Blue Lake City, Mount Gambier

31 January 2012
Amazing lakes, caves, sinkholes and craters make Mount Gambier a must-see hidden gem
See map: Google Maps
Directions:   GETTING THERE   Located in the south-eastern corner of South Australia and close to the Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is midway between Adelaide (about 440km) and Melbourne (about 440km). From Adelaide, the most direct route is to follow the M1 south-east to Tallem Bend, the Dukes Highway to Keith and then Riddoch Highway through Naracoorte and Penola to Mount Gambier.   From Melbourne, the most direct route is follow the M1 south-west to Geelong, the Princes Highway through Camperdown, Warrnambool, bypassing Portland and then through Heywood to Mount Gambier

 

But a visit to Mount Gambier is not only about natural landscapes; the town has a fascinating history, unique architecture, diverse agriculture and urban infrastructure. The problem facing all visitors is where to start? Well, the Lady Nelson Visitor Centre is a good place to begin. It's more than an information centre, it also has a theatrette attached. Step back in time to see ancient fossils, learn aboriginal history, see the 3D Spectravision display of Christina Smith of the 1800s, see and hear the neon volcano, and view the full-sized replica of HMS Lady Nelson, which is the ship that Lieutenant Grant Captained into the area in 1800.

 

Top of the must-do list in Mount Gambier has to be a visit (or two!) to the crater lakes deep inside the mountain that is the backdrop to the city. Blue Lake, the largest of the three volcanic craters, is indescribable. Formed by an eruption 4800 years ago, it's very young in geological terms. Its depth, source of water and colour have attracted much speculation and research. Some impressive stats: average depth 70m; deepest section 200m; water level is 25m below road level; capacity 36000 megalitres; diameter approximately 1km.

 

Every November the lake changes colour from steel blue to the most vivid blue you'll ever see, then in March it changes back again. Around the circumference are a 3.5km walk and cycle track, and a road. Adjacent is Valley Lake, a local playground. This crater lake is green and has extensive manicured grassy picnic areas with BBQs and playgrounds to delight children.

 

Skiing, boating, swimming and canoeing are popular pastimes for the locals. Overlooking the lake is Centenary Tower, built in 1903/4 to commemorate the first sighting of Mount Gambier in 1800.

 

WHERE TO STAY

 

BLUE LAKE HOLIDAY PARK

 

Bay Road, adjacent to the Blue Lake; top quality

 

www.bluelakeholidaypark.com.au

 

Ph: (08) 8725 9856

 

Powered and unpowered sites, cabins and units

 

Playground with jumping pillow, recreation room, pool, tennis, internet wireless, kiosk, BBQ and camp kitchen

 

MOUNT GAMBIER CENTRAL CARAVAN PARK

 

Krummel Street, in the city; good quality w

 

ww.mountgambiercentralcaravanpark.com.au

 

Ph: (08) 8725 4427

 

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Playground, recreation room, internet dialup, kiosk, BBQ and camp kitchen

 

KALGANYI HOLIDAY PARK

 

Cnr Penola and Bishop Roads; very good quality

 

www.kalganyi.com.au

 

Ph: (08) 8723 0220

 

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Playground, recreation room, pool, tennis, internet wireless, kiosk, internet wireless and camp kitchen

 

MOUNT GAMBIER SHOWGROUNDS

 

Pick Avenue; low cost, no frills

 

Ph: 0408 492 182

 

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