Cave Gardens (South Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cave Gardens |
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Cave Gardens from viewing platform (2016)
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| Location | Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia |
| Depth | 27 metres (89 ft) |
| Discovery | 1845 |
The Cave Gardens are a special park in the middle of Mount Gambier, a town in South Australia, Australia. This beautiful garden is built around a very deep cave, about 27 meters (90 feet) deep!
Long ago, this cave was super important. It was the main source of fresh water for the early settlers of Mount Gambier. Today, it's a lovely spot for visitors to explore and enjoy nature. On August 2, 2001, the Cave Gardens were officially recognized as a State Heritage area, meaning they are a very important historical place.
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Discovering the Cave Gardens
The deep cave at the heart of the gardens was first found between 1845 and 1846. Explorers were surveying the area when they stumbled upon it. The fresh water inside the cave was a big reason why people decided to settle in Mount Gambier.
How the Gardens Grew
The land around the cave, about three acres, was set aside as a special government area. For many years, until the 1850s, this sinkhole was the main water supply for the growing town. The very first buildings in Mount Gambier, like the post office and town hall, were built close to this important water source.
In the 1890s, people started adding plants and places to sit, making it a nicer spot. The formal garden you see today was carefully designed and built between 1906 and 1910. It became a beautiful park for everyone to enjoy.
Past Features of the Garden
Over the years, the garden has had some interesting additions.
- In 1922, a captured German gun from WWI was displayed here, but it was later removed.
- A very tall flag pole stood in the garden for 40 years. On January 1, 1926, it fell over, but luckily, no one was hurt.
- During World War II, in 1942, a "model" air raid shelter was set up. This was so people could see what a shelter looked like, even though it was never needed for real.
What You Can See Today
Today, the Cave Gardens are a popular place for visitors. You can enjoy a scenic walk around the area. There's also a special viewing platform that lets you look down into the deep sinkhole. It's an amazing sight!
The very bottom of the cave is not open to the public for safety reasons. However, when it rains a lot, the water drains into the sinkhole, creating a beautiful waterfall that flows right into the cave. It's a spectacular natural show!
Safety at the Sinkhole
While the Cave Gardens are a wonderful place to visit, it's important to always be careful, especially near the sinkhole. There are fences and viewing platforms to keep everyone safe.
Staying Safe Near the Edge
The floor of the cave is not accessible to visitors. It's very important to stay on the marked paths and viewing areas. Trying to get too close to the edge or climb into the cave can be very dangerous. There have been incidents where people were injured after trying to get a closer look or enter the cave without permission. Always follow the safety signs and rules to have a fun and safe visit.
