Umpherston Cave
Mount Gambier
Formation
Umpherston cave is a sinkhole. A sinkhole is formed as water seeps into the
underground limestone and gradually errodes softer limestone to form a cave.
As the cave develops the top collapses to form a sinkhole.
Modern History
James Umpherston purchased the property which included the sinkhole in 1868, improvements were made to the property which included a Victorian residence and gardens, and was named 'the Caves' . In 1884 Umpherston began to develop the sinkhole as a 'pleasant resort in the heat of summer'. At this time a third of the floor of the sinkhole was covered with water. Umpherston died in 1900 at the age of 87, leaving a wife but no children.
The city of Mount Gambier obtained the site in 1994. The site was identified as an important heritage feature and listed on the Register of State Heritage Places in October 1995.
Possums
Come and visit the current residents, friendly possums. They love to come out at night seeking food bits provided by visitors.
