Lots of exploring to do today.
Our first stop is the Blue Lake and other volcanic features. A massive caldera thankfully quiet, and is beautiful and blue. This caldera is fed by rainfall and the local water table. The lake has been providing potable water for the town since 1884. The neighbouring silent volcanoes are interesting to explore, alive with bird life and the Valley Lake has a conservation area electrically fenced off and protected from ferals, while kangaroos, wallabies, Bettongs, Potoroos and Bandicoot live within the compound, a real asset to the region and a safe haven for local wildlife and flora. Plenty of information boards around the lakes explaining the local characters of the region, Adam Lindsay Gordon, an outstanding horseman and poet was one. One of his poems to remember is, “Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own.” His bust was placed in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey
Second stop is the information centre, very helpful and friendly staff, and it has a good display centre. The stories about the Lady Nelson are worth noting, she is considered one of the most important ships in Australia’s early history. This ship incorporated new technology, a centre board-keel. There are displays about volcanic activity in this region and fossils, great stuff to read.
It’s then off to visit sink holes and more dormant volcanoes. The Little blue Lake is a popular swimming hole but still a beautiful body of water providing a window into the water table. A quick visit to Mt Schank was fortuitous as we encounter many Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos feeding on the seeds found within the female cone of the exotic pine, Pinus Radiata. This volcano erupted 4,500 years ago meaning indigenous people likely witnessed the volcanism in this region. Mt Schank also reminded us how badly returned soldiers were treated, governments are happy to send the defence forces to fight battles but fail to adequately meet the cost of helping them when they return. Perhaps all governments need to factor those post war costs into their budgets before considering war as a diplomatic option, maybe it might encourage a softer diplomatic approach.
We explore the Port MacDonnell Coastline, very picturesque and popular with tourists. The Southern Ocean is sending forth huge breakers pounding the cliffs and adjacent islands. At Cape Northumberland at the ruins of the old lighthouse we could see seals and again plenty of coastal birds.
Ewen’s ponds are crystal clear you can see fish and water plants arising from the pond floor. Piccaninnie Ponds are equally magical but areas below the water disappear into darkness leading to discussion about how many water caverns are there that we don’t see as we drive and walk about this region. The sink holes are also the home of many unique and threatened species.
We walk to the beach where Piccaninnie Ponds flows into the ocean, this is the last time we will see the Southern Ocean for a while. The habitat here supports the Orange-bellied Parrot.
It’s a quick stop at the Umpherston Sinkhole (Balumbal) in town, a great asset to Mt Gambier and popular with locals and tourists.
