MOUNT Gambier has been exposed on a tourism map with our hidden gem the Umpherston Sinkhole nominated to be named one of Australia’s seven wonders.
Experience Oz recently started a national voting campaign to gauge the opinion of Australians and international visitors on our unique landmarks.
“The whole principal of the campaign is to sum up what is in driving distance of capital cities and point out they are worth the travel,” campaign head Matt Hobbs said.
“We want to encourage people to visit places within Australia they may not know exist,” he said.
“It is about involving regional, underrated destinations that keep being ignored.”
With other 50 nominations from regional tourism organisations, Umpherston Sinkhole is up against some tough competition.
“We have nominations for the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Twelve Apostles and many other world-known locations,” Mr Hobbs said.
“South Australia has another six nominations, including Kangaroo Island and Flinders National Park.
“Umpherston Sinkhole is a prime contender and addresses all criteria we set – uniqueness, tourism value, rarity and obviously natural beauty – it ticks all the boxes and then some,” he said.
With only two weeks to go until voting closes, Mount Gambier City Council tourism and economic development manager Donna Foster urged people to recognise the site’s uniqueness.
“If you do not come and visit the Umpherston Sinkhole, you have missed out on a breathtaking surprise,” she said.
“Mount Gambier and the region’s hidden places have just been a secret too long and we are really thrilled to be nominated.”
Voting is open to all Australian residents over the age of 18, people can either vote online or text/SMS the word SINKHOLE to 19 719 777.
