Surrounded by lush greenery and an abundance of flowers, the Sunken Garden is a picturesque natural wonder that looks like a scene straight out of Eden. Our complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about this Umpherston Sinkhole, as well as some interesting facts that you may not know. In addition, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of Umpherston Sinkhole at night, under the stars, through photos!
The Complete Guide To Umpherston Sinkhole
Overview: Mount Gambier And Umpherston Sinkhole
The Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast area is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and crater lakes. These natural wonders were formed over 5,000 years ago when volcanoes erupted and lava cooled to form an intricate network of caves. As the years passed, the roofs of these lava caves began to collapse, revealing vast areas that had been hidden beneath the surface for millennia. Today, the Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast area is home to an extensive subterranean network of over 50 sinkholes. And the Umpherston Sinkhole, also referred to as The Sunken Garden, is most definitely the most impressive sinkhole of those 50 sinkholes. This beautiful garden was formed in 1886 when James Umpherston decided to plant some vegetation and bring new life to the sinkhole.
- Price: Free Entry
- Operation Hour: 24/7
- Location: Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Google Map to Umpherston Sinkhole
Quick Weather Guide To Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier and Umpherston Sinkhole have generally mild summers and cold, wet winters. Summers are the best time to visit, specifically December to February when hydrangeas are in full bloom. The area experiences cloudy conditions year-round, with the warmest months being January, February and March. And you might want to avoid July and August as they are the rainiest months.
Top 5 Things You Can Do In Umpherston Sinkhole
The garden is always open for visitors from dawn to dusk, so there’s plenty of time to take in all this Eden on Earth has to offer! Here are our suggestions of how you can make the most of your time while you’re here:
Possums Feeding
The Sunken Garden is not only a beautiful place to take a stroll – it’s also home to hundreds of possums that come out to feed at night. As the sun sets, these nocturnal creatures emerge their hideouts and make their way into the tranquil garden. You can bring some fruits to feed them, but please be careful when approaching them!
Picnicking
Bring your food, booze and blanket to enjoy a picnic in this Eden on Earth! With its 360-degree view of a vast green landscape and abundance of flowers, picnickers can take in the stunning scenery while spending time with family and friends. The refreshing air is an added bonus, making the Sunken Garden the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic!
Stargazing
As beautiful as it is during the day, the Sunken Garden is also a great place to stargaze. From this garden, you can appreciate the beauty of the stars and the Umpherston Sinkhole as a whole at night. Plus, with the dim lighting and tranquil atmosphere, it will be sure to set the mood for a romantic evening! So you might want to bring a plus one with you for this activity!
Sightseeing
It’s always a good time for a leisurely stroll around the garden! Take in the beauty of all the flowers and fountains at your own pace. If you want to get a closer look at the hydrangeas, or take a break by one of the fountains, go for it! You may also want to bring a friend along to walk with you and chat about all the great memories you two had. And with such a gorgeous view, it would also be a perfect opportunity to bring a book or two and spend your day relaxing in nature.
Taking Photos
The best way to take in all this natural beauty and preserve it forever is through photos! With 360 degrees of gorgeousness, anywhere can be your spotlight. Pose in front of the flowers, under the sun, by the fountains or stairs. Everywhere is Instagram-worthy at the Umpherston Sinkhole, so get your camera out and snap some photos!
More Umpherston Sinkhole Photos
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Trivia Hightlight: Interesting Facts About Umpherston Sinkhole
Now that you know all there is to know about the Sunken Garden, wow your family and friends with some facts about the Umpherston Sinkhole on your way there! Here are some lesser-known facts about Umpherston Sinkhole:
- The sinkhole was created when the chamber’s roof collapsed
- Because possums hate hydrangeas, the garden only has them
- Mr. Kenneth ‘Ken’ Norton took part in restoring and maintaining the garden
- Hanging ivy covers terraced walls
- Agapanthus, hydrangeas, ferns, and oyster plants cover the floor
- James Umpherston used to call the site “The Caves”
- City of Mount Gambier currently manage and own the Sunken Garden
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