 |
| Our first glimpse of this impressive volcano, Mt Gambier as we approached on the Nelson Road - the Centenary Tower sits atop at its highest point. |
Mt Gambier is South Australia's second largest city. Knew nothing about this fascinating and unique town before we arrived but was really excited when I discovered it is set amidst ancient landscapes of volcanic craters, lakes,caves, sinkholes, mysterious underground waterways and has two State heritage areas - the Cave Gardens Reserve and Mount Gambier Crater Lakes Volcanic Complex (recognised as one of 6 sites of volcanic significance). We stayed on the rim of the volcano complex between the Blue Lake and the Valley Lake - awesome! - they aren't sure if or when it will erupt again! :)
The area is part of the Kanawinka Geopark - Australia's first UNESCO Global Geopark. A Geopark is territory encompassing one or more sites of significance, not only for geological reasons but could also be archaeological, ecological and cultural value. Kanawinka is Australia's most extensive volcanic province, and has been recognised as one of the most significant and largest in the world. It stretches across South Western Victoria and South East South Australia and is made up of four main precincts, Craters &Limestone, Coast and Caves, Cones & Falls and Lakes and Wetlands.
Who discovered and named Mt Gambier? ....Lt Grant aboard the Lady Nelson! The Discovery Centre housed at the Information Centre is worth a visit as it gives you a great overview of the towns history and geology.
 |
| The tiny Lady Nelson - but a ship ahead of her time............. |
 |
| Wow! |
 |
Beautiful Umpherston Sinkhole - set amidst a lovely park of lawns and trees.
Also known as The Sunken Garden. At night resident possums venture out to fed in the floodlit gardens. |
 |
| The beautiful terraced gardens in the sinkhole |
 |
This is a huge complex of limestone caves which reach right underneath the streets of the city.
A popular place for cave divers.
The site is in a park in amongst the houses in the suburban area. |
 |
These brave fellows where off for a cave dive!!!
Not our cup of tea! Feeling claustrophobic just thinking about it!!! |
 |
| Down they go!!!! |
 |
| This is in the centre of town. It is also floodlit at night. |
 |
| Surrounded by beautiful gardens. |
 |
The Town Hall, and The Institute
The CBD is amass with stunning historical buildings built of limestone - A self guided City Heritage Walk
can be done - all the heritage buildings have information boards in front of them. |
 |
| The Craters and the Lakes. Just amazing! |
 |
| And we are staying here on the rim! |
 |
| The Valley Lake |
 |
| The Crater lakes area has lookouts, parks, nature walks and boardwalks for everyone to enjoy! |
 |
Centenary Tower perched on the highest point of Mt Gambier.
Henty's Monument below - henty was the first settler in the area |
 |
Amazing 360 views from the top!
AND just to get to the tower was quite a steep climb!!! Good exercise! :) |
 |
| Our youngest volcano! Mt Shank. |
 |
| The park where we are staying between the craters /lakes. |
 |
| The Pumping Station perched above the Blue Lake |
 |
| The wind brushes patterns on the lake's surface |
 |
| The Pumping Station is built of the local limestone |
 |
| Amazing colours in the lake |
 |
| The Pumping Station |
 |
| Limestone bombs in the volcanic ash |
 |
| Fossils in the limestone around the craters |
 |
| Mt Gambier Golf Club on the side of the Crater Lakes |
 |
| :) |
 |
| The lovely fertile farm land surrounding My Gambier |
 |
| The Queen has been to Mt Gambier! - quite an occasion! |
 |
| The monument! Brave man or stupid!!!??? |
Another claim to fame for Mt Gambier - Sir Robert Helpmann was born here.
Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. Real Estate on Lake LBJ
ReplyDelete