MOUNT GAMBIER Mount Gambier is a destination city/large town. Just over the border from Victoria and now in South Australia and once again having to do the quarantine run. Plus put the clock back half an hour. Mount Gambier is a fabulous place to stay a few days. It takes its name from the Mount Gambier, a crater sighted in 1800 by Lieutenant James Grant from the survey brig, HMS Lady Nelson, and named for Lord James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet. Hastings Cunningham founded "Gambierton" in 1854 by subdividing a block of 77 acres (31 ha). From 1861 to 1878 the Post Office was known by this name before reverting to Mount Gambier. It is known for its interesting geography, particularly its volcanic features and the Blue Lake. Mount Gambier has lots of old buildings under heritage protection and the city is in the midst of the renovation program. The Hotels in Mount Gambier are with few exceptions 100 year plus buildings. Most of which have been upgraded. All of the main denomination churches are magnificent 150 year old masterpieces. The Anglican Church and Catholic Churches have great interiors and stained glass windows. Allow time to take in these great windows. The Mount Gambier War Memorial is in the Memorial Gardens on the western fringe of the cbd. The RSL has a military Museum. One of the great things about Mount Gambier, everything is central. Good planning that is.