A Mount Gambier Escape: Sinkholes, Sapphire Lakes & Coastal Delights
A Firsthand Account from Maureen from Rowville Lysterfield Probus Group.
Early on Saturday morning, 14th March, 16 of us set off on our wonderful coach tour by our favourite company Trade Travel. In view of fuel shortages, we were very fortunate indeed that they were able and willing to do this for us and we are most grateful for this. We have used this company many times over the years and they have always ‘delivered’ as they did this time.
Our first stop was to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, where we had an opportunity to see them and their wonderful Begonia display at its peak - only a week after their world-famous Begonia Festival, and still looking fabulous. These gardens are on the edge of the gorgeous Lake Wendouree - where we were fortunate enough to see lots of black swans and other birds.
From there, we travelled to Mt Gambier - past vast pine plantations and grazing land for sheep and cattle - some of the best grazing land in the country, I believe. Along the way, we saw a few mobs of kangaroos, which was a bit exciting. At Hamilton we visited the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum and then Coleraine and Casterton.
Next day was one of the highlights, when we had a visit to the Blue Lake Aquifer Tour Experience and the National Trust Old Courthouse in Mt Gambier. Later that day we had a fabulous BBG Dinner Sunset Cruise along the Glenelg River - where we saw a number of water birds and some rabbits running around excitedly.
On day three, we went to Penola and the Naracoorte Caves, Wonambi Fossil Centre, the Saint Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, finishing up the day with a wine tasting at Wynns Winery.
Day four brought us to Robe, Millicent and Beachport - wonderful seaside towns with lovely views along this rugged and picturesque coastline.
Day five, we spent some time in Mt Gambier, where we again looked at the Blue Lake - much, much bluer than the previous visit - and a green lake as well as various sink holes, including the Umpherston Cave. Then to Portland where we had a short ride on the old Cable Tram, during which we saw a Koala walking along the back fence of one house. Our day finished with a visit to the Cape Nelson lighthouse, where we had drinks and nibbles, overlooking the ocean.
Day 6: Back home to Melbourne via Wickliffe, visiting the impressive Narrapumelap Homestead and Gardens - which are being progressively restored by a private owner. This house is Australian/Neo French/Gothic in design. We felt that it was rather an exciting thing to see a restoration from a pretty much derelict building and to imagine what it will be like when it is fully restored - such a rare opportunity.
A wonderful trip was had by all.
If your group is interested in travelling to Mount Gambier & Portland, contact Trade Travel on 1800 034 439 or email: bookings@tradetravel.com to arrange your next group tour.