Things to Do in Mount Gambier

Admitedly, Mt Gambier, and Australia for that matter, is not very old at all. About 210 years or so. That pales in comparison with your european cities or south american ruins. Anyhow, if you like semi- old stuff, then go to the Town Hall, on the eastern end of main street, Commerical Street, just near the main corner. It looks especially good at night when all lit up.

The Town Hall is still our administrative centre, with part of it dedicated to an Art Gallery. It recently had quite substantial renovations done to it and the back of it which overlooks the Cave Gardens is quite a site. Pics to follow..........


	The Blue Lake	Tip Rating:

Updated By alisonr

on October 23, 2005

see, it is Blue!!

Everyone that comes to Mt Gambier has to see the Blue Lake. It really is Blue! November to May is the best time to see it, when it changes to a bright vibrant blue. The rest of the year it is a dull greyey colour. The towns people drink this water, and I drive past it most days so it is not really that big a deal to us, but you will be impressed!
Contrary to other member's pages on Mt Gambier, the water level is dropping and has been gradually over many years. So much so, that we actually had water restrictions imposed upon us for the first time ever - can you believe!

Address: Bay Road, Southern area of town.

Directions: From the main street go strait up Bay road and you can't miss it!


	Churches	Tip Rating:

By alisonr

on March 17, 2004

St Pauls Church

For a town of our size, which isn't very big, Christianity is very well catered for, with most significant sectors represented. St Pauls is the major Catholic Church (not the only one) but is the biggest in the town. During the busy wedding season there can be up to 4 a day here.

Directions: Head north from the main street up Penola Road, on the right on the top of the hill


	The Lakes	Tip Rating:

Updated By dlandt

on March 30, 2004

by dlandt
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Blue Lake

My thanks to MelZ1974 and to my friend Kate-Me, for letting me know that this existed and shouldn't be missed.

You need to go to see the lakes. The color changes over time and is at its bluest in November. No one really knows why this lake is so blue, there is only speculation. Regardless of the reason, the sight is spectacular, as is the scenery around. Its oneof the only places I've ever been able to look out and just see a cluster of three or four mountains rising out of the plains off in the distance. There is a path that goers all around the canyon rim, but it is several miles long and would take the best part of a full day.


	Blue Lake	Tip Rating:

Updated By Diceman_

on April 24, 2004

by Diceman_
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Blue Lake

What would a visit to Mt Gambier be without seeing the Blue Lake? There are 4 seperate lookout areas along the edge of the crater all offering good photo opportunities. The lake is at it's bluest around the summer months. The Blue Lake tour guide said the blue colour was from calcium carbonate leaching into the water from rocks underground.

I also recommend taking a drive around Valley Lake, the perfect spot for a picnic.

Directions: Three lookouts are on John Watson Drive and one on Bay Road.

Website: http://www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/aboutcity/map/gambiermap.pdf


	Blue Lake Aquifier & Pumping Station tours	Tip Rating:

By Kate-Me

on February 22, 2003

by Kate-Me
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Blue lake from water level

This is an interesting and informative tour about the Blue Lake. At the conclusion, an elevator will take you from the rim of the crater right down to the water's surface. This is the only way you can actually see the water from the water level - and it's just as blue down here as from far above at street level.

Address: Blue Lake, Mt Gambier

Directions: Enquire about tours from the Lady Nelson Visitor Information Centre


	Aussie Animals!	Tip Rating:

By alisonr

on March 14, 2004

what's that skip??

Go to the Valley Lake Wildlife Park where you can see our beautiful native fauna. Kangaroos, ducks, geece, emu and koalas if you are lucky! Does not cost anything.

Address: crater lakes area at the top of Bay Road

Directions: Drive up bay road towards the south, drive around the blue lake and turn right at the round about, drive all the way to the bottom of the hill, then follow the signs.


	Blue Lake Tour	Tip Rating:

Updated By Diceman_

on April 24, 2004

by Diceman_
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The Blue Lake up close

Tours leave every hour from the corner of Bay Rd and John Watson Drv and cost A$6. For your money you get to see inside the old brick pumping station and take a lift down a former wellshaft to the pumping machinery area about 5m above the surface of the lake. Water is only pumped during off-peak hours so it's quiet, apart from the chatter of the tour guide.
The tour lasts around 50 minutes.

Address: Corner of Bay Rd and John Watson Drv


	Your first stop as a tourist	Tip Rating:

By alisonr

on March 17, 2004

Boat

You should definately pay a visit to the 'Lady Nelson Tourist Discovery Centre' It will give you a wealth of information about the region, some interactive displays, and helpful guides who will tell you where to go and what to do.The boat is a scale replica of the Lady Nelson which someone sailed to South Australia in!?

Address: Jubilee Highway Mt Gambier

Directions: Drive along Jubilee Highway from the town towards the east and look for the big ship - close to Frew Park.


	The tower on the hill	Tip Rating:

Updated By alisonr

on January 8, 2006

Most people to Mt Gambier ask firstly 'where is the blue lake' and secondly 'what is that funny tower for'?

Centennary Tower was built to commemorate 100 years since the discovery and naming of 'Gambier's Mount'. this soon after became Mt Gambier. You can walk up here, it is a little step, but paved all the way, and also walk all around the area. You know the tower is open for visitors when the flag is flying. If it is open you can walk up the stairs to the top and look out with a telscope to the town. A great view of the town and surrounding area.