Mount Gambier, South Australia

17/11/2018

Blue Lake

As far as we can learn no one exactly knows why the blue lake in Mount Gambier turns blue, apparently it's only this consistently rich cobalt blue colour during the months of November and December, so we've timed our visit coincidently as during the other months the lake appears apparently dark grey in colour. At it's deepest point this volcanic crater lake plummets about 200 metres and is on average about 80 metres in depth. This is the town's water supply and is of a high quality and purity. The colour reminded us of the Mary Kathleen mine, an old abandoned uranium mine between Mount Isa and Cloncurry that is filled with water very similar in colour to the blue lake in Mount Gambier. Although the purity I'm sure wouldn't be of the same quality... We ventured around the 3.8 kilometre circumference of the lake taking in the gorgeous blue from every angle and were thankful to feel the sun's rays.

Umpherston Sinkhole

This sunken garden was created in 1886 by the then owner of the land, James Umpherston in a sink hole. There was a residence on site, however this was demolished in 1964 after the Department of Woods and Forestry purchased the site constructing a timber mill behind the garden on the site of residence. The Mount Gambier council now maintain the garden as a tourist attraction.

Lady Nelson Visitor Centre

This quirky info centre museum definitely reminded us of the Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa. I wouldn't be surprised if they were designed back in the 1980's by the same curators.

Penambol Conservation Park - Caroline Sink Hole

For the record from what we've seen so far South Australia do not do National Parks well. We've definitely been spoilt experiencing amazing National Parks in both Queensland and Victoria, yet South Australia despite their half-arsed attempts appear to be more focused on industry than conversation. We saw a lot more forestry plantations than we did native fauna, but having had my rant what he we did find near Mount Gambier was visually impressive and worth making the effort to track down, literally. Limited navigational information had us make a wrong turn and end up 4WDriving it until we reached sand turning around and heading back to the main road to get our bearings and have another crack on a different road. The attractions are not well sign posted, which meant we had to do a bit of guess work, but found two sinkholes with viewing platforms and a bit of forestry propaganda convincing us they are doing their bit for nature. Honestly though had these sinks hole not been there, the native bushland wouldn't be either, as both sink holes are surrounded by forestry plantations making for an eerie, desolate and war like environment.

These gorgeous lady bugs were flying all around us, landing on us and walking over our arms. It was quite the experience. I've never seen lady bugs so big either