Mt Gambier - Umpherston Sinkhole referred to as "the sunken garden". It was once a cave, formed through the dissolution of the limestone,. The sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber fell to the floor of the cave, creating the perfect environment for a garden.

The gardens have been made accessible to the public with a safe walkway and it's the perfect place for a picnic/bbq with tables, chairs and gas bbq's  available above and in the sinkhole. The length of the ivy hanging from above is amazing. Early pioneers settled around this area to access the ample supply of fresh water. Today Mt Gambier is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is most famous for its roses.

The garden's were originally beautified by James Umpherston who owned the land and set out to create "a pleasant resort in the heat of summer" by constructing terraces, rock walkways and planting ferns, shrubs, roses, hydrangeas and walnut trees. There was a small lake at the bottom of the cave were he had a row boat for the children to enjoy.