A sinkhole unlike some, methinks
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (375485)
Rockingham, Australia
March 26, 2026 4:08am CST
I’ve heard of sinkholes but Umpherston Sinkhole near Mount Gambier in South Australia doesn’t fit the usual description of this geological process. The sinkhole was once a cave but the top of the limestone chamber collapsed. In the late 1800s, James Umpherston, a local landowner, began creating a sunken garden, adding stone walls, stone steps and exotic plants.
Vines hang down the sides of the hole and there are viewing platforms at the top. The garden is sheltered and cool, and a microclimate has been created. Hydrangeas grow well there. It’s a popular place with tourists and locals alike and in the evenings the little native creatures come out of hiding. I haven’t been there, but the council is about to give the area a major facelift. I hope they don't spoil. It sounds a delightful place.
The photo is from Wikimedia, courtesy Thom Devereux.
10 people like this
10 responses
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
The locals are keep a close eye on things so that's good.
@wolfgirl569 (131724)
• Marion, Ohio
5h
That looks relaxing. It is a lovely spot
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
I've only ever heard of sinkholes in roads and they are very scary.
@snowy22315 (205074)
• United States
4h
That is neat for a sinkhole .usually they are just spots where the ground has caved in.
@luisadannointed (10363)
• Philippines
29m
They say that sink holes are due to the water underneath the soil.













