Old Post Office Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier, South Australia's volcanic city, captivates with its stunning Blue Lake and unique geological wonders like Umpherston Sinkhole.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Old Post Office Mount Gambier
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mount Gambier, South Australia's volcanic city, captivates with its stunning Blue Lake and unique geological wonders like Umpherston Sinkhole.
"Some staff in this store would be Gold medallists if there was an Olympic games for poor customer service."
🚗 Road Trip Ready
Mount Gambier is a great stop on South Australia road trips. Don't miss the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole!
💧 Blue Lake Color Change
The Blue Lake's color shifts seasonally. Check local info for the best chance to see its vibrant blue hue.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Blue Lake
Mount Gambier
A stunning volcanic crater lake that dramatically changes color with the seasons. A must-see natural wonder.
Umpherston Sinkhole
Mount Gambier
A unique garden set within a collapsed cave, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape. Beautifully maintained.
Little Blue Lake
Near Mount Gambier
A smaller, equally vibrant blue sinkhole, perfect for a quick, awe-inspiring stop on your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Mount Gambier's Natural Wonders
Understanding Local Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Road Trip Ready
Mount Gambier is a great stop on South Australia road trips. Don't miss the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole! +1
💧 Blue Lake Color Change
The Blue Lake's color shifts seasonally. Check local info for the best chance to see its vibrant blue hue.
🌿 Sinkhole Serenity
Umpherston Sinkhole is a peaceful garden oasis. Perfect for reflection and enjoying nature's beauty. +1
🥾 Hike with a View
Consider the hike to the tower for panoramic views, but be aware of steep sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Road Trip Ready
Mount Gambier is a great stop on South Australia road trips. Don't miss the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole! +1
💧 Blue Lake Color Change
The Blue Lake's color shifts seasonally. Check local info for the best chance to see its vibrant blue hue.
🌿 Sinkhole Serenity
Umpherston Sinkhole is a peaceful garden oasis. Perfect for reflection and enjoying nature's beauty. +1
🥾 Hike with a View
Consider the hike to the tower for panoramic views, but be aware of steep sections.
📦 Postal Service Caution
Some travelers report issues with Australia Post delivery and customer service in Mount Gambier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Old Post Office Mount Gambier are mixed, with some customers praising the service and others expressing significant dissatisfaction. While some experiences are positive, recurring complaints highlight issues with delivery drivers, long wait times, and perceived rudeness from staff, leading to a frustrating customer experience for some.
"Deserved a five star but I noticed they haven't had a four star yet so why not."
Dimitrios Siropoulos
"As someone who's travelled the world and lived abroad, I've experienced a lot of different types of customer service. When it comes to poor customer service, some of the staff in this store would be Gold medallists if there was an Olympic games for poor customer service. I'm not sure if it was being incompetent at lodging simple paperwork, or just having a dreadful demeanour towards the public made me leave this review, either way, better off you just drive down the road to another store."
Dale Murphy
"Drivers don’t wait for door to be answered, or don’t knock at all. I have cameras facing my door/yard and have captured it several times while I’ve been home where they leave me a slip or leave before I even walk 20 steps to the door.
Wouldn’t be that bad if not for the very long wait times to pick up parcels and the lack of consideration for my time. 20+ minutes of my lunch break vs 6 more seconds of their drivers time. Typical Aus Post."
Meeka Gabrielle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Mount Gambier from Adelaide is by car, taking approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via the Dukes Highway. This scenic drive allows you to explore other towns along the way. +1
While driving is the most convenient, V/Line buses operate services from Melbourne to Mount Gambier, and some regional bus services connect from Adelaide, though schedules can be limited.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring Mount Gambier and its surrounding natural attractions at your own pace.
Mount Gambier has a regional airport (Mount Gambier Airport - MGB) with limited flight services, primarily connecting to Adelaide. Check with airlines for current schedules.
Absolutely! Mount Gambier is a fantastic stop for road trips between Adelaide and Melbourne, offering unique natural sights. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Blue Lake itself is generally free, allowing you to walk around its perimeter and enjoy the views.
Umpherston Sinkhole is a public park and typically has no entrance fee, making it an accessible and beautiful attraction. +1
While many attractions are self-guided, local tour operators may offer guided experiences of the Blue Lake, sinkholes, and caves. It's best to check with the Mount Gambier Visitor Information Centre.
Umpherston Sinkhole is usually open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to enjoy its garden setting. Always check for any seasonal or event-related changes.
Swimming is generally not permitted in the Blue Lake due to its depth and the need to preserve its unique ecosystem and water quality.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The Blue Lake's color change is most dramatic in late spring and summer when warmer temperatures trigger the chemical reaction. Visiting on a sunny day enhances the vibrant blue.
You can stroll through the beautiful sunken garden, take photos, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and observe the unique flora. It's a great spot for a picnic. +1
Yes, there are walking paths around the Blue Lake and within Umpherston Sinkhole. For a more challenging walk with views, consider the hike to the tower.
Mount Gambier is incredibly photogenic, with the Blue Lake's changing colors and the lush greenery of Umpherston Sinkhole offering stunning visual opportunities. +1
Beyond the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole, explore Engelbrecht Cave, the Kilsby Sinkhole (for diving), and the nearby Little Blue Lake. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mount Gambier offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to pubs and restaurants. Local recommendations often include places serving fresh regional produce.
While direct cafes at the Blue Lake are limited, there are usually options a short drive away in the Mount Gambier town center.
Yes, Umpherston Sinkhole is a lovely spot for a picnic, with benches and grassy areas to relax and enjoy your meal amidst the garden.
Given its location, expect to find fresh seafood, local produce, and hearty pub fare. Many visitors enjoy trying regional specialties.
Most restaurants in Mount Gambier are accustomed to dietary requests and should offer vegetarian or vegan options. It's always best to inquire when ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
The Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, and the views from the tower hike are prime photography locations. The Little Blue Lake also offers unique shots. +2
Sunny days are ideal for capturing the Blue Lake's vibrant colors. Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides the best light.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations. Always check with local authorities and ensure you have the necessary permits before flying a drone near natural attractions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes of the Blue Lake and sinkholes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife if present.
While specific photography tours might be rare, local guides or visitor centers can often suggest the best times and spots for capturing stunning images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bit of adventure, the hike to the tower offers rewarding views, though younger children might need assistance on steeper parts.
🚗 Road Trippers
Plan for at least half a day to comfortably explore the main attractions. If you're extending your stay, consider visiting nearby Port Fairy or exploring other geological wonders in the region.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The hike to the tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, ideal for sweeping landscape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystique of the Blue Lake
Visitors can experience the Blue Lake by walking or cycling the path that encircles its rim, offering various vantage points to admire its beauty. The surrounding parkland provides picnic spots and opportunities to learn about the lake's geological history. While swimming is not permitted to protect its delicate ecosystem, the visual spectacle alone makes it a must-visit destination.
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for a sunny day during the summer months when the blue is most intense. The contrast between the deep blue water and the surrounding green landscape is truly breathtaking.
Exploring Umpherston Sinkhole: A Subterranean Garden
The sinkhole is accessible via a pathway that leads you down into its depths, allowing you to wander amongst the plants and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. It's a popular spot for photography, relaxation, and even picnics. The contrast between the rugged cave walls and the vibrant, cultivated garden is visually striking.
Many visitors find Umpherston Sinkhole to be a peaceful escape and a testament to creative landscaping. It’s a place where nature’s raw power meets human artistry, resulting in a truly memorable experience.
Navigating Mount Gambier's Postal Services
These experiences suggest that if you are expecting important deliveries or need to use postal services, it might be prudent to factor in potential delays or communication difficulties. Some customers have reported packages being delivered to incorrect addresses, with the postal service being unhelpful in resolving the issue, leading to frustration.
It's advisable to confirm delivery details meticulously and perhaps consider alternative shipping methods or direct communication with senders if you encounter problems. While these are isolated incidents, they are recurring themes in some customer feedback and worth noting for visitors relying on these services.
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