While walking around the Blue Lake, we noticed a tall hill adjacent to it with a stone tower at the top the Centenary Tower and decided to meet friends and make the climb. Be prepared: the walk up is steep, and I mean properly steep, so it doubles as a great cardio workout. In fact, there’s even a defibrillator at the top in case of emergencies, which makes sense once you’ve tackled the incline! Its about 190m above sea level
The effort is absolutely worth it though. From the summit, the views are incredible sweeping panoramas of Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake, Valley Lake, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. On a clear day you can see for miles across the lush countryside. The tower itself is an impressive stone structure dating back to the early 1900s, built to commemorate the first sighting of Mount Gambier by Lieutenant James Grant in 1800.
There are resting spots along the way, including a chair near the top where you can catch your breath before heading back down. The entrance is via the second gate (not through the caravan park), with clear signage to guide you.
This was a challenging but very rewarding walk for us, and a great warm-up before tackling the Grampians later in the week. A must-do if you enjoy history, fitness, and breathtaking views.
These are the open hours for the tower the walk is open every day.
Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday Closed Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Monday ...
Read moreThe view from Centenary Tower in Mount Gambia is nothing short of breathtaking. Perched atop a steep hill, the tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the beautiful rolling hills, forests, and distant mountains.
The climb up to the tower is steep, but it is worth every step. The exercise is a great way to get your heart pumping and the fresh mountain air is invigorating. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful forests and meadows, each with their own unique charm.
Once you reach the top of the tower, the view is absolutely worth the effort. It is an awe-inspiring sight that will leave you speechless. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas make it the perfect spot to sit and contemplate life.
In short, the view from Centenary Tower in Mount Gambia is a true gem. The climb up may be steep, but the reward is an unforgettable experience. I give the view from Centenary Tower in Mount Gambia a full five stars for its breathtaking beauty and...
Read morePerched atop the highest point on the rim of Valley Lake crater (indeed the highest point of all of Mt Gambier's volcanic craters), the lookout at this tower provides fine views looking down into and right across the crater and lake. Beyond, the rim and the side of Blue Lake crater facing towards this vantage point can also be seen, along with the town itself. Looking in the opposite direction (south) the views extend across fertile farmland towards the outline of Mt Schank, another extinct volcano with its' own crater, but no lake. The tower itself can be accessed (for a fee, at certain times), but in my opinion this isn't necessary, as the lookout at its' base offers views just as good, for free. To get there you have to walk up a rather steep path from the nearest carpark. It has a nice smooth asphalt surface and mostly follows the rim all the way up. It took me about 10-15 minutes, but the views...
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