Umpherston Sinkhole
Umpherston Sinkhole / Balumbul
A sunken garden formed where a limestone cave collapsed. Steps lead down to hydrangea beds and hanging vines at the bottom, and at night you can watch brushtail possums come out to feed.
Umpherston Sinkhole was originally a sinkhole formed where the roof of a limestone cave collapsed. In 1886 local politician James Umpherston transformed it into a 'sunken garden'. Today ivy covers the walls, and the bottom has neatly trimmed flowerbeds and hydrangeas, with steps leading down to the base. The garden is free to visit and lit at night. After dark, brushtail possums often come out to forage, a sight visitors should not miss. It lies just east of the city centre, about a 5-minute drive away, and there is a café kiosk in the garden.
Opening hours
All day (night lighting)
Nearby sights
- Cave Garden / Thugi
- Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre
- Blue Lake / Warwar
- Engelbrecht Cave
- Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi
- Centenary Tower
- Mount Schank
- Little Blue Lake