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Mount Gambier: Things To
See & Do
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The Blue Lake
The city's
most distinctive natural landmark and part of the region's
volcanic landscape, the Blue Lake sits inside an extinct
volcanic crater and is known for it crystal clear water,
which is the source for the city's water supply. It
is also home to an enduring mystery; each November and
March, the water in the lake changes colour from wintry
blue to turquoise, and back again - and no one
has yet figured out why!
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The Lady
Nelson Discovery Centre
One of the
most popular historical attractions in Mount Gambier,
this discovery centre is an excellent place to learn
about Mount Gambier - its history, its people, its culture
and even the local flora and fauna. One
of the centre's biggest draws is the fossilized skull
of Simosthenurus occdentalis, an extinct short-faced
kangaroo; outside, visitors can explore the replica
of the HMS Lady Nelson.
Details
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Opening Hrs:
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9am - 4:15pm daily.
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Pricing:
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Admission: adult AUD10, pensioner AUD8,
child AUD5, family pass AUD25
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Contact:
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Tel: 61+ 08 8724 9750; Toll free (Australia
only) 1800 087 187;
Fax: 61+ 08 8723 2833
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Getting Here:
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73, Herbert St, Gulgong.
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The Crater Lakes
Mount Gambier
is famous for its craters, the most famous of which
is the Blue Lake Crater, together with Valley Lake Crater
and Leg of Mutton Lake Crater. The surrounding area
is a popular recreational and scenic spot,
with facilities including walking trails and barbeque
pits.
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Umpherston Sinkhole
This sinkhole
located in the middle of the town was transformed into
a lovely 'sunken garden' by James Umpherston around
1886, and is a nice place for a stroll, particularly
in the evenings when the possums come out to play. There
are also terraced gardens with barbeque pits open for
rent, making it a popular place for picnics.
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The Cave Gardens
This tranquil
garden spot in the centre of town is also a major historical
attraction, as the limestone in which it is sited was
once the original water source for the early settlers
in 1845. Today, the gardens planted around it have become
more famous for their roses, and is especially lovely
at night, when the cave is brilliantly lit.
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