want people swimming,” he told ABC Radio Hobart.

“You can be on the track, but you definitely can’t swim. The rules are a little more relaxed in a way because people can leave the track anywhere in the park except in restricted areas, which are normally catchment areas.”

“We are lucky that we can go off the track and visit the Tarn. We just can’t swim in it. It’s always been that way. I just want everyone to remember: if we look after the mountain, the mountain will look after us, and that goes for the environment in general.”

“No Swimming” signs have been erected in the area, warning travellers and hikers to stay away from the water when it appears. Fern Tree’s tap water is often rated among the best in the country and has been voted best in Tasmania two years running.

The area is also considered difficult to navigate; in recent years, rescue teams have had to save lost adventurers.

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