Road Trip to SA - Mt Gambier

Having a road trip is a real test of a relationship... Two people in a car in an extended period of time with nothing but music on repeat and the long road ahead. So many decisions, or should I say so many opportunities for arguments  - where to stop for a break, is the petrol enough to get to the next stop, which is the fastest way, didn't you see that pothole on the road! Trapped in a car together, there is no where to seek refuge should there be an argument on the way. 

Luckily, we managed to pull through and actually enjoyed our recent road trip to South Australia. This is a relief, since I harbour a dream to travel around Australia in a motor home one day. I have yet to convince Gaz but I'm sure he'll get there one day. Maybe he'll consent if I agree to empty the toilet at the end of each day...

We stopped at Mount Gambier on the first day of our road trip. Mount Gambier is home to the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole. It is also the second most populous city after Adelaide. Here are some fun facts: 

Population: around 30,000

450km away from Adelaide

17km from Victorian border

Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of a dormant volcano. Once upon a time when the volcano erupted, the rocks were thrown by the erupting volcano and formed craters when they landed forcefully on the ground thus creating the famous Blue Lake and several other lakes nearby such as the Leg of Mutton lake and Valley lake.

In summer, the colour of the lake turns vivid blue while in winter, it is a steely blue. On the sunny spring day we were there, it was dark blue. The water in the lake is so still, it reflects that clouds in the sky perfectly. It almost seemed like an extension of the sky. The water in the lake supplied to the city as drinking water.

There is a walking trail which is alongside the road for vehicles that is 3.6km long all around the lake. As the walk will take about about 3 and a half hours, we decided to stop at Hoo Hoo Lookout, then walked a short distance to Blue Lake Lookout. From lookout, we could also glimpse parts of the Valley Lake.

The Umpherston Sinkhole is named after James Umpherston who once owned the property. It is only a few minutes drive from Blue Lake. It was once a limestone cave then the roof collapsed. It was also once half filled with water but is now dry as water levels receded. A large working bee was organised a long time ago to plant a garden in the sinkhole which has made it the beautiful and mysterious garden that it is today. There are creepers hanging from the sides of the sinkhole and lush calla lily bushes are planted on the terrace. The council has provided BBQ facilities and benches in the garden. 

There is another smaller sinkhole in the city centre, which is also planted with various plants and shrubs to create a beautiful garden. There is a light show each night at 8pm in the garden. 

While visiting the city centre, we stopped by the local library and was very impressed by the services provided. The library was large, modern and had many different zones for the community - cafe area with opportunity for people to have a cuppa and read the library's magazines at the same time, kids activity area, and a quiet area. 

For lunch, we spotted a place with $8.90 lunch special and ordered the roast duck on egg noodles and beef panang curry with rice.