INTEREST from volcanologists and geophysicists has been sparked by recent events nearly 20 kilometres south of Hamilton with a local distillery owner making a concerning discovery at Mt Napier.

James Hallam was searching for native berries to add to his gin when he noticed steam coming out of the ground in places, along with low rumbles that “could be felt if you put your ear to the ground”.

Named by Major Thomas Mitchell, Mt Napier has been the most recently active volcano in Victoria, but it has not exhibited any signs of activity in recorded history.

The mountain has an elevation of 440 metres and is part of the Newer Volcanics Province which covers a massive area of 15,000 square km with over 400 small shield volcanoes and volcanic vents.

Happy April Fool's Day from The Spec!