The 7 best things to do in Mount Gambier

The name says it all. This dazzling lake impresses with its depth of 75 metres and width of 1,200 metres, but it’s the romantic cobalt blue of the surface that makes it such a magnet for visitors. Although swimming in the waters of this dormant volcanic crater is off-limits, you can walk or drive around the 3.6-kilometre rim. The best time to visit Blue Lake (Warwar) is between November and March when the dark blue water transforms into an intense turquoise. 

While you can’t swim in Blue Lake, you can go for a dip in its charming little sibling. Apply named Little Blue Lake, this natural water-filled sinkhole sits between two dormant volcanoes, Mount Schank and Mount Gambier, in the middle of a paddock. You can climb down the stairs or dive bomb off the floating pontoon into the refreshing blue waters, which range in depth from 25-47 metres.

Sinkholes definitely aren't just the stuff of movies and you’ll have front-row seats to Australia’s most spectacular one in Mount Gambier. Umpherston (Balumbul) formed when the limestone roof of a large underground cavern collapsed and with a depth of around 20 metres, it's large enough to swallow a six-storey building. You can marvel at the sprawling greenery that has overtaken the sinkhole from a viewing platform at the top, or descend into the gardens to admire lush foliage, mossy sculptures and beautiful flower beds.

Sure, Umpherston Sinkhole wins in size, but Cave Garden (Thugi) scores brownie points for its mystical after-dark sound and light show. This 30-metre-deep sinkhole, located in the heart of town, features lush gardens that can be admired from the viewing platforms suspended above. At 8.30pm every night, the garden transforms with a magical sound and light show, bringing to life the Dreamtime stories of the Traditional Owners, the Boandik Peoples, and their connection to Cave Garden (Thugi) and Blue Lake (Warwar).

Top tip: You can head to The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre an hour earlier to watch a prelude, showcasing Mount Gambier’s European heritage and history via a collection of photos and video clips.

Free diving is possibly the closest thing we humans have to a) flying, b) space and c) entering a new and magical reality where the mystical reigns supreme. Kilsby Sinkhole is one of Australia’s most mind-blowing deep dive spots, located on an unassuming sheep farm only 15 minutes from Mount Gambier. You can discover how this freshwater limestone wonder was formed on a 50-minute guided tour, snorkel in its crystal clear waters with a guide, or free dive to a depth of 27 metres with an approved operator (for those who are qualified). 

Just next door to the mind-bogglingly beautiful Blue Lake is Valley Lake (Ketla Malpi). Escape the crowds at Blue Lake and head to the serene valley for a leisurely afternoon walk along the 4.2-kilometre Mountain Trail. The path traces around the parklands and leads up to the Centenary Tower, where you can take in 360-degree panoramas of the city and its seriously surreal volcanic landscape. Post-hike, you can unwind with a peaceful picnic on the lawns. 

Beneath the streets and gardens of the Limestone Coast lies a labyrinth of more than 800 fascinating caves. You can experience the ancient beauty of Mount Gambier’s most popular cave, Engelbrecht, on a 45-minute guided tour. You’ll need to descend 164 steps into this underground marvel to discover its secret tunnels and caverns. Daring and certified cave divers can further explore the crystal clear waters below the city, with maps available from the City of Mount Gambier visitor hub.