A sinkhole unlike some, methinks

@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
@Juliaacv (55260)
• Canada
7h
It is a pretty little place, I can only imagine the beautiful smell of the air scented from the vegetation. I hope that they just do a trimming on things, and not disrupt the entire area.
2 people like this
@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
A lot of people go there sit to sit/walk/relax.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (75411)
• Philippines
6h
I really do hope they don't spoil it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
It's much too nice an area to spoil.
@rakski (150516)
• Philippines
9h
That is such a nice sunken garden!!!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
I've only ever heard of sinkholes in roads and they are very scary.
@xFiacre (14423)
• Ireland
6h
@judyev that’s inventive and most pleasing.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
It's looks really lovely. I'd love to go there in person. It's not quite beyond the cards if we hurry.
1 person likes this
• United States
8h
No that's not what I was picturing
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (375485)
• Rockingham, Australia
5h
I've only ever seen ones in roads. I guess this one isn't going to sink any further.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51539)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3h
Can't improve on beauty.
@snowy22315 (205074)
• United States
4h
That is neat for a sinkhole .usually they are just spots where the ground has caved in.
• Philippines
29m
They say that sink holes are due to the water underneath the soil.
@DianneN (252101)
• United States
2h
That’s a beautiful use of a sinkhole!