Mount Gambier, South Australia's largest regional city, lies in the south-eastern corner of the state and at the junction of the Princes and Riddoch Highways. The city, settled in the 1850's around sheep and cattle farming was originally known as Gambier Town but was eventually changed to match the nearby prominent feature. Growth was substantiated as the rail from Adelaide was extended into the south-east and as major timber operations commenced in the area. By the 1950's, Mount Gambier was proclaimed a city and has become a major regional & commercial centre for the southern area of South Australia and parts of western Victoria due to its proximity with the state border. The major tourist attraction of the area is The Blue Lake, an extinct volcano filled with water that lies adjacent to the city and gains its name as the water turns a distinctive blue during the summer months. Nearby are Leg of Mutton, Brownes & Valley Lakes, all of which also form part of the same extinct volcano system and have since become popular recreational areas. Also in town are the Centenary Lookout (great vantage point over the city), Umpherston Caves, the Blue Lake Pump House (amongst several other historic buildings) and the Cave Gardens. Certainly a recommended spot to visit and is also a key centre for motorists travelling on the southern route from Adelaide to Melbourne as a wide variety of amenities are available for all tourists.

Population: 24,000
State: South Australia
Name Origin: Gambier's Mountain was named after Admiral Lord James Gambier.
Pronunciation: Mount Gam-be-er
Postcode: 5290
Local Government: Mount Gambier City Council
Location: 442km south-east of Adelaide
Main Roads: Princes Highway , Riddoch Highway
Main Watercourses: Blue Lake, Valley Lake
Radio Stations (Music): Star FM (96.1), Triple J (102.5), Mixx FM (88.9)

Photos from Mount Gambier (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):
 

	The Blue Lake, looking north-east with the old pumping station in the distance, Mt Gambier (2006).
	The Blue Lake, looking east from Bay Road, Mt Gambier (2006).
	The Blue Lake, looking south-east with adjacent parkland, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	View north-east over Valley Lake and Mount Gambier from Centenary Tower. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	View south over typical countryside surrounding Mount Gambier with Mt Schanck in the distance. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Looking north-east over Mt Gambier from Potters Point Lookout. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Looking south along Mitchell Street towards Commercial Street, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Commercial Street, looking east between Gray Street and Bay Road, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Penola/Bay Road, looking south from Alexander Street, Mt Gambier (2006).
	Penola Road, looking north as it approaches the Jubilee Highway (Princes Hwy), Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Penola Road, looking south towards the Jubilee Highway junction, Mt Gambier (2006).
	Penola Road, heading north as it approaches Wireless Road, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Jubilee Highway (Princes Hwy), looking east as it approaches Penola Road, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Jubilee Highway (Princes Hwy), heading east towards Wehl Street, Mt Gambier (2006).
	Commercial Road, looking east towards Wehl Street, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Gardens in Vanslitart Park, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).
	Umpherston Cave & associated gardens, Mt Gambier. Thanks to Jamie Scuglia for this pic (2001).