Mount Gambier’s Iconic Umpherston Sinkhole Faces Potential Major Overhaul
South Australia’s beloved Umpherston Sinkhole, a jewel in the crown of Mount Gambier’s tourism landscape, is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The Mount Gambier City Council has unveiled a draft master plan for the sunken garden, initiating a public consultation period that will shape the future of this cherished natural attraction. The proposed changes aim to enhance visitor experience and address the impacts of decades of popularity, while sparking a robust community discussion about the sinkhole’s evolving identity.
The draft master plan, open for public feedback for the next month, outlines a vision that could include substantial additions such as a modern elevator and a dedicated visitor centre. Beyond new infrastructure, the plan also suggests significant alterations to the existing sunken garden itself. Chris White, the council’s General Manager for People, Place and Livability, acknowledged the sinkhole’s enduring appeal but highlighted the need for an update.
“Over time its popularity has meant some of the infrastructure there hasn’t kept pace with interest and demand,” Mr. White explained. “There’s an awful lot about the site at the moment that people like very much — not just like, actually, love — but we also think that it is time for a bit of a refresh.”
Two Paths Forward: Low vs. High Intervention
The council’s draft proposal presents two distinct pathways for the Umpherston Sinkhole’s future. These are categorised as a “low-intervention” plan and a “high-intervention” plan. Artist impressions accompanying the master plan offer a glimpse into these potential futures, revealing a notable shift in the garden’s planting scheme. In particular, the proposed omission of the locally adored hydrangeas has become a focal point of discussion.
Mr. White was keen to emphasise that these plans are in their nascent stages. “Whichever option council chooses to proceed with is going to be heavily dictated by public reaction,” he stated. “It’s to get the conversation started so that we can see how people feel about it.” This inclusive approach underscores the council’s commitment to ensuring the community’s voice is central to the decision-making process.
Community Voices and Concerns
The proposed changes have naturally elicited a range of opinions from the local community. Roger Norton, son of the late Ken Norton, a dedicated local who transformed the sinkhole from a disused rubbish tip into the thriving tourist attraction it is today, shared his family’s perspective. While acknowledging the merits of increased accessibility and improved facilities, he expressed significant concerns regarding the potential impact on the sinkhole’s resident possums and the cherished hydrangeas.
“The concern that we had was there’s less incentive to go down into the sinkhole than there is now,” Mr. Norton remarked. “There’s a joy and a pleasure of being in the sinkhole, and I think the design loses something in that, as it’s currently configured. It looks a bit bland. It’s suitable for a corporate event or a wedding or a concert, but it lacks something as an incentive to get to the bottom.” His sentiment highlights a desire to preserve the unique, immersive experience that draws visitors into the sinkhole’s depths.
Developing Regional Icons for Extended Stays
From a tourism operator’s perspective, the Umpherston Sinkhole, alongside other regional landmarks like the Blue Lake, plays a critical role in attracting visitors to Mount Gambier and the broader Limestone Coast. Kent Comley, who manages accommodation at The Barn, just south of Mount Gambier, believes that further development of these icons is essential for the region’s economic growth.
“The more of those, and the more development we have, the more compelling reason there is for visitors to stay longer in the region,” Mr. Comley asserted. He views the current Umpherston Sinkhole experience as “reasonable” but sees potential for enhancement. “The Blue Lake, I do think there could be some development up there to make it a more compelling destination.”
Mr. Comley advocates for expanded offerings at key sites to transform short visits into more comprehensive visitor experiences. “They’re making it, rather than a five-minute visit, a more complete visitor experience,” he said. He expressed his approval of the proposed investment in the sinkhole, stating, “It looks like there’s a reasonable investment being proposed for the sinkhole, and I commend council for that.” Furthermore, he stressed the importance of innovation in creating “new experiences” that encourage repeat visitation to the region, ensuring its continued appeal as a destination.
The public consultation period for the Umpherston Sinkhole master plan offers a vital opportunity for residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to a vision that balances preservation with progress for this iconic South Australian attraction.
