Mount Gambier, South Australia

Mount Gambier, South Australia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MountGambierCommercialStreet.JPG
Author: Mattinbgn


Mount Gambier is a city in South Australia. It is located to the far south of the state, a mere 17 km from the border with Victoria. Mount Gambier covers 26.7 sq km (10.3 sq mi) and has a population of 23,500 (2011 estimate). It is the biggest township in South Australia outside of Adelaide.

Mount Gambier was named after a crater in the area, which in turn was named after Lord James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet. The crater was first sighted in 1800 by Lieutenant James Grant. The area was originally known as "Ereng Belum" by the Aboriginal people of the area.

The Old Town Hall of Mount Gambier
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MountGambierOldTownHall.JPG
Author: Mattinbgn


The town of Mount Gambier began to take shape in 1846, when a post office was built there. The town was incorporated in 1876. It was given city status in 1954. The city is located on the northern slopes of the extinct Mount Gambier volcano. It experiences a temperate climate. The summers are dry and warm while winters are cool and wet. January is the hottest month, with average temperature of 25.2°C (77.4°F) while July is the coldest, when average temperature drops to 13.1°C (55.6°F).

The economy of Mount Gambier is supported by agriculture. It has been a farmland since the early settlement period. Forestry is another industry here, with tourism growing in importance. Visitors to Mount Gambier come to visit the Blue Lake, Mount Gambier's main attraction. Other sights include the Valley Lake wildlife park and its many sinkholes such as Ewens Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds.

Scenic view of Blue Lake in Mount Gambier
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Gambier_Blue_Lake_C.jpg
Author: Diceman

Visiting Mount Gambier, Australia

Most visitors arrive by self-drive or bus. There are buses from Adelaide to Mount Gambier. The journey takes six hours. You can also fly from Adelaide to to Mount Gambier on REX, the only airlines flying that route.

To explore the area, it is most practical to rent yourself a car. Then you would be able to visit the sinkholes and other attractions of Mount Gambier.

Places of Interest in Mount Gambier

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