In August, the lake is a calm, grey-blue, a quiet beauty often overlooked by those expecting its famous bright blue. I saw a stranger offer to take a photo for a disappointed couple, saying: "The light still loves you." It was a gentle reminder that the best of humanity shows up not when things are perfect, but when they’re imperfect. The grey-blue lake became a mirror for kindness, reflecting how we care for one another, not just the view.

Blue Lake is a amazing spot with stunning blue water and easy walking tracks. The views are beautiful, and there are lots of great places to take photos. I really liked the love locks — such a lovely idea that adds a romantic touch!

Really beautiful lake and with the time of the day can see different shades of blue from the lake. Have different view points surrounding the lake every one should visit.

The Blue Lake, located in Mount Gambier, South Australia, is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the country. Nestled inside an extinct volcanic crater, the lake is famous for its stunning transformation of colour—from a deep steel grey in winter to a brilliant cobalt blue during summer. This unique phenomenon has made the Blue Lake a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Mount Gambier’s natural beauty.

The beautiful Mount Gambier Blue Lake is an explosive volcanic crater, with a circumference of 5km and a depth reaching 70 meters.

Amazing and beautiful- would be nice to have more parking for people that have a disability. Some one parked over the entry point from the road so we needed to go up the gutter and onto the path which is difficult for someone with a walking cane. People need to be respectful of others.

Stunning Natural Wonder! The Blue Lake is absolutely breathtaking, especially in summer when it turns a vibrant cobalt blue. A must-see in Mount Gambier! The walking trail around the lake offers great views and photo spots. Peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable.

Beautiful and well-kept spot, especially when the gardens are in full bloom. The sinkhole itself is impressive and easy to access, with plenty of photo opportunities and shaded areas to relax. Parking right at the site is limited, so it’s best to use the larger parking area shown on the map just a short walk away. Entry is free, and visiting in the late afternoon is extra special when the possums come out.

Umpherston Sinkhole is one of Mount Gambier’s most beautiful and peaceful attractions. The moment you walk down into the sunken garden, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, hanging vines, and perfectly landscaped terraces. It feels like stepping into a hidden world. The place is very well maintained, with clear pathways and plenty of spots to sit, relax, and take photos. In the evening, the resident possums come out, adding a bit of charm and excitement to the visit. Best of all, it’s free and easily accessible. A must-visit spot in Mount Gambier for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a unique and calming experience.

The sinkhole is easily accessible with free, nearby parking. Visitors will be impressed by its look, featuring carefully landscaped gardens, stairways, and paths for exploration. The surrounding park is also well-maintained. It's especially worth a visit in the evening to watch the possums emerge from the crevices.

The Umpherston Sink-hole in Mt. Gambier is certainly worth a visit. The garden is picturesque, with quite a variety of plants for such a small area. It's peaceful & relaxing. There are viewing platforms which allow for photo opportunities, & you can climb down via stairs if you'd like. Going down into the garden is not an option for those with mobility issues, but viewing the garden from the first platform is still worthwhile. Several visitors did just that while we were there. Entrance is free, & although there were visitors coming & going, it didn't feel crowded. Parking was free on street, with varying time limits. Children should be under adult supervision at all times.

During our stay in Mount Gambier, we made sure to visit Umpherston Sinkhole, also known as Balumbul, and it really lived up to the reputation of being one of the best free attractions in town. Located just off Jubilee Highway on the edge of Mount Gambier, it’s easy to access with plenty of parking available nearby. Entry is free, and while the gardens close at dusk, you can return in the evening to see the resident possums, which are friendly and often come down looking for food. Walking down the steps into the sinkhole, you’re greeted with a beautifully maintained sunken garden. The terraces are lined with flowers, hydrangeas, lush ferns, and trailing vines that make the entire place feel almost magical. The garden dates back to 1886, when James Umpherston first transformed the limestone cavity into a peaceful retreat. Today, it’s still well kept and offers plenty of great photo opportunities. Around the site you’ll also find toilets, a kiosk and picnic areas, making it a lovely place to spend a relaxing hour. Do note, there are a lot of bees in one corner of the sinkhole—harmless if left alone, but worth being mindful of if you’re allergic. An absolute must-visit when in Mount Gambier.

Visiting this sinkhole was like stepping into a secret garden carved by time itself. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and thriving plant life, the entire area radiates a peaceful, almost magical energy. The natural walls are draped in moss and vines, creating a living tapestry that changes with the light throughout the day. What makes this place truly special is the atmosphere — it's serene, untouched, and full of life. Birds chirp overhead, the air is fresh and earthy, and the gentle rustling of leaves adds to the calming vibe.

Well worth a visit. While the original property is no longer there, the sinkhole has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Entry is free and there's plenty of information about the history and geology of the site. There are restrooms, picnic sites, play areas for kids and a tourist information center at the entrance. TIPS: look out for the wild bee colonies and natural honeycombs in the rocks. There are some very tame possums in the sinkhole please don't try to feed them with bread or meat but if you take some fresh fruit along, they'll love you for it and happily hand feed.

Made a short visit to the sinkhole garden. Look beautiful on the outside but after you take a short walk down and look carefully into the hole, you will see plenty of junk inside. We spotted a shopping trolley, chairs and tyre rims! What is wrong with those people who threw it in?! Nevertheless it still look beautiful from the outside.

The Cave Garden is a unique natural feature situated right in the middle of the city's bustling center, offering remarkably easy access. ​Convenient street parking is available nearby, and an hour is more than enough time to explore. While undeniably accessible, it is significantly smaller and less aesthetically dramatic than the Umpherston Sinkhole. Unfortunately, the garden's natural beauty is somewhat diminished by scattered litter, likely brought in by the wind, which has a noticeably damping effect on the overall experience.

For such a naturally beautiful landmark, it was incredibly disappointing to find it filthy, unkempt and full of litter. We'd been so impressed by all the other beautiful sights in and around Mt Gambier. This was a huge let-down and was heart-breaking to see how this beautiful place is been mistreated and neglected.

Lovely place to visit, always well maintained close to all amenities, coffee and library great to go if raining, turns into a great water feature, also have the Party after The Parade held there following the Christmas Parade. 🏞️☔🎄

The Cave Garden is a well-known attraction in the heart of Mount Gambier, located directly behind City Hall. This large limestone sinkhole has historic significance, as it was once the original water source for many of the town’s early settlers. For me, it’s a place I’ve visited many times since childhood, and while it remains an iconic site, I feel it has seen far better days. The surrounding grounds are well maintained, with lawns, pathways, and signage in good condition. There are multiple viewing levels accessible by both stairs and ramped paths, making it easy for most visitors to get a close look. From the upper level, you can look down into the sinkhole, while the lower paths let you get nearer to the greenery and rock formations. Inside the sinkhole itself, however, the flora could use more attention. It feels a little overgrown and untidy compared to how it once looked, and during my visit, I noticed some unwanted rubbish on the cave floor, which was disappointing. A cleanup and refresh would really help restore its appeal. Entry is free, and it’s open daily, so it’s still worth stopping by if you’re in the city centre. With some extra care, the Cave Garden could easily return to being a standout attraction.

The Mt Gambier Council (Or whatever they are called ) need to spend less money on the "The Blue Bob" and clean the garden up. Wheel Covers and Trolley in the cave in addition to a messy garden...We had the joy of meeting a local homeless person hiding in the garden at 5pm trying to scare us by yelling "Boo" It need a cleaner a gardener and those cameras poiting at The Blue Bob so some kid doesn't stick eyes to it ( And improve it BTW) shold be moved into the Cave Garden

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. It was amazing to think that this was once the town's rubbish tip! 6 years and tons of rubbish removed by the local Lions Club has made it into a great tourist attraction. If you are a certified cave diver, there is actually over 230m of tunnels running under the highway. The water is crystal clear and looks about a foot deep when in fact it is 7meters! There are LOTS of steps, so no wheelchair access, and you need to be relatively ambulant. There is a gift shop, amenities and ample street parking. You are requested to pre-purchase your tickets via a QR code on the board out the front! The very lovely lady did it for us at the desk.

I booked in for the last tour on a Tuesday afternoon in late July, and ended up being the only one. Zita still took me into the cave(s) and gave me a personal tour, with all the history and interesting facts about it. She was very knowledgeable and happy to answer my questions. Reception has a few souvenirs, drinks, local information and a video playing of some dives in the cave, which is still being explored. The cost was very reasonable. You do need to wear covered in shoes with good soles as the many steps can be wet and slippery.

Don't expect a physically demanding climb—the small Engelbrecht Cave is easily navigated. While it lacks the formations of a wet cave, its true value lies in the exceptional tour guides. They're experts in the cave's history, the local environment, and the thrill of cave diving, giving you a captivating look into the region's past. Parking is free and convenient. To guarantee your spot in a tour, which are kept small for a better experience, you should book well ahead of your visit.

Bec was a great tour guide. It was very interesting to think this was Mount Gambier's first rubbish tip. The water is crystal clear and you think it's only about a foot deep, but it's actually 7m! There are a couple of solution holes, the one with the black stain is actually residue from Englebrecht's whisky distillery! It does say pre book, but the lovely lady at the desk allowed us to buy then.

We were lucky in arriving without a booking, but the first tour of the day at 10.15 am still had spaces. If you haven't booked online, they have the facility to do the online booking at the shop. The 30-minute tour lasted closer to 45 minutes and was led by a very knowledgeable guide. She was able to answer everyone's questions and give us information about how the caves were formed, what they got used for, and how they were cleaned up. Also, information about cave diving

A truly magnificent natural formation that has gradually evolved and taken shape over many years. Nestled right in the heart of a residential block, it stretches deep beneath the surface, extending far beyond what the eye can see, creating a striking contrast between urban development and untouched natural beauty.

Unique attraction in the heart of the town, can't access without tour guide, price was abit steep but guide was informative. We arrived just as a tour was about to start, Reccomend to book in advance to avoid any potential wait

Very knowledgeable guide and if passing through Mount Gambier, it is well worth the tour. Just beautiful.

This is a wonderful place to spend time with family, friends, and children. There's a large playground near the lake; if you're visiting Mount Gambier, you shouldn't miss it. It closes at 9 PM and opens at 7 AM. The playground closes at 7 PM.

Tranquil setting with playground and wide open grassy areas. Si on one of the park benches and enjoy the amazing scenery.

Valley Lake took my breath away the moment I arrived. The still water sitting inside the crater, surrounded by trees, birdsong, and fresh country air, feels like a hidden sanctuary. Walking the trails and stopping at the lookouts gave me a sense of calm I didn’t expect, it’s the kind of place where time slows down. Families were enjoying picnics, kids laughing in the playground, and kangaroos resting quietly in the wildlife park, it all added to the magic of the place. With easy parking and plenty of space to relax, it’s a spot that truly stays with you long after you leave.

Exploring the crater requires some effort, as the trails feature steep climbs and can be quite challenging—especially when the weather turns windy and rainy. While the water's hue isn't as striking as Blue Lake's, the surrounding views and path scenery are beautiful and well worth the walk. If you're not a regular hiker, take your time on the inclines, but don't be discouraged—they are certainly achievable.

More of bush trail walk to see the valley lake… very nice walk uphill to see the lake. Even caught someone waterskiing…. Some parts of the trail might be not for faint hearted and wear shoes with good grip. Still worth the walk to see it especially when the weather is blue skies and nice breeze

Pretty lake in Mt Gambier. We went to the Blue Lake first so this one didn’t compare however it had a completely different vibe. Beautiful green surroundings too. Plenty of spots to park. Looks lovely from high above as you drive down to the lake.

Nice spot for a picnic. There was plenty of parking. A picnic table. Grassed area overlooking the greenish grey lake. Valley Lake Conservation Park is nearby.

Great food, great name! Love the decor also. Check this place out if you get a chance!

$35 for two Birdhouse fried chicken burgers and fries. Staff were super friendly. Both burgers and fries were fresh and tasty. Would be interested to come back and try a beef burger!

Natural Born Grillers is a foodie must in Mount Gambier. The Dungeon Burger is next-level — loaded with pulled pork, hot honey chicken, cheese, bacon, ranch slaw, BBQ and chipotle sauce. Juicy, smoky, sweet and spicy, it’s hands down the best burger I’ve ever had. The colourful walls and street-art vibe (just like in the photos) give the place so much character, and the food matches that bold energy. Generous portions, friendly service, and flavour that’s unforgettable. Worth the trip for the Dungeon Burger alone. 🍔🔥

We were welcomed in with great customer service and she took our order quickly and the food came quickly too and it was tasty. I love a good beef burger and my husband loves friend chicken burgers. Both were exceptional and so were the onion rings and sweet potato chips. We enjoyed our experience and recommended to anyone dropping into Mt Gambia

Food was fantastic! Great burgers great onion rings and chips too. At first I was worried when we pulled up the place looked dead and empty which is usually a sign to turn around and find another options but something told me YOLO just give it a go. That decision was confirmed when I saw how many take away bags /pending orders were lined up behind the counter. The wait was like 15 mins but the time flew by as we played connect 4. They offer an assortment of board games you can play to pass the time. The staff were very smiley and the vibes were good which was also a big plus. Overall a great experience and I'd highly recommend if your feeling classic American burgers and food.

Has a separate vegan/vegetarian menu!The vegan Spicy AF burger was amazing! Spicy and delicious. Love that they go to the extra effort of having seitan on the menu!

Have been travelling Australia for the past 14 months, and this would have to be the best burgers and fries we've had between Brisbane and Mount Gambier. Great couple working and serving, unsure if they were the owners, well priced, well portioned, and great sauce choices. Well done!

This place is fantastic! Great vibe, super friendly staff, and a unique, delicious menu. I came in for lunch and enjoyed it so much that I came back the next morning for breakfast. Both meals were excellent. The ingredients are top quality and everything was full of flavour. The big breakfast could be a little larger, but the portion size didn’t take away from the overall quality. Definitely one of the best spots to eat in Mount Gambier. Highly recommend!

Everything just perfect. The Shashuka was spot on, Great flavor. Chili Crab scramble has kimchi in it. They made the kimchi smell less strong so the whole dish is very harmonized. Perfect place to eat.

Great salads here! Nourish bowl with pumpkin falafel was delicious, as was the selection of 3 daily salads. Staff were really helpful, friendly, welcoming and polite! Can't get better service from a cafe! Hot chocolate was excellent 😋 Highly recommend, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan, or just love salad! 👍

☕️Lovley, cute spot for good coffee and food. I ordered the breakfast burrito and a cappuccino as take away and it was great. While I was waiting inside I had a look around and it felt very comfy and warm. The staff was great, very friendly and efficient. Coffee definitely hit the spot. Would come again!

The best breakfast place we’ve ever been to! Everything was so fresh and delicious. Especially the Cocowhip (and best coffee)— it was like coconut ice cream for us, and we still can’t forget it. We haven’t found anything like it anywhere else! 🌴✨

Went to Presto for brunch with a friend. Great cafe. Clean bright and great atmosphere. Ordered scrambled eggs on sourdough and corn fritters. Both were delicious! Fresh and tasty. Coffee was really great too. I would recommend this place.

One of my all time favourite regional cafes in Australia! We made a detour on our way home to Adelaide from Halls Gap just to have lunch here. This place never disappoints. Food, coffee, juices, matcha all spot on. Real hot chocolate and tasty treats. Fresh takeaway salads as well. Don’t miss this place!

You'll have to excuse the half eaten food in the photos, it was so good we couldn't stop! Fresh flavours, with herbs and spices such as young green peppercorn and Thai basil in the pad cha. The food tasted very authentic and delicious. Highly recommend pad cha and deep fried banana. Whenever I'm in Mount Gambia I'll be returning here.

By the time we got into My Gambier, we were desperate for steamed rice and some Asian spices. We stumbled upon this beautiful Thai restaurant and were so happy with the food and service. Excellent and friendly staff. Their weekday lunch set is such a steal. We love the green and red curries and our kids love the clear noodle soup. Highly recommend

Great great food! Soooo yummy, rich flavors. Reasonable prices!

A little gem in Mt Gambier. Food was simply delicious & heart warming. Photos don’t do the taste of the food justice. They accommodated us though they are full - as we promised to be out before the reservations arrive.

Soap noodles with Thai Milk Tea. Broth is tasty with basil! But there is a party upstairs. Super super super noisy!!!! Many kids screaming. I am sitting outside to calm myself down from that noise.

Generally speaking people put pictures of decorated plates of food A sign of good food is also a dish that was enjoyed till the last bite and your are full !

Ordered takeaway and thoroughly enjoyed our meals! Great flavour and a good amount of heat in the green curry and pad thai. Restaurant was packed when we picked up our order, so might have to dine in next time.

I had high hopes for Cafe Melzar, but my experience was a bit mixed. The Melzar’s Club was a simple toast sandwich that fell short of expectations. The chicken, egg and bacon were overcooked, and the presentation could have been better. Unfortunately, the milkshake arrived warm, which was a bit disappointing. The atmosphere could have been more welcoming with more smile. That said, the pulled pork Benedict was absolutely delicious and stood out as the highlight of the meal. I’d consider returning, but I’d likely stick to their specialties like the Benedict. Thanks

A fresh start Sunday morning with a nice long black and yummy light bagel breakfast. Locals are gathering around enjoying their time too. The long black carries a light fruity flavour, it’s the third cup of coffee I’ve enjoyed much in SA so far. Do drop by to get your cup of coffee.

A hidden gem! Impossible to choose what to eat as everything sounds delicious and everything we ordered was phenomenal. I'd come back except I'm not a Mt Gambier local so I'd have to leave home at 4am to get breakfast!

We decided to pop in here on the way thru to Adelaide today. Very cute lil Cafe. Love our down to earth Aussie customer service we have in Australia, great to see from the staff. Food was delicious as everyone described it would be. Massive portion sizes, pretty presentation done by the chef at the front. Definitely makes a big difference walking into businesses and being welcomed by ALL STAFF and farewelled. I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting a true blue bite to eat at this Cafe. Only thing is I wish we could pay after our meal because we definitely would’ve left a tip.

Just delicious. Great food paired, cooked and served really well. So many tasty options on the menu it was hard to choose. Many Vegan, Vego, Dairy & Gluten free options clearly marked. Lovely coffee to top it off. Friendly & attentive staff, good inside & outside table options. Highly recommended. Feb2021, another great breakfast here again Mar2021 breakfast & coffee, so tasty! and the earliest open in town July2021 another delicious breakfast May 2025, another awesome breakfast Sept 2025, Love the new menu, my fav place for breaky in the Mount

Lovely staff, amazing food and great atmosphere! Definitely worth stopping by for a quiet sit down with a great playlist.

With so many great little lunch cafes in the area we actually had some trouble deciding where to go, but we chanced it here and I have to say it was excellent. I had the crispy lamb salad and I’m honestly hoping my job calls for me to go back to Mount Gambier just so I can eat this again! Outstanding

Went in for lunch. It was very busy and only 1 waitress but she managed to serve everyone with a smile. The food was delicious and can’t wait to come back again and again. The satay chicken entree was not the usual satay sticks but I really enjoyed it. The curry puffs were so crispy. The choice of inside or outside seating. Carpark directly across the road makes it convenient. Thanks for an amazing experience. I will be back.

What a lovely surprise this place was! It was Monday night and was packed. We ordered 2 dishes, a curry and a stir fry with giant shrimp. They were both delicious, well flavoured, and large portions which we couldn’t even finish. Also the coconut rice was lovely. Highly recommended.

Incredible food 🤤 lots of flavour with big chunks of meat/ seafood. Top 3 Thai restaurants Ive been to in Australia . Reasonable priced Service was very fast I put a 3 star for atmosphere as its a bit mix/match decor but I didn't really mind.

amazing food, accommodating dietary requirements, friendliest wait staff and laughter heard from kitchen! A happy chef brings wonderful food! If you want a cheerful, and well delivered experience this is the place for you! 2 meals over 2 seperate evenings, amazing on both occasions. Good recommendation of local Wines to accompany meal and left having spent only $100 approx for 2 meals and bottle of wine! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from us!

We rolled into town on a Monday afternoon and went walking around downtown looking for some good food. Ran across this place.O Man the food and service were amazing. If you’re looking for a casual Thai restaurant give this place a try I think you will be happy.

Great food and wine, + staff were helpful and had a laugh. A most enjoyable experience in fact we enjoyed it so much that we ate here twice in our 3 day stay. Also gluten free not a problem. Highly recommend.

Update May2025 still superb, another delishous meal here. Highly recommended. Mar2021, back twice this week, simply delicious food, enjoyed every dish. Good food. Great service. We had take away from here last night and well pleased. The Phad Char seafood red curry was spicy, the seafood nice. The rice noodles in PadSeeEw great but not a fan of the pork. Satay sauce was awesome & full of peanuts, great array of tasty vegetables not full of onion.