Australia’s own abandoned nuclear site sees an influx of Instagram tourists after hit TV series Chernobyl
- Mary Kathleen uranium mine in Queensland is welcoming an influx of tourists
- The site is famous for its crystal blue lake but tourists are advised not to swim
- The lake is speculated to have its colour after mining equipment was tipped in
An abandoned nuclear site has welcomed a large influx of tourists hoping to get the perfect Instagram shot.
The tourism explosion around the nuclear town Chernobyl comes in the wake of the hit television series, and a uranium mine near Mount Isa in Queensland has become the latest attraction.
Mary Kathleen, a former uranium mine, has gained popularity within the last year due to its striking beauty.
The iconic blue lake in Mary Kathleen, (pictured) Queensland has welcomed a large influx of tourists
Within the last year the site has become so popular that several tours are now running in the area
And its proven so alluring that several tours are now running in the area that once served as a booming uranium mine from 1958 until 1981.
‘We only started doing tours there last year but they are already proving really popular,’ Gary Murray, chairman of the Mount Isa Tourism Association and owner of North West Tours told the Courier Mail.
‘One of our major focuses out here has been to come up with new products to keep people in the area an extra night or two and this certainly ticks the box.’
Mr Murray said there was much speculation over what gives the lake its famous blue colour, but said it was due to old mining equipment being tipped in and oxidising the water.
The lake is speculated to have its colour after old mining equipment was tipped into the water
Mary Kathleen once served as a booming uranium mine from 1958 until 1981 and now acts as the perfect selfie spot
‘There’s also a lot of peacock rock, or copper rock in the area and the minerals in that could also be the reason.’
The picturesque water has put Mary Kathleen and Mount Isa back on the map as tourists from all over the country are flocking to the attraction.
While the water appears inviting, tourists are advised not to swim.
The popular tourist attraction isn’t radioactive, but swimmers are advised not to take a dip