Blue Lake is one of four cirque lakes found on mainland Australia and is one of the highest lakes in Australia. The Site is located within the Koscisuzko National Park, which is a Biosphere Reserve listed in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). It is surrounded by alpine herb fields, heaths, fens and bogs that support various nationally and internationally important plant and animal species. These include internationally important species such as the critically endangered Mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) and the endangered Guthega skink (Liopholis guthega) as well as several invertebrate species restricted to the alpine zone. Blue Lake plays an important role in the maintenance of hydrological regimes and erosion control of the area, and contributes to spiritual, inspirational, scientific and educational activities.