We did a day driving trip from Portland to Mt Gambier, to take in a few of the local attractions. Its about a one and a half hour drive west via Nelson.
Umpherston Sinkhole
We visit the popular “Sunken Gardens” in the Umpherston Sinkhole. This is inhabited by possums who live in the many of the small crevices in the walls of the sinkhole. Originally this was made into a garden by James Umpherston in 1886. The original lake partially covering the bottom has drained away and after falling into disrepair, the gardens have been rejuvenated as a tourist attarction.
Blue Lake
Perhaps the most well known feature at Mt Gambier, Blue Lake is a huge water filled volcanic crater. The water is around 70m deep. From December to March, the lake water turns to a vibrant cobalt blue colour then changes to a colder grey colour between April and November. This is thought to be due to warming of surface layers changing the levels of dissolved calcium carbonate from the limestone rocks overlying the volcanic vent.
Valley Lake
Valley lake is another volcanic crater near Blue Lake which is a lovely recreation area, so we visited there for our lunch stop.
Picannini Ponds
On the drive back to Portland, we took a diversion to the RAMSAR listed wetlands and flooded sinkhole at Picannini Ponds.
