Mount Gambier Cave Garden / Thugi and Civic Centre State Heritage Area

Mount Gambier Cave Garden / Thugi and Civic Centre State Heritage Area includes the original settlement and civic centre of the state's major regional centre. It recognises the Cave Gardens as a unique urban park and a significant recreation and tourism site.

The State Heritage Area is located within the Mount Gambier city centre, about 480km south east of Adelaide.

Today the Cave Garden is a shady, landscaped park surrounding a limestone sinkhole, with steps leading down into the 'cave'. The Garden features a beautiful marble fountain, a number of early commercial and government buildings. The Cave Garden is also the 'civic square' - the venue for many Mount Gambier community celebrations.

Mount Gambier was settled around the abundant fresh water supply from the sinkhole, influencing the overall development and planning of the city.

More about:

• public notice
• Mount Gambier Cave Garden / Thugi and Civic Centre State Heritage Area
• Cave Gardens Reserve
• Map of the Mount Gambier Cave Garden / Thugi and Civic Centre State Heritage Area

New Heritage Standards

We are seeking community feedback on draft Heritage Standards for State Heritage Areas in Mount Gambier to ensure future development respects the heritage values of the State Heritage Areas.

Once approved, the final Heritage Standards will be used to guide development decisions in the State Heritage Areas. Your feedback will help inform the final Heritage Standards. The drafts are currently open for public feedback on the YourSAy platform, and community consultation sessions. Visit the YourSAy page for more information and to complete the brief survey.

Consultation will be open from Monday, 7 July 2025 until Friday, 15 August 2025.