Travelling Oz

12th March 2009.

Next headed south west to Mount Gambier and the volcanic region. The drive took us through some interesting countryside and although mainly farmland, we went through some huge tree plantations. Mount Gambier, South Australia's second largest city and has many unique attractions around and under in the city. 

The Lakes:

The Blue Lake is just one of the lakes within the three craters of the extinct volcano. Each year in November, it mysteriously changes colour to the unbelievable deep turquoise blue which we were in time to see. Then in March,  it gradually makes the change back to its more sombre gun metal grey for the winter. No one has yet conclusively been able to explain the phenomenon of why it changes colour, but it's an awesome site.
Leg of Mutton Lake is marked on all the maps and brochures as a Lake, there is no water in it and hasn't been for as long as the locals can remember.
The third, Valley Lake, although very picturesque and a popular picnic and recreation area, is like most other lakes in Australia, nothing spectacular.

The Blue Lake. The Blue Lake.

The water really is as blue The water really is as blue

as it looks, it's unbelievable. as it looks, it's unbelievable.

Ken behind the camera, again. Ken behind the camera, again.

Valley Lake. Valley Lake.

Not as picturesque, Not as picturesque,

but a magic picnic area. but a magic picnic area.

Weather turns and storm hits.Weather turns and storm hits.

Sinkholes:

Right in the centre of town, The Cave Garden is basically a sinkhole with beautiful rose gardens surrounding it.
Still in town, the Umpherton Sinkhole is amazing. Much bigger and deeper, it has amazing gardens and manicured lawns. Such a nice peacefull place to chill out and enjoy the views.

Cave Garden. Cave Garden.

In the middle of town In the middle of town

is a Sinkhole with is a Sinkhole with

a beautiful rose garden a beautiful rose garden

Umpherston Sinkhole. Umpherston Sinkhole.

What an amazing sight. What an amazing sight.

Cascading vines surround Cascading vines surround

the sinkhole. the sinkhole.

Beautifull gardens with Beautifull gardens with

manicured lawns make manicured lawns make

the Sinkhole what it is. the Sinkhole what it is.

Even has a barbie for lunch.Even has a barbie for lunch.

Caves:

You guessed it, still in town and running under the houses and freeway, the limestone Engelbrecht Cave has two caves open to the public. They aren't very big nor are they spectacular, but they're part of an amazing labyrinth of underwater caves which divers are discovering more about as they explore further in.

Engelbrecht Cave. Engelbrecht Cave.

Only 2 caves are open. Only 2 caves are open.

Bottom of the first cave. Bottom of the first cave.

Bottom of the second cave.Bottom of the second cave.

Life On The Road:

Mount Gambier really is a different place with unusual attractions and they're all in town, no long travelling or long walks and the only entrance fee was at Engelbrecht Cave. We got caught in 2 huge rain storms which just came out of no where.

This cold rainy weather has been following us around for quite a while now so we're really hanging out for some SUN and warmer weather. 
 

Travelling Oz homepage