The Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier, one of several caves and sinkholes in the town, was once a cave formed by the dissolution of limestone. The top of the chamber collapsed and the sinkhole was formed. Not much was thought of it until Scottish colonist, farmer and active community member James Umpherston decided to beautiful the sinkhole by creating a Victorian garden inside of it in 1886.
When Umpherston died in 1900, the property changed hands and was neglected for decades until the South Australian Timber Authority acquired the land in the 1970s and set about restoring the gardens to their former glory. The walkways and steps were repaired, the gardens replanted and BBQs, fences and seats installed.
The Umpherston Sinkhole is open year round from dawn to dusk, and is the perfect spot to engage in reflection and admire the variety and beauty of flora in the garden such as hydrangeas and tree-ferns. Depending on when you visit you might even spot a possum or two foraging for food.