Disappearing Tarn, Tasmania: Why these photos of bikini-clad women swimming in an Instagram-famous location has sparked outrage
- Swimmers risk $4,000 fine
- Pool appears only after heavy rain
- READ MORE: Mum dubbed 'vile' and 'disgusting' for her controversial act in a public pool
Selfish visitors have been blasted for swimming in a pristine natural pool of water used by locals for drinking.
The aptly-named Disappearing Tarn is set along the foothills of Mount Wellington in the Hobart hinterlands, a 45-minute drive south-west of the city centre in Tasmania.
The elusive natural phenomenon only fills up briefly after a downpour of more than 60mm over a few consecutive days.
Many travellers have the vanishing pool on their bucket lists after the destination went viral on Instagram for its crystal-clear blue water surrounded by boulders and towering Tasmanian snow gums.
But swimming is strictly prohibited and anyone in the water faces a massive $4,000 fine.
Wellington Park management said in a statement: 'We don't stick our fingers in your drink! Why would you swim in ours?'
'The Disappearing Tarn is located in a Drinking Water Catchment, just 400m from an intake.
'This water receives the bare minimum treatment before it is delivered to the taps of Fern Tree residents.'
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Tasmania's stunning Disappearing Tarn, as it is in a water catchment area, with swimmers risking a $4,000 fine
Park management also stated 'inappropriate toileting' is banned.
'Please respect this important water source,' park management said, adding that swimmers also risk hypothermia from the inviting, but freezing water.
Mount Wellington ranger Ben Masterman told ABC Radio Hobart 'we collect drinking water, so we don't want people swimming, for sure'.
He said the rules are slightly relaxed in that visitors to the Disappearing Tarn can leave the track in the park apart from the restricted areas, which are normally the catchment zones.
'I just want everyone to remember, if we look after the mountain, the mountain will look after us and that applies to the environment generally,' Mr Masterman said.
'No Swimming' signs are displayed in the area, warning travellers and hikers to keep out of the water.
Swimming in the Disappearing Tarns risks ruining the quality of the local drinking water.
The tap water in Fern Tree was named Tasmania's best for two years running and ranks among Australia's best.
Swimmers in Tasmania's Disappearing Tarn not only risk a massive fine, but hypothermia from the freezing water
News spreads like wildfire between Tassie locals when the rain has filled the Disappearing Tarn, however many have been disappointed to discover the water has vanished before they arrived.
Those lucky enough to catch the Tarn at full volume flood social media with breathtaking images of the vibrant pool.
The Disappearing Tarn is not easy to find as it's off the beaten track and not signposted, but many have shared how they located the magical lake.
The heavy rainfall that brings about the Tarn can also cause flooding and road closures and travellers are encouraged to check warnings in the area before embarking on their journey.
