Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- Anita TForster, Australia538 contributionsAwesome Garden in a Unique SettingI had read about the Umpherston Sinkhole so when we were passing by we stopped and had a look. Itβs an amazing park and in the rear is this huge sinkhole which you can walk down into via a set of stairs. There is a lovely garden in the centre and I just love the thick lush vines which cover most of the limestone cliff walls. Lookout for a very cute possum who someone feeds that roams around in one of the overhangs. A great place to spend half an hour or so. Worth reading about the geological as well as the history of the sinkhole usage.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2024
- Caroline DMelbourne, Australia437 contributionsWell worth the stopHave never seen anything like this before and it was spectacular. Only a few kms out of town you find this sinkhole which is now a sunken garden. There is parking but when busy can be tricky to park. There is some local history around to explain how the sinkhole came to be. You have great views from up the top and then it changes completely as you start to descend and walk around. There are some areas you can only see from a distance due to safety but it is well worth the walk down. Once at the bottom you look up and realise just how unique it really is. There are toilets on site and it did promote a gift shop and cafe as well but it was not open when we were thereVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- James BNewcastle, Australia633 contributionsAn unusual geological feature developed into a beautiful gardenWe enjoyed visiting Umpherston Sinkhole which as been developed into a very unusual garden feature. There are significant falls of ivy on the walls, two huge palm trees in the middle. A fascinating visit and worth making time to see.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
- Michelle REngadine, Australia398 contributionsAMAZING SINKHOLEWow this was my favourite out of all the sinkholes. What an amazing job to make this a beautiful area to just sit and take it all in. The sinkhole is huge and it has been turned into a magnificent garden where you can walk around or just sit and relax amongst all the amazing plants and trees. Well worth a visit to this sinkhole.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2024
- The Walking CriticPerth, Australia1,135 contributionsGreat Sinkhole in Mount Gambier - worth a visitThe Umpherston Sinkhole is one of those sites you should never miss, a quirk of natural limestone erosion and a scene to behold thereafter. If you're in Mount Gambier, definitely take a moment or two to learn about this place. Who knows, another sink hole might swallow you up along with the city :) This is a free attraction and does require a degree of exercise, if you want to walk to the very bottom of what I call the Hydrangea garden. Or you could be semi-lazy and rest after a small descent and photograph everything from on high. Like the Blue Lake before it, this is worth a detour if for no other reason than to look at a wonderful garden and a big Sinkhole.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 July 2024
- EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia38,542 contributionsLocal iconIf you visit one place in Mount gambier it should be this spot. A local icon that I remember from my childhood 25 years ago. Amazing spot that is so unique. Come back at night to see the possumsVisited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 July 2024
- Tash KAdelaide, Australia394 contributionsStunningWhat an absolutely beautiful garden. I only wish I could have sat down the bottom, read a book and listened to the birds chirping and water running. Itβs magical, almost time a childrenβs fairy garden. An absolute must if you enjoy nature.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2024
- Alison BAdelaide, Australia8 contributionsGreat place to visit for children and adultsJust a couple of kilometres from the centre of Mt Gambier the Umpherston Sinkhole has been beautifully landscaped and there was a magnificent display of hydrangeas when we visited. There are easy stairs to the bottom of the sinkhole and whilst it is glorious during the day, it is worth going in the evening when the resident possums appear. They love to be fed, but fruit only - no bread please. The lawns surrounding the sinkhole are a great picnic spot too.Visited December 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,369 reviews
Excellent
908
Very good
412
Average
41
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Christine K
Mildura, Australia144 contributions
Dec 2023 β’ Couples
Stupendously beautiful. So beautiful it was overwhelming. In addition to beauty of the gardens designed inside the sinkhole by the Umpherston family, the stairs leading down to the sinkhole had been designed to make it easy even for the least mobile among the crowd. You could walk down at your own pace and rest at intervals and there was plenty of garden seats on the lower levels.
It was hard to imagine that this was once the remnants of a volcanic explosion.
We would recommend this to all those who visit Mt Gambier. In addition, there were no fees involved.
It was hard to imagine that this was once the remnants of a volcanic explosion.
We would recommend this to all those who visit Mt Gambier. In addition, there were no fees involved.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanne K
Adelaide, Australia22 contributions
July 2022 β’ Family
We visited near sunset so the kids could feed the possums, it was a very cold and rainy evening but we were not disappointed. A torch was handy, as the automatic lighting didn't come on until a little later (?6pm) , the possums were very fat, friendly and came right up to take the fruit and veg we brought. They were hanging around in the cave rock areas to the right hand side at the bottom of the steps. Didn't mind being patted and weren't aggressive to us humans
There were hand rails and wire mesh on most of the steps, much of the walkway was sheltered which were all handy in the light rain. Lots of steps, so most of the garden would not be accessible by pram or wheeelchair although you would still be able to enjoy some nice views from the top.
We will definitely be back tomorrow to enjoy the daytime view of the beautiful gardens
There were hand rails and wire mesh on most of the steps, much of the walkway was sheltered which were all handy in the light rain. Lots of steps, so most of the garden would not be accessible by pram or wheeelchair although you would still be able to enjoy some nice views from the top.
We will definitely be back tomorrow to enjoy the daytime view of the beautiful gardens
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apollowakka
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
Sept 2022
We came during the daytime and night time to appreciate the unique beauty. During daytime, you can see the beautiful garden growing over the cave like a picture frame to the sky. Looks picturesque enough to have a garden wedding but mind the stairs .
Night time we came armed with vegetables and fruits (note do not feed possums with breads) to feed the possums. Managed to feed a mother with the joey & pat the possums. That was the highlight of the trip.
Night time we came armed with vegetables and fruits (note do not feed possums with breads) to feed the possums. Managed to feed a mother with the joey & pat the possums. That was the highlight of the trip.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
branham2016
Adelaide, Australia9,926 contributions
May 2020
One of the must-see sites in Mt Gambier is the Umpherston Sinkhole. We had been there before of an evening when it was lit and the possums were expecting their evening titbits. This trip we decided to see during the day. It is as not as dramatic as at night but it gives a better concept of the whole site.
Situated in the middle of a well maintained and beautifully laid out park, the hole is inspiring in its depth and beauty. With display boards giving the history and geological structure, you get an idea of how the hole formed and the structural changes over the years to present day. To think there was a small lake at the bottom that you could actually boat on is amazing given the time frame.
Modern changes have seen the access improved and safety issues taken into account. It is along way to the bottom of the hole with the descent revealing much more as you progress. A working small fountain, a picnic area and places to rest - all combine to make the visit exciting. The blend of plants suited to the area including hydrangeas, in autumnal tonings when we were there. Lush green ivy cascading down the outside perimeter, palm trees of incredible height, tree ferns with huge fronds β all making a thing of beauty. Even shells can be seen in the limestone walls.
Parts of the descent and then, of course, the ascent are sets of step stairs make the journey to the bottom not suitable for the physically disabled. But fortunately, a sloping ramp takes you to the first level down so that enjoyment may be had.
In the general park, there is a horse dray dating back to 1911, other sculptures and features make the experience enjoyable.
Return? Maybe when in Mt Gambier next time to again revisit at night to see the possums!
Situated in the middle of a well maintained and beautifully laid out park, the hole is inspiring in its depth and beauty. With display boards giving the history and geological structure, you get an idea of how the hole formed and the structural changes over the years to present day. To think there was a small lake at the bottom that you could actually boat on is amazing given the time frame.
Modern changes have seen the access improved and safety issues taken into account. It is along way to the bottom of the hole with the descent revealing much more as you progress. A working small fountain, a picnic area and places to rest - all combine to make the visit exciting. The blend of plants suited to the area including hydrangeas, in autumnal tonings when we were there. Lush green ivy cascading down the outside perimeter, palm trees of incredible height, tree ferns with huge fronds β all making a thing of beauty. Even shells can be seen in the limestone walls.
Parts of the descent and then, of course, the ascent are sets of step stairs make the journey to the bottom not suitable for the physically disabled. But fortunately, a sloping ramp takes you to the first level down so that enjoyment may be had.
In the general park, there is a horse dray dating back to 1911, other sculptures and features make the experience enjoyable.
Return? Maybe when in Mt Gambier next time to again revisit at night to see the possums!
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann T
Pascoe Vale, Australia1,386 contributions
Feb 2022
The Mount Gambier region is full of sinkholes and this was our third one for the day (after the Cave Garden and the Little Blue Lake). It did contain water years ago but has now been turned into a very English garden full of hydrangeas. You can walk down to the bottom or just admire its lushness from the top.
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
safamily21
Greater Adelaide, Australia22 contributions
Aug 2022
This is one of the BEST attractions in Mount Gambier. We went during the daylight and returned after dark. It is a really pretty sinkhole that is maintained so beautifully. It is amazing spot to stop and rest. We returned in the evening after dark to feed possums some fruit. That was a real treat.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JonAndSophieTravel
Adelaide, Australia622 contributions
Feb 2021
Beautiful gardens in a unique sinkhole in the town centre.
We were only in Mount Gambier for two nights / one day and highly recommend you visit if you only have a short time here. Spent a good 20 minutes wandering around and taking photos. Very relaxing and a good selection of plants too.
We were only in Mount Gambier for two nights / one day and highly recommend you visit if you only have a short time here. Spent a good 20 minutes wandering around and taking photos. Very relaxing and a good selection of plants too.
Written 6 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taqueeney
Melbourne, Australia725 contributions
June 2021 β’ Family
A must see and another amazing piece of local geography in the form of a sink hole and man made gardens that start at ground level and literally hang over the hole.
The base of the hole is manicured with incredible shrubs, flowers, and even palms.
Totally free , you just need good mobility to access the steps down into the hole, otherwise hood viewing platforms exist from above
The base of the hole is manicured with incredible shrubs, flowers, and even palms.
Totally free , you just need good mobility to access the steps down into the hole, otherwise hood viewing platforms exist from above
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caz K
Queensland, Australia204 contributions
June 2021 β’ Friends
Fabulous experience. The Umpherston Sinkhole gardens is beautiful and a recommended tourist attraction. It is beautifully maintained with a variety of different plants including hanging vines, palms and ferns. A natural wonder. Exotic really. We even managed to get a glimpse of the resident possum.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
funkyhughes23
Melbourne, Australia303 contributions
Jan 2021
Beautiful and interesting history about this place. Can only wonder what the Indigenous inhabitants made of this place! The plants and the fact you are standing in a giant hole are pretty incredible, as are the bee honeycombs that appear on the walls of the sinkhole. A lovely, cool space on a hot day! Free to visit!
Written 1 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maxiwie
Port Macquarie, Australia
What are the opening hours of the hole ?
Is it possible to get there anytime ?
Written 19 December 2017
You can go anytime as you just walk through a park to get there. At least I don't remember it being gated or fenced at all!
Written 19 December 2017
maxiwie
Port Macquarie, Australia
Hey, is it worth a roundabout way ? Weβre heading to the Great Ocean Road and wanted to visit the sinkhole, but itβs 2 hours away and donβt know whether we should do it or not
Written 19 December 2017
It is a long diversion from the GOR just for the sink hole. There is much more than it in Mt Gambier. Consider overnighting in Mt Gambier for other attractions too.
Written 19 December 2017
I have seen people sitting in the viewing platform area with dogs - at the bottom of the slope area just before the steps - though never down with the possums. I've not looked for signs but always assumed no dogs where the possums are.
Written 13 November 2017
Hello, is this at the same place as the nightly sound and light show?
Written 23 August 2016
No, what i think you are talking about is a display on the outside of the building overlooking what the locals call The Cave Gardens. It shows nightly, but is not really a sound and light show, more of a movie clip.
Written 7 September 2016
Tom T
Melbourne, Australia
Could you e mail me things to do at Mount Gambier for families with kids. We are planning to visit for a few days with friends and would love to be prepared by the time we get there. Thanks.
Written 30 November 2015
Crikey....Tantanoola Caves..Dingly Dell...Carpenters Rocks...Port MacDonnell.....there's also a volcanic crater you can walk into and around it..Mt Scott I think, but when we did it..hubby went down into the crater and climbed out the other side and I walked around the rim and saw an abundance of wild goats...birds and lizards. The Blue lake....the tower. The cave gardens in town...Umpherston sinkhole..and the list goes on. If you search in Trip Advisor in and around Mt Gambier it will bring up bucketloads to do...otherwise just get a map showing all around Mt G and google the town or attraction names. That's what we did and we had 3 weeks of things to do! It's my favourite place of all time!!
Written 2 December 2015
How long would it take to see and appreciate this attraction?
Written 16 July 2015
About 30 m would be fine, not good for anyone who cant do stairs, but it is well worth the look.
Written 19 July 2015
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