Nigel and I have just returned from Mount Gambier and we’ve had a chance to reflect upon the highs and lows of this town in South Australia’s south east, about fiver hours from Adelaide by car.
As with most places in South Australia and around the globe, Mount Gambier’s true measure combines its physical attractions balanced with the hospitality and warmth of its people.
And on this trip, where we recorded episode 139 of The Adelaide Show Podcast, we experienced the best highs and the best lows. Let me explain.
The highs of Mount Gambier: Blue Lake
It doesn’t get any higher in Mount Gambier than standing at the top of the Blue Lake.
We were there during some overcast weather, so we didn’t get to see the intense blue colours associated with the lake, however, it is still breathtaking to view it and to consider its history.
The Blue Lake is a large crater lake located in a dormant volcano, which has not erupted for thousands of years.
However, there is no clear understanding on the date of its last eruption, with some estimates suggesting 28,000 years ago and some 4,300.
One of the curious things, that we have learned in other discussions on The Adelaide Show, is that references to the volcanic eruption is contained within stories from the oral tradition of local Aboriginal people.
The lows of Mount Gambier: The Umpherston Sinkhole
At the other extreme, is the Umpherston Sinkhole,
Umpherston sinkhole began its life as a typical limestone cave, formed by the corrosion of limestone rocks due to waves from the ocean. The “sinkhole” aspect was created when the cave’s roof collapsed.
The beauty of Umpherston Sinkhole is that it’s not only interesting as a physical attraction, but it gives visitors a great chance to be active.
To access the gardens, crafted by James Umpherston in 1886, you take winding staircases down to the base of the sinkhole. There are more paths to follow, down below, as well as many nooks and crannies where you can have a picnic or just sit and relax in the beautiful stillness.
If you can time your visit around sunrise or sunset, the sinkhole becomes a busy place with hundreds of possums emerging in search of food within the garden.
At this stage, there is no wheelchair access to the garden floor.
The warm heart of Mount Gambier: Caffe Belgiorno
Perhaps the most enduring memories of our trip will be of our hosts, Maria and Walter from Caffe Belgiorno.
We spent a few hours, hearing and recording their stories of running a family business that provides hospitality training opportunities for young people in Mount Gambier.
Many people have found love and marked the milestones of life, sitting in the large, timber restaurant area, with Maria keeping her eyes open for opportunities for doing some matchmaking.
And, as a special treat for our visit, Maria had her team create an Adelaide Show Podcast Pizza, which I hear has been on the menu for a few weeks since our visit and is selling well.
Methinks that is due to my side with its chilli, not Nigel’s with anchovies.
We heartily recommend Mount Gambier as a location to explore South Australian history (geographical and social) while using Caffe Belgiorno as your base station for refuelling your body and warming your heart!