This true hidden travel gem in South Australia is like an 'enchanted fairy garden'
Updated . First published
If I told you to put a sinkhole at the top of your must-visit list, you'd probably think I was a bit nuts.
But when that sinkhole looks like an enchanted fairy garden?
It's time to plan a trip.
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Who knew sinkholes could be so beautiful? Getty
South Australia's Umpherston Sinkhole is a stunning spot near the border of Victoria, and still relatively unknown to travellers.
Thanks largely to its remote location, it's a true hidden gem tucked away off the main tourist trail.
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But recently, a few videos of the mind-blowing location have taken off online, with scrollers amazed by what they see.
"I wandered into a garden that felt enchanted," reads the caption of one of the videos, showing off the sinkhole, which is full of bright flowers, cascading tree ferns, and limestone walls.
The sinkhole is 20 metres deep. Getty
Why is the Umpherston Sinkhole special?
The sinkhole was once a limestone cave, formed by seawater over thousands of years. When the chamber's roof collapsed, it became a sinkhole.
The spot was made into a garden by James Umpherston in 1886, and still flourishes to this day.
About 20 metres deep, as you descend the staircase into the garden, the temperature drops noticeably, making it a welcoming spot on warm summer days.
The floor is covered in a carpet of green, featuring massive hydrangeas (which bloom spectacularly in summer), ferns, stone paths, and even a fountain.
One of the most famous features is the "wallpaper" of hanging ivy and vines that drape down the limestone walls like a green waterfall.
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The garden is stunningly kept. Instagram
Is Umpherston Sinkhole free?
As a public park, the sinkhole has free entry. It's also open 24/7, though the floodlights are turned off at 1am - visit after that and you won't be able to see.
It's easily located, right on the Jubilee Highway East in Mount Gambier, and there's free on-site parking.
When is the best time to visit Umpherston Sinkhole?
If you're there to take photos and videos, aim to get there in the morning. This is when the sun hits the floor of the sinkhole and it is vibrant with colour.
Can you visit the Umpherston Sinkhole at night?
If you visit around dusk, you'll get a chance to see the local possums emerge in their search for food.
Once it gets dark, the floodlights are switched on, making it easier to see.
Head to Potters Point Lookout for great views of the area. Getty
What else is near Umpherston Sinkhole?
The Umpherston Sinkhole is in Mount Gambier, about a five-hour drive from Adelaide. There are a lot of other things to check out in the area to make the trip worth it - especially if you're into exploring the outdoors.
The Blue Lake is a massive lake inside a dormant volcanic crater, famous for its vibrant colour. Between November and March, the water turns a startling, bright turquoise blue, and there's a 3.6km walking circuit around the rim for incredible views.
If you want a swim, head to Little Blue Lake.
There's another sinkhole, right in the city you can visit, too: Cave Garden. It has a suspended viewing platform, from which you can watch a nightly light show. If it has been raining, a waterfall plunges into the depths.
Take a dip in Little Blue Lake. Getty
You could also drive across the border to Nelson and find a nice spot on the Glenelg River to have a picnic. Here, you can rent kayaks as well.
Locals and visitors love Scroll Queen if you want a sweet treat - their cinnamon rolls are to die for.
Ewens Ponds is another great spot, where you can snorkel. It's super cold, though, so maybe consider renting a wetsuit in Allendale East before you jump in.
