Cave Garden / Thugi — Attraction in Mount Gambier

The Cave Garden is a well-known attraction in the heart of Mount Gambier, located directly behind City Hall. This large limestone sinkhole has historic significance, as it was once the original water source for many of the town’s early settlers. For me, it’s a place I’ve visited many times since childhood, and while it remains an iconic site, I feel it has seen far better days.

The surrounding grounds are well maintained, with lawns, pathways, and signage in good condition. There are multiple viewing levels accessible by both stairs and ramped paths, making it easy for most visitors to get a close look. From the upper level, you can look down into the sinkhole, while the lower paths let you get nearer to the greenery and rock formations.

Inside the sinkhole itself, however, the flora could use more attention. It feels a little overgrown and untidy compared to how it once looked, and during my visit, I noticed some unwanted rubbish on the cave floor, which was disappointing. A cleanup and refresh would really help restore its appeal.

Entry is free, and it’s open daily, so it’s still worth stopping by if you’re in the city centre. With some extra care, the Cave Garden could easily return to being a...

Impeccably maintained gardens within metres of the main corner. On a sunny day it is highly recommended you sit at a table or on the grass to have a meal from any one of several cafes, bakeries or take-aways in the area. (picnic blanket optional). The gardens adjunct the city's central open sink hole, which has a lookout platform, and where most of the city's rain water run off diverts to underground. The area connects vibrant community hubs including, to the north, the newly constructed main corner complex where the professionally produced film 'Volcano' can be seen for free, at 1pm and 3pm Monday to Friday, with free, regular exhibitions also displayed here. Directly to the south is a modern and progressive public library which incorporates a cafe and a computer hub for internet access with free wi-fi connection available. Opposite here (to the east) is the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre where most of the city's visiting stage shows, dance competitions, caberets, musical and comedic performers etc....

We loved here! It's so cool and refreshing weather down here, even on a very hottttt day! You can find wild European bees hives on caves, which was the most interesting part of the visit for me 😎 tbh I wouldn't travel for hours just to see Mt Gambier and few tourists sights available here AGAIN. If I'm passing thru, I'd go there again ofc, as it's truly beautiful here. But Mr Gambier ppl don't offer much to tourists apart from this. Restaurants are available everywhere, no need to travel for them. But when you travel you expect to have some food available on spot. Instead we had to realise Mt Gambier restaurants are ALL CLOSED ON NEW YEAR DAY, and some tourist sights too, despite all hotels/motels/caravan parks ARE FULLY BOOKED. So... What are we...