Mount Gambier Trek

Mountainhigh ... but what's below?

By GRETEL SNEATH 11feb06

Source The Advertiser

WHEN Mount Gambier was named the nation's tidiest town for 2005, judges said the key to its popularity lay in its broad appeal. But for the real dirt on what makes the heartland of the Limestone Coast the perfect destination, visitors need to delve well beneath the soil. Limestone foundations formed millions of years ago have helped create a spectacular range of attractions in South Australia's second-largest city.
Rainwater seeping through the sponge-like rock has formed a series of sinkholes, lakes, and mysterious underground waterways, giving a whole new meaning to the concept of heading "down under".
Engelbrecht Cave offers one of the best examples of the filtration process, and is a popular spot for experienced divers who literally swim beneath the city streets. Daily walking tours also take visitors into two large chambers which expose the water table, and maps produced by divers show the full extent of this complex underground cave system.
Engelbrecht Cave is also the home of Bats Bike Hire, and pedal power is the perfect way to experience most of Mount Gambier attractions.
Less than 10 minutes' cycling will take you to Umpherston Sinkhole at the opposite end of town, where a sunken garden has formed from the collapsed roof of a cave.
Spectacular by day, it is the perfect picnic spot with masses of hydrangeas growing on a series of terraces.
But it's also a big attraction after dark, when friendly possums come out to feed.
The famous Blue Lake has a 3.6km road and walking track around its circumference providing access to a range of viewing points.
The lake is the city's chief water supply, and you can also take a tour through the pumping station, which includes a journey down the original dolomite well shaft in a glass-panelled lift. Tours lasting 45 minutes depart from the new, ultra-modern reception centre at the main entrance to the Lake, complete with a cafe and toilet facilities.
The steep walk to nearby Centenary Tower also pays off, with the 360-degree views of farmland, forestry and distant shores, while nearby Valley Lake is popular year-round thanks to an excellent adventure playground and recreational area containing 16 free gas barbecues. Be sure to take the children along the boardwalk over the Valley Lake surface, which leads to a wildlife park containing an abundance of water birds and even the odd koala.
Heading back to the heart of the city, the Cave Garden sinkhole was the original source of water for the early settlers and visitors are able to walk down into the cave and venture out on to a suspended platform for a closer view.
And while you're in the area, a visit to Sorrentos opposite the Cave Garden is a must. The cafe has mastered the al fresco dining experience and serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine as well as irresistible cakes and coffee.
The Cave Gardens precinct is also home to a well-supported Farmers Market which offers a range of produce direct from the growers on the third Sunday of every month. You can also sample some distinctly local flavours at the award-wining Sage and Muntries Cafe on Commercial St, which specialises in regional produce and seafood and serves crayfish all year round. Commercial St is also an ideal shopping destination, with seven-day trading proving popular with visitors.
While national fashion, sporting and electrical retailers have a strong presence in Mount Gambier, the city also has a large range of boutique businesses selling everything from clothing to craft and homewares.
History buffs will appreciate a fine set of 19th century commercial and public buildings, none better than the old town hall and two institute buildings.
Sporting enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice in this city, with everything from world-class hockey and baseball facilities at Blue Lake Sports Park to a 50m heated outdoor pool. And there is accommodation for every budget and taste, from standard tent sites to luxury spa retreats.
Or, for a truly memorable experience, you can curl up in a cell at the original Mt Gambier Gaol.

For more details, phone au 1800 087 087 or visit
Limestone Coast Tourism