Penola and Naracoorte

Temporarily leaving Mount Gambier behind we ventured north to Penola, the gateway to the Coonawarra Wine Region of South Australia. The Coonawarra region produces superb red wine grapes, some say the best in the world. This is due to Terra-Rossa soil type and the semi arid cool climate. Gary and Ann Trotter, "prick-relations" of ours have a winery in the region called "The Blok", only 2.5 km north of Penola. We managed to secure o dozen of the most delightful 'Reds' you could imagine. Pity the caravan park experience was a complete let down. This caravan park is not at all representative of the town of Penola or the area at large.

While in the area we ventured north to Naracoorte, a neighbouring town, that is home to an Heritage Listed Underground Cave System. We took a guided tour through the "Victoria Cave", which in fact is only a very small part of the entire cave system. What we did discover though were fossils from ancient animals that had become trapped in the caves during the period 500,000 through to 230,000 years ago. We were also able to partake in a self guided tour of 'The Wet Cave'.

Our plan now is to return to Mount Gambier where we have the caravan booked-in with the Jayco Dealer for some small maintenance procedures.

There are many sink-holes throughout the limestone region of South East South Australia but the sink-holes in this area open into a vast underground cavern.

This is the interior of the "Wet Cave".

Still in the "Wet Cave" the area is large enough that you could easily live down there.

Apparently this is one of the animals that once roamed this area. Now he/she is stationary in the Picnic Area. Needn't fear this one it's only a leaf eater.

This is the Information Centre for the Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park.

The Guided Tour of 'Victoria Cave' was divided into two distinct zones. The first section was all 'Stalactites' and 'Stalagmites' in vast array of formations. This is just one of the many we were shown.

The second section of the Victoria Cave was much deeper and is the resting place of at least 100 different species of ancient fossilised remains that are complete and in very good condition as you can see by this skeleton of a Marsupial Lion.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier, the second largest city in the State of South Australia, is a beautiful city and the residents there are friendly and helpful. Of course Mount Gambier is widely known for it's Crater Lake that holds vivid blue water during the months November through March and changing to steel grey over winter. The lake has been the city water supply since 1884,  the water level has only dropped by two metres in that period. There is believed to be at least 70 metres depth remaining.

It is now the month of April and the water in the lake still retains some of the famous blue colour.

The pumping station can be seen in this photograph sitting about 50 metres above the water level.

The path that Judy is standing on follows the rim of the Blue Lake Crater for the entire circumference. The distance is something like 3.8 kilometres, many locals walk or jog this circuit for their daily exercise. The 'Rook" in the background is the beginning of a walk over the crater rim to another crater lake named "Leg of Mutton Lake"

There are many 'sink-holes in the limestone that is the foundation stone of much of the South East of South Australia. This sink-hole is in the centre of the City of Mount Gambier.

'The Main Building', on the corner of Commercial Street East and Bay Road, is the home of The Mount Gambier Art Gallery. The sink-hole shown above is immediately behind this building.

Sink-Holes in the South East of South Australia are quite common. This park contains one of the largest and is also situated within the City area of Mount Gambier.

This is Umpherston Sink-Hole in Mount Gambier. As you can see it is very large indeed. There are ramps and steps that provide pedestrian access to the bottom of the sink-hole.