UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS

Situated in an extinct volcanic crater, the Blue Lake exposes the crystal clear water that has filtered underground as it passes slowly beneath the city through the limestone. Each year in November the lake starts its colour change from winter sombre blue to brilliant turquoise blue and back to sombre blue from March. Many theories have been advanced about this mystery.

The Lady Nelson Discovery Centre

Take a walk in time through "The Lady Nelson" Discovery Centre to see how our land was before European Settlement.

Interact with the high technological displays to see the ghostly figure of Christina Smith as she steps down from the photograph to tell of her experiences.

Walk on the exciting glass floor of the Cave Walk. See and hear the neon volcano explode and hear Lieutenant James Grant tell his story of discovery. Ph: 08 8724 9750

For more information on the Lady Nelson Discovery Centre click here

The Blue Lake

With average depths of 80 metres the lake contains 36,000 million litres (ML). Being the source of water to the City 3,700 ML is pumped annually from the lake into holding tanks which gravity feed water to the city and surrounds. For this reason no swimming or diving is permitted.  Blue Lake and the Crater Lakes area is a significant site within the region's Volcanoes Discovery Trail - see Geology for further information. A recent City development is the Blue Lake Reception Centre which provides public facilities and a comprehensive interpretation of the volcanic area.

Tours down near the surface of Blue Lake operate from the Reception Centre - see Aquifer Tours below

The 3.6 km road and walking track around the circumference of the lake provide access to many viewing points, the most popular being the tunnel beneath the road between the Blue Lake and the Leg of Mutton Lake.

An information sheet on the Blue Lake is available from "The Lady Nelson" Visitor Centre (Ph: 08 8724 9750) and the Department of Water, Land & Biodiversity Conservation.

Centenary Tower

Walk to the Historic Centenary Tower, which was opened in 1904 to commemorate the first sighting of Mount Gambier by Lt. Grant on the Lady Nelson in 1800.  Being the highest point in the district, it commands magnificent views of the Crater Lakes, the city, surrounding district including a coastal outlook.  The walking track is bitumen, with rest points, and is a section of the circuit tract around the crater of the Valley/Browne's Lakes.

The Tower  includes an extensive display of early photographs of the Crater Lakes area.  Illuminated at night, the Tower is a spectacular vision, and can be seen from many points around the city and district.  On 3rd December 2000, two plaques in the Tower Car Park were unveiled to commemorate the bi-centenary and the refurbishment of Centenary Tower, which is open when the flag is flying.

Drinks, ice creams, and souvenirs are available, and a small entrance fee applies.

Phone 08 8723 2234 or mobile 0438 239 224

Aquifer Tours

Experience this fascinating 45 minute tour which takes visitors  in a glass panelled lift down the original dolomite well shaft, from which water was originally extracted.  Walk through a tunnel to see the Blue Lake at close proximity. Learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier's water supply and the aquifer system. Hear the interesting stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and aboriginal legend. Departs from the Reception Centre where locally crafted souvenirs, light snacks and coffee are available.   Phone 08 8723 1199   www.aquifertours.com

The Crater Lakes

Comprising of three craters, Blue Lake Crater, Valley Lake Crater and Leg of Mutton Lake Crater, this area is a significant site within the Volcanoes Discovery Trail The Valley Lake , situated in the largest of the three craters, is very popular all year round with its excellent enclosed Adventure Playground and Recreational Area.   Within the delightful, well kept picnic areas are 16 free gas and 4 wood fire barbecues and covered shelters.  The expanse of grassed area caters for many family activities. FREE OF CHARGE ENTRY.  Ph: 08 8724 9750

The Wildlife Park & Boardwalk, a major city development, presents indigenous species of flora and fauna in an environment very similar to that which would have originally been found in the area. With lookouts, nature walks and boardwalks over the Valley Lake surface, the area is an ideal place for families to spend many hours of pleasure. FREE OF CHARGE ENTRY.     Ph: 08 8724 9750

The Leg of Mutton Lake now dry , is situated in its own smaller crater.  Surrounded by many varieties of deciduous trees it is popular for its walking trails. This lake has had a history of varying water levels and was recorded as being dry as early as 1859.

Nearby is the Adam Lindsay Gordon Monument , erected in 1887 to commemorate the scene where Gordon daringly rode his horse over the fence onto a narrow ledge above a 70 metre sheer drop to the surface of the Blue Lake.

Browne's Lake also suffers from a fall in the water level as it did in 1841.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Once a cave formed through dissolution of the limestone, this sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber fell to the floor of the cave, creating the perfect environment for its "sunken garden".

Originally beautified by James Umpherston around 1886, it is open at all times, from dusk each evening the area comes alive with possums as they venture into the floodlit gardens to feed. A large undercover shelter with group seating and free BBQ is provided. Ph: 08 8724 9750

FREE OF CHARGE ENTRY

The Cave Gardens

Situated in the centre of the city this sinkhole was the original source of water supply for the early settlers.

Famous for its roses, the Cave Gardens is a great place for a picnic. Its beauty and significance can be appreciated from the viewing areas.

Walk down into the cave and venture out onto the suspended viewing platforms for an awesome view into the cave which directs storm water run-off from the city streets down under the city where it is believed  to eventually enter the underground water system.

With its spectacular lighting, it is well worthwhile a visit at night. FREE OF CHARGE ENTRY.   Ph: 08 87 249750

Nearby is the newly developed City Hall which provides excellent facilities for public functions and conferences.

Engelbrecht Cave Tour

This huge complex of limestone caves under the city was first explored around 1884. Cave divers who have undertaken intense training regularly explore this site and have provided maps showing the extent of this underground cave system.

45 minute guided tours, take visitors down into 2 of the chambers where divers enter the water to dive under the city. See how caves are formed and how the underground water filters through the tour down into two of the chambers where the divers enter the water to dive under the city. Watch a short video on cave diving. Ph: 0418 133 407 

A Day in Mount Gambier - The Best Day of Your Life

Depart your accommodation in time to arrive at Aquifer Tours 10 mins prior to the tour.

9.00 am - Aquifer Tour Approx 45 mins

Experience a fascinating tour down near the surface of the Blue Lake to learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier's water supply and aquifer system. Travel in the glass panelled lift, once the original bore well, then walk through the tunnel to view the surface of the lake.   Hear stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and geology.

10.00 am - The Crater Lakes Approx 1 ½ hours

Drive around the rim of the Blue Lake crater, stopping at the parking area near Rook Wall.   Here there are several vantage points to view Leg of Mutton Lake and Blue Lake. The nearby memorial commemorates the spot where Adam Lindsay Gordon jumped his horse over the cliff edge of the Blue Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Valley Lake Crater, a walk through the Wildlife Park and Boardwalk or spend some time with the children at the exciting Adventure Playground .   Picnic and BBQ facilities provided. Walk to Centenary Tower for spectacular views of the city and surrounding area.   Browse the photographic display in the tower - open when flag is flying.

12.00 noon - lunch

Choose from the variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs open for lunch in the city - see from Page 39 of the Eating Guide.

OR

cook your lunch on one of the free BBQ's at the Valley Lake Recreation Area while the children play in the Adventure Playground

enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Cave Garden

picnic or BBQ in the Umpherston Sinkhole undercover shelter

picnic at Vansittart Park where the children can enjoy the Adventure Playground

1.00 pm - Engelbrecht Cave Tour Approx 45 mins

Enjoy this fascinating tour down into two chambers where divers enter the water and dive under the city.   See how caves are formed and learn how the underground water filters through the limestone to the Blue Lake.   Watch a short video on cave diving.

2.00 pm - "The Lady Nelson" Discovery Centre Approx 1 hour

Take a walk in time, firstly through the under-sea world of fish and animals to learn about the formation of the limestone that makes up our geology. Wander through the Wetlands to see birds and animals that inhabited our region before human settlement.   Meet Christina Smith in the spectravision theatre as her ghostly image steps from the photo to tell of her experiences in the 1800s.   Walk on the exciting glass floor of the Cave Walk, see the neon volcano erupt, then hear Lt. Grant tell his story of discovery.   Take time to watch the continuously running film "Across The Green Triangle".

3.00 pm

Finish your day with a choice from the many attractions as listed from page 6, or take the opportunity to browse through some of the specialty shops in and around "The Main" and enjoy the undercover shopping of the Lakes Village Shopping Centre.

At Dusk - The Night Lights Drive Approx 1 ¼ hours

Start at The Lady Nelson" Visitor & Discovery Centre.   The Visitor Centre and this spectacular land mark was built in 1985, under a Commonwealth Employment Program with the guidance of Mick Everlyn. See the majestic well lit brig, a full size replica of the HMS Lady Nelson from which Mount Gambier was sighted and named in the year 1800.  Drive 2.5 km along Jubilee Highway East to the beautiful Umpherston Sinkhole where possums come out to feed in the floodlit cave and gardens.

Sexton's Cottage on Lake Terrace , was constructed in 1904 of dolomite and limestone and features gables and breaks in its Gothic style architecture.   The wrought iron gates were erected in 1884. Drive past the Blue Lake to the carpark near the tunnel under the road for an excellent night view of the Blue Lake Pumping Station building.   Also from this car park Centenary Tower can be seen sitting like a beacon on the highest point of Mount Gambier.

Drive to Potters Point, the lookout at the top of Hay Drive to see the City Lights and another aspect of Centenary Tower from across the crater.

Drive in close to The Old Gaol on Margaret Street, to see the floodlit stone work constructed in 1866, then on past the Wehl Street Theatre on the way to Commercial Street for a walk past the floodlit Old Town Hall, constructed of dolomite in 1882.

Continue around to the Cave Garden to see the Fountain which was presented to the people of Mount Gambier in 1884 by Captain Robert Gardiner, the great grandfather of the late Sir Robert Helpmann.   Walk down into The Cave for a wonderful night view on the awesome platforms overlooking the floodlit cave.

During the Festive Season, many homes and gardens are decorated with Christmas decorations and lights.   Call at "The Lady Nelson" for information on Christmas Lights Drive.