7 reasons Mt Gambier rocks

By John Pedler
Published: Monday, October 22, 2018

Driving through the lush farmlands and pine forests of the Limestone Coast, it’s hard to imagine the mayhem that ravaged the area around 5,000 years ago.

Mt Gambier sits atop Australia’s most recently active volcanic region, but there’s no need to change your travel plans just yet. The local volcanoes are considered dormant (never say extinct, that’s just asking for trouble).

Rather than leaving behind a desolate wasteland, the fiery chaos has created some remarkable scenery. The underlying limestone is riddled with caves and sinkholes, adding to the region’s scenic wonders, and the area is also home to some of the country’s best red wines.

Here are seven attractions to include in your Mount Gambier touring itinerary.

Coonawarra Wine District

65 kilometres north of Mt Gambier, Coonawarra is one of the state’s most well-known wine regions, particularly among Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts. Thanks to an ideal climate, together with the area’s rich red soil, Coonawarra produces its fair share of premium wine.
For those who don’t like waiting too long between tastings, most of the cellar doors are located close together beside the main road, or are a stone’s throw away from it. Best of all, RAA members save on tours with Coonawarra Experiences.

Taste the wines at Brand's Laira Coonawarra. IMAGE: South Australian Tourism Commission

Blue Lake

When you name a lake ‘Blue Lake’, you’re setting tourists’ expectations pretty high. But In the case of Mt Gambier’s water-filled volcanic crater, there’s little chance visitors will be disappointed. Every summer the 77-metre deep lake turns so blue it seems to have been photoshopped.

There’s a road and walking trail around the crater rim, with several viewing areas along the way. For a closer look, take an organised tour down to the lake surface via the elevator that descends from the 1880s-era pumping station.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Hats off to James Umpherston who, in 1884, created a Victorian-era garden in the big limestone hole on his sprawling estate. Here, you’ll find lawned terraces covered in ferns, assorted leafy shrubs, and hundreds of hydrangeas that burst into colour each summer.

The walls of the sinkhole are draped in curtains of ivy, and two towering palms reach for the sky. This is just the sort of place you’d expect to bump into a nervous white rabbit wearing a waist coat and clutching a fob watch.

At night when the lights are switched on, possums emerge from their daytime hideouts to feed.

Enter a fantasy world at the Umpherston Sinkhole. IMAGE: Kelly Connor

Valley Lake/Brownes Lake

Valley Lake and the currently-dry Brownes Lake are nestled in a volcanic crater beside their famous neighbour, Blue Lake. This is one of the best picnic spots in the state. There are expansive lawns, lots of barbecues, an impressive playground, and even a small wildlife park. If you’re looking for a lovely family day out inside a volcano, this is the place.

Mt Schank

From every angle Mt Schank looks like an unremarkable hill squatting among farmers’ green fields. But take the steep-ish steps to the top and you’ll find yourself staring into the depths of a scorched volcanic cinder cone. This odd bump in the landscape is another of the region’s volcanoes, but because it’s above the water table the crater is completely dry.

There’s a rough, narrow walking trail running right around the rim, and more adventurous hikers can descend to the crater floor. At sunset the view from the top is magical, as the dusky light brings out the rich colours of the countryside.

See inside a volcano at Mt Schank. IMAGE: Callum Jackson

Port MacDonnell

Port MacDonnell is home to South Australia’s largest rock lobster fishing fleet, so it’s just the spot to splurge on one of the ocean’s tastiest treats.

Just west of town is Cape Northumberland. Head due south from here and the next stop is Antarctica – unless you make a detour via King Island to pick up some cheese. The cape is South Australia’s most southerly point, and from the top of the sheer cliffs you can watch the mighty swells roll in from the wilds of the Southern Ocean.

Ewens Ponds

Well-hidden among reed beds, this wetland was only discovered by Europeans in the late 19th century, when Thomas Ewens’ dog chased a kangaroo into the water. Filtered through limestone, the waters of the three ponds are incredibly clear, with visibility of up to 80 metres.

This clarity allows plants to grow to a depth of around six metres, and snorkellers and scuba divers describe it as an underwater garden. It might be an idea to don a wetsuit if you’re planning a dive though; with an average temperature of 10 to 15 degrees it’s a rather chilly garden

A diver explores Ewens Ponds. IMAGE: South Australian Tourism Commission

Go exploring

RAA members save 5% on selected accommodation in Mount Gambier.

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