The beauty of the Umpherston Sinkhole has to be seen to be believed. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole, then, walk down into the sinkhole, along the terraces and behind the hanging vines. The resident colony of possums make an appearance at dusk and enjoy being fed fresh fruit (no bread please). A large undercover shelter with group seating and free barbecue is provided. The kiosk on site offers coffee, snacks, ice creams and souvenirs.
Umpherston Sinkhole, also known, as The Sunken Garden was once a cave formed through dissolution of the limestone. The sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards. Now the topsoil down on the floor forms the perfect environment for the sunken garden.
Originally beautified by James Umpherston around 1886, the sinkhole is open at all times and from dusk each evening the area comes alive with possums as they venture into the floodlit gardens to feed.
The geological processes that have created the sinkholes in the region inspired the sculpture at Umpherston....
