Changes for Mount Gambier’s Engelbrecht Cave and Umpherston Sinkhole as site operators prepare to say goodbye
One of SA’s best known regional tourism sites is about to undergo a big shift, as its long-time operator steps down after a decade.
Mount Gambier
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An end of an era is coming for two of Mount Gambier’s popular tourist destinations, which are both set to lose their respective cafes and souvenir shops as longtime operators step down.
Engelbrecht Cave operator Jan Coleman has announced she’s preparing to say goodbye to the cave and its coffee shop after 10 years, handing back the keys to Mount Gambier Council at the end of June.
“(After) 10 years of being the face of Engelbrecht Cave and Coffee Shop, it is with mixed emotions that I prepare to say goodbye,” Ms Coleman said.
“It has been a journey for sure. I opened the doors with no staff, and a faith that it would all work out.”
“I believed in this place. It had so much potential but just needed love and consistency. I feel I’ve brought that, and developed not only a viable business but also a tourist attraction for Mount Gambier to be proud of.”
Ms Coleman said her passion for Engelbrecht Cave began while she still at school and she would “ditch” with her friends and come and hang out at the cave.
In 2003 she came on as a volunteer with Lifeline who were running the tours at the cave at the time. Soon after, she was offered the role of site co-ordinator and served that role until November 2004 when Lifeline relinquished their lease on the site.
“Fast forward eight years and once again I was looking for employment. I came on board as a tour guide with the private operators at that time. When they decided it was time to move on, after only serving two years of their licence agreement, I took over.”
“Engelbrecht Cave has been my life for more than 10 years, I still love the cave, always will, but it’s time to take it next level. The business has outgrown the site, so it is time for me to follow other passions and allow someone else to add their touches to this iconic place.”
“You haven’t heard the last of me (however), I have plans to utilise my knowledge gained over the past 12 years.”
Mount Gambier Council plans to build on Ms Coleman’s success and said it was finalising details about who would take on operations at the site from July.
A week prior to Ms Coleman’s announcement, another staple of Mount Gambier’s tourism industry shared they were also ending their much-loved endeavour at Umpherston Sinkhole.
Julie Holdsworth, longtime operator of Umpherston Kiosk and Souvenirs announced on May 21 she was retiring from her role out at Umpherston “in the coming months”.
While there has been no exact date set for when Ms Holdsworth will close the door to her adored kiosk and souvenir shop for the last time, the shop is running a 50 per cent off closing-down sale for all of its giftware and souvenirs.
Ms Holdsworth said while she has immensely enjoyed running the kiosk over the years and getting to know all of her lovely customers, she has decided to enjoy some quality time with her family and is looking forward to where her future outside of Umpherston will take her.
The future of the kiosk site is currently unclear, but Mount Gambier Council recently endorsed a plan to prioritise Umpherston Sinkhole as the first site to be master planned out of four other sites.
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