Mount Gambier Volcanic Complex state heritage area recognises it as Australia’s most recent site of volcanic activity. The complex consists of a series of craters and other volcanic features on the southern edge of the City of Mount Gambier including the Blue Lake/Warwar, Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi, Leg of Mutton Lake/Yatton Loo and Browne Lake/Kroweratwari (also including Devil’s Punchbowl).
Created around 4000 years ago, the area’s shallow water table was heated by the volcanic activity, causing steam pressure to build during eruptions. This created the characteristic craters (maars) and steam vents in the area. The explosions exposed the water table, filling the craters to create four lakes (only two remain as lakes).
Drive down into the volcano on sealed roads to discover the enveloped natural setting.
