|
|
|
|
|
Mount Gambier, South Australia's largest regional city, lies in the south-eastern corner of the state and at the junction of the Princes and Riddoch Highways. The city, settled in the 1850's around sheep and cattle farming was originally known as Gambier Town but was eventually changed to match the nearby prominent feature. Growth was substantiated as the rail from Adelaide was extended into the south-east and as major timber operations commenced in the area. By the 1950's, Mount Gambier was proclaimed a city and has become a major regional & commercial centre for the southern area of South Australia and parts of western Victoria due to its proximity with the state border.
The major tourist attraction of the area is The Blue Lake, an extinct volcano filled with water that lies adjacent to the city and gains its name as the water turns a distinctive blue during the summer months. Nearby are Leg of Mutton, Brownes & Valley Lakes, all of which also form part of the same extinct volcano system and have since become popular recreational areas. Also in town are the Centenary Lookout (great vantage point over the city), Umpherston Caves, the Blue Lake Pump House (amongst several other historic buildings) and the Cave Gardens. Certainly a recommended spot to visit and is also a key centre for motorists travelling on the southern route from Adelaide to Melbourne as a wide variety of amenities are available for all tourists.
| Preview: | Description: |
 |
Mount Gambier & Valley Lake: View northeast over Valley Lake and Mount Gambier from Centenary Tower, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
 |
Mt Gambier: View south over typical countryside surrounding Mount Gambier with Mt Schanck in the distance, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
 |
Vansittart Park: Gardens in Vansittart Park, Mt Gambier, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
 |
Riddoch Highway: Riddoch Hwy (B66), looking south from Alexander Street, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
 |
Town Centre: Commercial Street West, looking east towards Wehl Street, Mt Gambier, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
 |
Town Centre: Corner of Commercial St West and Riddoch Hwy (B66) in Mt Gambier town centre, December 2001. Image © Jamie Scuglia |
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016 Census QuickStats
Last updated: 20-May-2019 13:55
This site © Paul Rands. All rights reserved. Some portions © (copyright) by their respective and credited owners. Permission must be obtained before using any images from this site. For details, please email by clicking here.