12th September 2026
Distance: 61 km
Today was a chance to explore the attractions of Mt Gambier. The area was once the bottom of an ocean and the rocks are limestone, these rocks are porous and dissolve into the water flowing through them creating caves. These caves can collapse forming the sinkholes.
Umpherson Sinkhole
First stop of the day was the Umpherson Sinkhole, it was originally a garden made on a property by the landowner. It was, as always, very interesting though a lot of stairs for me.
This was followed up with a trip to the Crater Lakes, two lakes in volcanic craters next to each other.
The Blue Lake
It is very blue and is also the town water supply. Apparently the third biggest water storage in SA.
The Valley Lake & Centenary Tower
Basically on the other side of the road was the Valley Lake. Its is used mainly for boating and skiing so swimming is discouraged.
Overlooking this crater is the Centenary Tower, built in 1900 to celebrate the founding of Mt Gambier a hundred years earlier.
To get to the tower is a steep climb, It seemed to take ages and it was very steep but the view is worth the climb.
Made a quick stop at the Valley Lake after descending.
Engelbrecht Caves
Next stop was a short drive to these caves. We were lucky to find that a tour was about to start so we signed up for it.
The caves were originally used as a rubbish dump and tonnes of rubbish had to be removed to make them usable for tours by the council.
Mount Schank
This extinct volcano is about 13 km south of the town.
We started climbing to the rim but it was obvious to me that I was not going to make it so Katie went on alone. I flew my drone to see if I could see her on the rim.
The flight was cut short by rising wind when the drone complained about the wind.
Little Blue Lake
Final call of the day on the way back to the caravan park was to the Little Blue Lake which is a popular swimming hole for the town. Apparently the water is a constant 12° (cold!).
13th September 2026
Distance: 90 km
Port Macdonnell
A twenty minute drive down to the coast and this port town. It seems to have a fairly large harbour and fishing fleet, nearby is the most southerly point of South Australia.
We spent an enjoyable few hours there including lunch of excellent fish and chips.
Returned to Mt Gambier by a different route along the coast making one stop on the way.
Hells Hole
Stopped at Hells Hole another large sinkhole popular with divers though I have no idea how they get down to the water as it is a long way down from the platform. Under the surface are a series of caves (so I am told).
That evening went to the local RSL club for a meal.
BTW the caravan park at which were staying, right in the centre of Mt Gambier, had recently gained its own sink hole. Because it is on private property no one knows quite what to do about it. Those on council property are usually filled in and covered in concrete.
