Umpherston Sinkhole Mount Gambier South Australia
A magical sunken garden within a natural limestone sinkhole, offering a unique blend of nature and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Possums emerge for feeding
Umpherston Sinkhole Mount Gambier South Australia
Best Time
Possums emerge for feeding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical sunken garden within a natural limestone sinkhole, offering a unique blend of nature and history.
"This sinkhole garden is absolutely stunning, a truly tranquil spot to chill and enjoy nature's magic."
🎯 Evening Possum Delight
Bring apples or bananas to feed the possums that appear in the evening. A magical experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Depths
Follow the stairs to the bottom for a full appreciation of the sinkhole's impressive size.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sunken Garden Oasis
Inside the sinkhole
A vibrant garden with lush greenery, towering plants, and serene pathways, creating a magical atmosphere.
Evening Possum Feeding
Near the viewing platforms
Witness and feed the friendly possums that emerge in the evening, a highlight for many visitors.
Unique Geological Formation
The sinkhole itself
Marvel at the natural wonder of a collapsed limestone cave chamber, transformed into a beautiful garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Magic of the Sunken Garden
Evening Possum Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Evening Possum Delight
Bring apples or bananas to feed the possums that appear in the evening. A magical experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Depths
Follow the stairs to the bottom for a full appreciation of the sinkhole's impressive size.
📸 Capture the Magic
The sinkhole offers unique photo opportunities, especially with the lush greenery and unique setting.
🌳 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquil beauty of this sunken garden.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Evening Possum Delight
Bring apples or bananas to feed the possums that appear in the evening. A magical experience!
🚶♀️ Explore the Depths
Follow the stairs to the bottom for a full appreciation of the sinkhole's impressive size.
📸 Capture the Magic
The sinkhole offers unique photo opportunities, especially with the lush greenery and unique setting.
🌳 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquil beauty of this sunken garden.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this stunning natural attraction without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Umpherston Sinkhole as a surprisingly captivating and magical natural landmark. Its well-maintained sunken garden offers a tranquil escape, and the evening possum encounters are a delightful highlight, especially for families. While some note its size might be smaller than expected, the unique beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit in Mount Gambier.
"beautiful and peaceful place in Mount Gambier. The gardens inside the sinkhole are well cared for and perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk. If you visit in the evening, you’ll see friendly possums coming out, and you can feed them fresh fruit like apples or bananas. It’s a fun and unique experience, especially for kids. The sinkhole is clean, easy to access, and has plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view. Definitely a must-visit spot for nature and animal lovers"
Nomyen
"Surprisingly captivating natural landmark. We spent a solid half an hour exploring the awe inspiring creation - even the kids loved it. Great spot to practise feeling small."
Florio Škratulja
"I found this sinkhole garden absolutely stunning. I was in love with it! The garden is beautiful, the hydrangeas in bloom were so great! I am not from SA so when I saw them all I was really blown away.
It is a very tranquil sort of spot, you can sit here and chill most of the day, or come back at sunset and catch some possum activity!
They were all very approachable, as in they walked right up to you some of them, but they took bits of fruit pretty happily. Great time"
Erica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Umpherston Sinkhole is conveniently located in the heart of Mount Gambier, South Australia, on Jubilee Highway East. It's easily accessible by car and often visited as part of a broader exploration of the city's natural attractions like the Blue Lake.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the entrance to Umpherston Sinkhole, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Umpherston Sinkhole is a perfect stop for a day trip to Mount Gambier, often combined with visits to the Blue Lake and other local sights. +1
While the main viewing areas are generally accessible, some of the pathways and stairs leading down into the sinkhole might present challenges for wheelchairs. It's best to check on-site for specific accessibility details.
The best way to explore is by walking the paths around the rim and descending the stairs to the bottom for a different perspective. Enjoy the lush gardens and keep an eye out for wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Umpherston Sinkhole is a free attraction. You can visit and explore its beautiful sunken garden without any admission fee.
Umpherston Sinkhole is generally open to the public during daylight hours. It's a natural attraction, so there are no strict closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light to appreciate the gardens.
There is no entry fee to visit Umpherston Sinkhole. It's a public park and a wonderful free natural wonder to experience.
While the sinkhole is accessible, visiting at night is primarily for the experience of seeing the possums. It's recommended to use a flashlight if you visit after dark, but be mindful of the natural environment.
There are no official guided tours for Umpherston Sinkhole. However, the information provided on-site and online resources can help you understand its history and significance.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful sunken garden, walk the paths, admire the unique geological formation, and in the evening, observe and feed the resident possums.
Yes, children often find Umpherston Sinkhole fascinating, especially the unique garden setting and the opportunity to see possums. The stairs to the bottom can be an adventure for them.
The sinkhole features a variety of lush greenery, including ferns, hydrangeas (when in bloom), and palm trees, creating a vibrant garden oasis.
Absolutely! Umpherston Sinkhole is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are benches and open spaces to relax and enjoy your meal amidst the beautiful surroundings.
The sinkhole was created when the roof of a limestone cave collapsed. It was transformed into a garden by James Umpherston in 1886, turning a natural wonder into a community effort.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. The lush greenery and unique structure provide stunning backdrops at any time of day.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Mount Gambier Visitor Information Centre before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
The pathways winding through the garden, the view from the bottom looking up, and the lush plant life are all highly photogenic. The evening possum encounters also make for unique shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the possums, but please be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the sinkhole and the surrounding garden. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the flora.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The evening possum feeding is a major highlight for kids. Bringing some fruit to share with these friendly creatures is an unforgettable experience. It's a safe and engaging way for children to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy within the sinkhole's tranquil gardens, saving on dining expenses. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon or an evening of wildlife observation without spending a dime.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hours for soft, flattering light. The evening, with its potential for possum sightings, also offers unique and memorable photographic moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genesis of a Sunken Garden
+1The transformation began in 1886, turning a natural sinkhole into a community project that has been maintained and enhanced over decades. The result is a breathtaking sunken garden, approximately 50 meters across and 20 meters deep, featuring a diverse array of plants, viewing platforms, and tranquil walking paths. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the beauty of nature coexisting.
Visitors can descend into the sinkhole via well-maintained stairs, offering a unique perspective of its scale and the intricate garden design. The atmosphere is often described as magical and peaceful, making it a popular spot for reflection and relaxation.
Evening Encounters with Local Wildlife
Visitors are encouraged to bring fresh fruit, such as apples or bananas, to offer the possums. This feeding experience is a highlight for many, particularly families with children, who delight in the close encounters. It's a chance to observe these native Australian animals in a safe and respectful manner. Remember to be gentle and avoid using flash photography, as it can startle them.
The possum feeding is a unique draw that adds an extra layer of magic to the Umpherston Sinkhole experience. It transforms the already beautiful garden into a lively natural amphitheater after dark, offering a memorable connection with local wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit