Mount Gambier 15/1 - 18/1

We entered our fifth state/territory having crossed the border into South Australia. Our campsite is at Mount Gambier, home of the Crater Lakes and is the second largest city of South Australia.



This is the Blue Lake which turns a vivid shade of blue every summer from November onwards before returning to a grey colour in winter. The lake is based in an extinct volcano and also provides the water for the local area.

As the sun decided to come out Jayne pulled out the flowery festival hat to match the sunny mood.



This is not the Great Wall of China but one of the lookout posts onto the lake.



There are a couple of other extinct volcanic lakes in the region, this is Valley Lake which is now used for recreational purposes and whose colour is noticeably different with a shade of pale green.



We completed our daily climb to the top of the hill to view Valley Lake from Centenary Tower.





With temperatures now touching 40 degrees we took an opportunity to use our barbie and relax in the sunshine.



Also in the region are a number of sinkholes. These are basically limestone caves where the roof has collapsed inwards creating a sunken hole in the ground. This is Cave Gardens which is in the heart of the town centre.



The Umpherston Sinkhole is very attractive as it has been made into a public garden including barbeque facilities under the rock face behind the overhanging plants.



Here's David embarking upon a new career in another popular timber logging area.