tourism mount gambier

Mount Gambier

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• Limestone Coast

Explore Mount Gambier: the heart of the Limestone Coast.

Geological wonders abound in Mount Gambier, the heart of the Limestone Coast and second largest town in South Australia. Discover the dazzling sapphire waters of the famed Blue Lake , the local's favourite Little Blue Lake and explore an underground garden of Eden at Umpherston Sinkhole . Pull up a seat at a New Orleans-style jazz bar or for the adventurous, snorkel the crystal-clear waters of the Piccaninnie Ponds which have been filtering through the limestone over thousands of years, or descend deeper at the world-famous dive site Kilsby Sinkhole . Wander down streets dotted with impressive heritage buildings and explore a plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants, while just beyond the town you’ll find day-trip destinations like Robe , Penola and Coonawarra . You can fly direct to Mount Gambier from Adelaide or Melbourne with Qantas or Rex .

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Whether you're using mount gambier as a base to explore the rest of the limestone coast, or you're planning to put your feet up enjoy the city, we've got some ideas for how to make the most of your trip to this jewel of the south east..

Mount Gambier Highlights

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15 Things to do in Mt Gambier

Mt Gambier usually isn’t on the top of people’s bucket lists, but it should be. This unique town of South Australia has so much to experience and admire. Filled with geological wonders, hidden caves, and pretty lakes, Mount Gambier is a worthwhile long weekend adventure.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Cave garden / thugi, centenary tower, valley lake, little blue lake, piccaninnie ponds & ewens ponds, mount schank, tantanoola caves, naracoorte caves, engelbrecht cave, cape northumberland – australia’s first lighthouse, port macdonnell – lobster capital of australia, lady nelson discovery centre, blue lake holiday park, aloha central premium studios, old mount gambier gaol – sleep in a cell.

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Must See Mount Gambier Attractions

You will find Mount Gambier in South Australia’s limestone coast region, a 4 hour and 37 minute road trip from Adelaide. It is home to beautiful gardens, volcanic craters and incredible cave systems.

Umpherston Sinkhole sits 20m deep and is a geological masterpiece draped in ivy and covered with exotic plants. You will not find a better place for a magical picnic than this whimsical garden floor.

The sinkhole, which is one of the wonders of South Australia is great for a road trip . It’s free to visit, open all year with flood lights on until 1am.

If you are keen to see more sinkholes, the less well known Caroline sinkhole in the Penambol Conservation Park is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Mount Gambier and is home to a number of wombats!

Divers might also like to check out Engelbrecht Cave, a sinkhole cave, where qualified divers can explore the cave’s deepest reaches.

• Visit at night to say hello to the resident possums. Don’t come empty handed though, the possums love to be fed treats.
• There are BBQ facilities in the surrounding the park
• There is wheelchair and pram access to the first viewing platform. The lower level is accessed via stairs.

Where : Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier When : 24 hrs

In the heart of Mount Gambier is another beautiful sinkhole, the Cave Garden / Thugi. Follow the path decorated with roses to the viewing platform where you can gaze down into the beauty of the chasm. If it has rained the day before, a small waterfall will become the star.

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The garden is on the main street, so plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

Tips for visiting Mount Gambier’s Cave Garden

• Every night, once the sun sets, dreamtime stories of the Boandik people, the traditional custodians of the land, are told with the Cave Gardens Sound and Light show . It is free to watch and great family entertainment.

Where : 1 Bay Rd, Mount Gambier  When : 24 hours

This iconic tower is the most popular lookout in Mount Gambier because of the 360 spectacular views and the sights of the glistening crater lakes. Seated above Valley Lake, the Centenary Tower is illuminated at night, becoming a magical sight itself and can be seen from various points throughout Mount Gambier town.

If it doesn’t happen to be open on your visit, the view is still incredible from the bottom of the tower, especially at sunrise and sunset

• When the flag is raised, the tower is open (it is generally open in summer from 10am-3pm) along with a souvenir shop, snacks and ice-cream
• It is a short but steep walk to the tower so be sure to wear comfortable footwear

Where : Elliott Dr, Mount Gambier When : 2pm-5pm Fridays, holiday periods see greater access

The beautiful Blue Lake Mount Gambier lays within 1 of 3 extinct volcanoes within the town and is one of the most popular attractions as it glistens a unique, vibrant blue during the summer months.

The theory behind the lake’s radiant colour is because of the large amount of white calcite crystals that form on the surface, which reflect bright blue wavelengths when the sun’s rays hit.

The best time to visit is during November-March on a sunny day, as this is when the water will be the most vibrant

Other than the viewing platforms along the circuit, there are multiple places to view the lake’s beauty: including Centenary Tower, Blue Lake Lookout and the Hidden Underpass. This last one results in the most beautiful panoramic view and the safety rail is decorated with engraved locks as if it has become tradition when visited.

• Unfortunately, you can’t swim at the Blue Lake as it is the town’s water supply
• Surrounding the water is the 3.6km, dog friendly Blue Lake Circuit
• The walking trail is illuminated at night

Book a tour with Aquifer Tours where you will be taken down a glass lift to edge of the lake and learn the stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and aboriginal legend of Blue Lake

Where : John Watson Drive Mount Gambier, When : 24 hours

Valley Lake is the perfect place to spend with the family as it has wide grassed areas for activities, is a popular place for water sports and you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ amongst the beautiful surroundings.

Less popular than the neighbouring Blue Lake it is a fantastic site for photographers who will love the incredible range of flora and fauna found here.

The crater lake sits within what was once Mount Gambier’s original botanic gardens and is extremely beautiful, especially during Autumn. Drive through the windy mountain roads to Potters Point Lookout for an almost aerial view of the lake.

Surrounding the water is a 1.5 hike and a conservation park, so keep a look out for the resident Koalas and Kangaroos. Valley Lake is considered to be a safer swimming spot than Little Blue Lake.

Tips : If you are travelling with kids they will enjoy the playground and cricket nets here

Where : Elliott Drive, Mount Gambier When : Daylight hours

Sitting within another inactive volcanic crater is the sparkling Little Blue Lake. Wander from the surrounding field down to the floating pontoon and swim in Little Blue Lake, only a 13 minute drive from ‘big brother’, Blue Lake. During the warm weather, this is one of Mount Gambier’s main attractions to both locals and tourists due to its beauty and swimming appeal.

• Although swimming is permitted here, it is not patrolled
• Divers who hold a Deep Cavern Grade Certification are welcome to cave dive here

Where : Mount Salt Rd, Mount Schank When : 24 hours

These natural wonders are known for their crystal clear, fresh water. You can look up at the clouds from 40m below, counting that the algae has not been too disturbed. Follow Glenelg River Road for 30 minutes until you hit the Piccaninnie Ponds Road turn off and be amazed at what you will find in the water.

Piccaninnie Ponds is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Suitable for both novice or experienced cave divers. You will need to purchase a dicing permit from National Parks SA . If you would like to be guided on your visit contact Reef2Ridge for a snorkel or diving tour.

Tips: If you are into cave diving, you can discover the 90m deep underwater cavern, the Cathedral. The best time to dive is during the morning before the algae is disturbed by other swimmers, so if you book a diving tour, we recommend a morning session.

Where : Piccaninnie Ponds Rd, Wye  When : Daylight hours

Follow the path of limestone stairs from the car park to the top of this inactive volcano and hike the 1.5km Crater Rim Walk for an incredible 360 view of the scenery, both in and around the crater.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Limestone Coast (@limestonecoast)

• The hike is rated moderate difficulty
• The trail down into the crater itself is not maintained, so proceed with caution

Where : 92 Mountain Path Road, Mount Schank When : Daylight hours

The secrets of what lay within the Tantanoola Caves can only be seen on one of its wheelchair accessible 30 minute guided tours.

The inside of the cave is forever changing with new peach, brown and orange toned stalagmites constantly growing. Book a tour to see its geological decorations and learn how the cave was discovered by a young boy.

Tips: Nearby is the Tantanoola Cave Conservation Park, which has a 500m walking loop which highlights the face of Up and Down Rock.

Where : Princes Highway, Tantanoola When : 10am-3pm – Tours run every 30 minutes

An hour’s drive from Mount Gambier is Naracoorte Caves. They are South Australia’s only World Heritage Site, with five caves open to explore on a guided or self-guided walk.

You can learn about the giant marsupials that once roamed the land before humans and see their fossils which are on display.

Tips: While the caves themselves are not wheelchair accessible, the Wonambi Fossil Centre and Bat Observation Centre are.

Children can play at the Fossil Hunters Nature Playground while you enjoy a coffee from Caves Café. Alternatively make use of the picnic grounds and barbeques.

Where : 89 Wonambi Road, Naracoorte When : 9am-5pm

The Engelbrecht Caves are truly amazing, which is why they are one of the top attractions in the limestone coast. The caves act like a labyrinth that tunnels underneath the heart of Mount Gambier. They are visually unique compared to others in South Australia.

On the cave tour, you will be introduced to one of the town’s oldest living creatures in the clear, underground lake from one of the underground cabins.

Fully certified cave divers and explore the caves sinkhole.

Tips : Tours are booked on arrival and times change seasonally. Check their Facebook page for details.

Where : 26 Chute St, Mount Gambier When : 9.30am-3pm every day in the school holidays (usually closed Wednesdays) Unfortunately, the caves are not wheelchair accessible.

Half an hour away from Mount Gambier is where you will experience the most spectacular sunrise or sunset on the coast at Cape Northumberland.

Walk along the rocky shore and find the natural geological formations that have been carved by the ocean, creating animal like rock figures, including Rhino Rock. Remains of South Australia’s first mainland lighthouse can be found 2 minutes away at the Cape Northumberland Heritage and Nature Park.

Tips: Come during dusk or dawn to spot some fairy penguins

Where : Cape Northumberland Rd, Port Macdonnell When : 24 hours

If you want to try lobster fishing, 5 minute drive from Cape Northumberland and just 28km from Mount Gambier is the Port Macdonnell, Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital.

Pop into Periwinkles cafe for a bite to eat if you fancy a lobster lunch, they do a great grilled lobster

If you would like to learn about the town’s fascinating past drop in at the German Mine, Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum or the Dingley Dell & Dingley Dell Conservation Park which was the home of the famous poet Adam Lindsay Gordon.

Where : Port Macdonnell, South Australia When : 24 hours

For more information about Mount Gambier attractions and history, visit the Lady Nelson Discovery Centre.

It is also an attraction itself with an fossified skull of Simosthenurus occidental on display, a glass floor with illuminated fossil rocks beneath and an under-sea world with interactive displays and aquatic creatures.

Where :  35 Jubilee Hwy East, Mount Gambier  When : Weekdays 9am-5pm, Weekends 10am-4pm

It’s a good idea to have travel insurance to cover any cancellations or unexpected problems that may arise. We use and recommend Cover-More for all our travel. They also offer an Inbound plan for anyone visiting Australia from overseas.

Where to stay in Mount Gambier

Caravans parks and motels abound in Mount Gambier, which makes choosing one harder. Despite the number of properties, the good ones book out early in peak season.

The closest choice to Blue Lake this holiday park has a wide range of options, from lovely small but modern cottages to 3 bedroom bungalows. Excellent facilities for kids with a jumping pillow and games room. Check prices or availability of Blue Lake Holiday Park here .

This upmarket motel has large (45-65sqm) king and twin rooms with plenty of off-street parking.

Visit Mount Gambier’s old gaol or stay the night to experience some unique accommodation . From original cell rooms to staff quarters there is a variety of rooms to choose from.

Grab a map from reception and go for a self-guided tour and explore the cell blocks, discover the original wall murals and read the interactive signage. Guided tours are also available by appointment for a more detailed experience.

Where : 25 Margaret St, Mount Gambier. If you are travelling by public transport free transfers to the Goal are available

Planning to explore South Australia? Head over to our Facebook Group for Australian Travel Tips or to ask a question in our friendly community.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mount Gambier

• Getting there
• Eat & Drink
• Destinations

Mind-blowing nature is what to expect from Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast in South Australia, halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide. Surrounding a dormant volcano that erupted only 5,000 years ago, the city – the second-largest in South Australia with a population of roughly 26,000 – is home to hundreds of craters, sinkholes and caves, as well as a Blue Lake that turns a mesmerising cobalt blue in summer.

During the day, discover its natural wonders and learn its fascinating history dating back to even before its European settlers arrived, when the Boandik peoples still lived on its lands. At night, settle into one of its 10 historic pubs for a fresh, local produce meal and a frothy pint (or three).

Curiously, Mount Gambier feels like both a bustling city with plenty to do and see and a small country town where locals remember you. Add its surreal sights into the mix and you’ve got an Aussie destination seriously worth travelling for.

Getting to Mount Gambier

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Get here via a direct, hour-long flight from Adelaide or Melbourne. Or hop in the car to drive four hours and 45 minutes from Adelaide or five hours from Melbourne. Prefer not to drive yourself? Book a coach bus journey from Adelaide via Stateliner . Or, from Melbourne, book a train or bus via Geelong via V/Line .

Mount Gambier has a Mediterranean climate with warm-to-hot, dry summers and mild-to-cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is warmer and the Blue Lake switches from steel grey to dazzling blue. It’s also then that the area experiences less rainfall. The wettest month is July, while February typically records the lowest rainforest.

Top things to do in Mount Gambier

featured post

9 awe-inspiring things to do in Mount Gambier

Lakes, caves, volcanoes, and sinkholes – Mount Gambier is a little city with a lot to offer. Despite being the secon...

Lakes, caves, volcanoes and sinkholes – the list of things to do in Mount Gambier is as unique as they come. Don’t miss these highlights…

Caves & Sinkholes

There are roughly 800 caves in the Limestone Coast, a handful of which are open to the public. In Mount Gambier, Engelbrecht Cave , in the centre of a mountain, can be visited by experienced divers. An hour-long drive north and accessible by foot is Naracoorte Caves National Park , one of South Australia’s only World-Heritage sites, containing incredible fossil records of ancient animals that once roamed the area. Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park are spectacular caves set into a cliff face.

The area is also home to roughly 50 sinkholes. Kilsby Sinkhole is known as one of the best sinkhole dive sites in the world (you can snorkel here too), while Cave Gardens, the Umpherston Sinkhole, Blanche Cave and Hells Hole are other sinkholes also worth visiting.

History & Culture

The Boandik people lived in the Mount Gambier region for at least 50,000 years until European settlers invaded their lands in 1840. Learn the stories of these traditional custodians of the land through an evening light show at the Cave Gardens precinct that sees images projected onto buildings. Or do a 4.5-kilometre-long self-guided walk passing various heritage buildings. Download a map online or pick one up at the Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre.

Other Attractions

You can’t visit Mount Gambier and not see the Blue Lake . One of four crater lakes around the city, it stretches over 1000 metres wide, is thought to be on average 72 metres deep and in summer, turns a jaw-dropping cobalt blue. And while you can’t swim in it (you can swim in nearby Little Blue Lake), you can do a 3.6-kilometre-long walk around it, admiring it from all angles. Another sight not to miss is the Piccaninnie Ponds . Snorkel or dive it. Or stroll alongside it to see its freshwater springs bubbling up onto the sand. Keen to feed pigs, emu, sheep, chicken and geese? Take a self-guided walk at Echo Farm , a 10-minute drive from town.

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Hotels & Motels

Mount Gambier has no shortage of hotels and motels scattered around the city, ranging from affordable to premium. Comfort Inn The Lakes has a spa and heated pool and is just a five-minute walk from the Blue Lake. Park Hotel , along the city’s main street, offers boutique accommodation including three luxurious suites. Mid City Motel is also in the centre of town. The Henty is a motel a five-minute drive from town. After somewhere inexpensive, yet quirky? Book into a dorm room or double cell with en suite at hostel The Old Mount Gaol .

Holiday & Caravan Parks

Like its hotels and motels, Mount Gambier has a considerable amount of caravan parks. Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park boasts a convenient central location, steps from many of the city’s cafés, restaurants and shops. Set on eight acres of parkland three kilometres from town, Limestone Coast Tourist Park is a quiet escape, a short drive away from the area’s sights. Blue Lake Holiday Park is set on a whopping 27 acres of landscaped gardens and surrounding valley. Pine Country Caravan Park , a 30-minute walk from Blue Lake, prides itself on its clean and modern facilities.

In addition to the parks mentioned above, you can also camp at Kalganyi Holiday Park , conveniently located next to Mount Gambier Market Place Shopping Centre; Mount Gambier Showgrounds , ideal for couples or small groups; and beachfront Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park , which has 120 campsites.

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Best Restaurants & Pubs in Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier has roughly 10 historic pubs. Open since 1862 and affectionately called ‘The G’, Mount Gambier Hotel is an institution in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find seasonal fare as well as a wide variety of local beers, wines and spirits. Mac’s Hotel , Federal Hotel and The South Eastern Hotel are other popular options for classic Aussie pubs.

The area has also developed a reputation for its premium wine with most of their grapes grown on vineyards that were once cheese and butter factories, up until the late 1970s. Get a taste of it at cellars for Haig Vineyard , Herbert Vineyard and Whispering Vines.

Food-wise, Natural Born Grillers has developed a cult-following for its American-style burgers, shakes and loaded fries. For a big breakfast, visit Café Melzar , Confession Café or Limestone Coast Pantry . And for a fine dining option, look no further than steakhouse The Barn or Thyme @ The Lakes at the edge of the Valley Lake Crater, known for its steaks, beef tenderloin and cheesecakes. Sorrentos Café is a casual, local spot. The city is also home to dozens of eateries serving Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisines.

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Tours & Packages for Mount Gambier

While all of Mount Gambier’s sinkholes and caves can be explored on your own, many of them can also be experienced by tour. Umpherston Sinkhole Walking Tour will not only see a guide pointing out its highlights, but it’ll also have you understanding the sinkhole’s history with the help of relayed stories, as well as black-and-white images. For a one-of-a-kind experience, book into Meet Umpherston Possums at Night, a one-hour adventure that will see you venturing into a cenote to find friendly possums. Understand the area’s unique geology and how it shaped everything from its farms to forests on the Crater Lakes Walking Tour .

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Mount Gambier (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Mount Gambier (Australia)

South Australia’s second most populous city is built right on top of a volcanic crater.

Breathtaking geomorphology is all part of the cityscape, at volcanic rims, crater lakes, cave systems and two sinkholes that were turned into gardens at the end of the 19th century.

In summer, people flock to Mount Gambier for a sight of the Blue Lake, which for a few weeks takes on a mesmerising cobalt blue.

Due to its natural prominence, in 1800 Mount Gambier was the first place in South Australia to be identified and named by Europeans, and there’s a 120-year-old tower at the volcano’s summit commemorating this moment.

1. Umpherston Sinkhole

In the 1880s the Mount Gambier resident James Umpherston (1812-1900), a member of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Adelaide, turned a sinkhole east of the town into an exquisite sunken garden.

This landform is a limestone solutional cave with a collapsed roof, leaving a deep depression in the landscape with high vertiginous walls.

There are platforms at the top where you can admire the garden’s kaleidoscopic colours and the vines hanging from the walls, before taking the stairs down to the sinkhole’s floor to peruse the hydrangeas, tree ferns and fountain.

A colony of possums makes its home in the sinkhole and comes out at night, when you can feed them healthy treats (no bread or junk food!).

2. Blue Lake

At the height of summer in December, the sweeping crater lake in the south of Mount Gambier suddenly turns from a greyish blue to a beguiling shade of cobalt blue.

This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a chemical reaction when the lake’s water rises to 20°C, and lasts for about three months before the Blue Lake returns to its more muted shade.

There’s a walking trail along the crater, depositing you at lookouts on the north and west sides where you can gaze awestruck at this unforgettable sight.

But if you want to get even closer, Aquifer Tours will take you in a lift down the lake’s old well shaft.

During this 45-minute experience your guide will tell you all about the lake’s place in Aboriginal culture and share entertaining anecdotes about its modern history.

3. Cave Garden

Once a source of water for early European settlers at Mount Gambier, this sinkhole in the heart of the city was landscaped and turned into a garden in the late-19th century.

The sinkhole is some 30 metres deep and its steep sides can be accessed via walkways and lookouts that overhang the chasm.

The garden is also treasured for its rose beds, and if you pay a visit after a rainy spell there’s an enchanting waterfall.

After sunset the excellent Evening Light Show recounts the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories relating to Mount Gambier and its volcanic landforms.

4. Engelbrecht Cave

There’s another opportunity to go below Mount Gambier’s surface at this limestone show cave just west of the CBD.

Engelbrecht Cave was discovered by Europeans in 1864, but for the next century would be used by its owners as a rubbish dump! The dry portion of the cave system is now a tourist attraction, illuminated and installed with stairways and viewing platforms.

You’ll descend with a tour guide who will tell you all about its formation and history.

Much of Engelbrecht Cave is flooded, making it a big draw for cave divers.

If you want to explore the submerged portions you’ll need a CDAA Cave grade for the eastern passage and a CDAA Advanced Cave grade for the western passage.

Free maps are provided by the Cave Divers Association.

5. Centenary Tower

Cresting the volcano, west of Mount Gambier’s two crater lakes stands the castle-like Centenary Tower.

This dolomite structure is an icon of the city’s skyline and stands 190 metres above sea level.

It was begun in 1900 on the centenary of Mount Gambier’s sighting by Lieutenant James Grant aboard the HMS Lady Nelson and received its first visitors in 1904. There’s nowhere better to survey Mount Gambier’s unique volcanic landscape, and there’s an orientation on the platform below, pointing out the various landmarks in the distance.

One way to get to Centenary Tower is via the Mountain Trail, which traces the rim above Valley Lake.

6. Valley Lake

The lake in the crater below Centenary Tower has the same volcanic origins as Blue Lake, but remains off the tourist trail.

Before you get to Centenary Tower there’s another great vantage point for the lake, Mount Gambier and the surrounding landscape at Potters Point Lookout.

Down on the western lakeshore is a wildlife park, with trails and a boardwalk where you may spot kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas and wombats.

And close by, next to the water, there’s a children’s playground, a barbecue area, shelters and sports facilities like cricket nets.

7. Mount Schank

Take the Riddoch Highway south of Mount Gambier and before long you’ll come to another dormant volcano dominating the otherwise flat landscape.

At 100 metres tall, Mount Schank has two overlapping craters to the north and south, measuring 300 metres and 200 metres in diameter.

The volcano is thought to have last erupted 5,000 years ago, and its prehistoric activity is woven into the local Aboriginal Dreamtime stories about the giant Craitbul (more later). You can park by the highway and follow the two-kilometre trail up to the rim to stare into the cider cone, mostly unaffected by erosion, and see Mount Gambier on the horizon to the north.

8. The Riddoch & Main Corner Complex

Overlooking the Cave Garden from the north is Mount Gambier’s Civic Centre, home to the Riddoch Art Gallery and the Main Corner, which has riveting interactive exhibits about the area’s volcanic geomorphology.

The complex merges the Romanesque Revival, dolomite-built Town Hall (1882), with new architecture completed in 2011. As for the Riddoch Art Gallery, this is South Australia’s oldest regional gallery, housing a permanent collection running to more than 2,000 works.

You can check out exhibitions drawn from this collection, as well as first-rate touring shows from major institutions like the Art Gallery of South Australia and the National Gallery of Australia.

9. Volcano – The Story of Earth, Fire and Water

For an eye-opening intro to the Kanawinka region’s Aboriginal origin story and tumultuous natural history there’s a regular big screen presentation at the Main Corner.

This starts with the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the volcanic landscape, centred on the giant Craitbul and his vast camp ovens.

Then you’ll learn about the eight colossal eruptions that formed Mount Gambier, and how the Kanawinka Region has been defined by volcanic activity.

You can catch this audiovisual experience at 13:00 and 15:00 on weekdays, and 11:00 and 13:00 on weekends.

10. Railway Lands

In 2015 the old industrial railway corridor for the closed Mount Gambier Station was turned into a dynamic and award-winning public space.

At Railway Lands you’ll find lawns, an amphitheatre, an expansive events plaza and a raised, nature-oriented play area, barbecues, a labyrinth, pond with creek and sheltered market platform.

This is a venue for an endless list of public events, from fitness classes to outdoor film screenings, concerts, markets and art installations.

Meanwhile 5.5 kilometres of the old line has been turned into a multiuse rail trail that passes through the old station.

11. Lady Nelson Visitor Centre

Naturally this complex to the east of the CBD is the best place to get hold of brochures and leaflets and chat with knowledgeable staff about accommodation, attractions, tours and events all over South Australia.

You can also buy locally made souvenirs, pick up a soft drink and make use of the public toilets.

But the Lady Nelson Visitor Centre is also an attraction in its own right.

For one thing there’s a full-size replica of HMS Lady Nelson, the survey vessel from which the dormant crater of Mount Gambier was first sighted by Europeans in 1800. Inside the centre the documentary, “Across the Green Triangle”, showcases the nature, history and development of Mount Gambier and its surroundings.

Also on display is the ossified skull of a simosthenurus, a distant ancestor of the kangaroo, from the Pleistocene.

Finally, there’s a glass floor suspended over an array of fossils, and a series of interactive displays dedicated to marine life off the South Australia coast.

12. Echo Farm

This attraction a few minutes out of town is a place to reconnect with agriculture on a self-guided tour.

All across Echo Farm there are historical exhibits from the 1890s to the 1950s, shining a light on the livelihoods of the past, and you can poke around the old farmhouse, which has been preserved as it was in the 1940s.

Kids will have a fine time meeting Echo Farm’s animals, among them donkeys, sheep, horses, goats, ducks, pigs, emus, geese, chickens and cats, many of which can be petted.

Light refreshments are sold on site, or you can bring your own food and drink for a peaceful picnic.

13. Vansittart Park

For a more sedate urban park in the centre of Mount Gambier there’s Vansittart Park on the west side of the CBD, dating back to the 1880s.

This green space surrounds an oval, home ground for North Gambier Football Club, which plays in the Western Border Football League.

Vansittart Park meanwhile is well-equipped and carefully tended, boasting walking and jogging tracks, a vibrant botanical garden, a fenced picnic area and a handsome rotunda from 1913. The children’s playground is also top-notch, offering a wide variety of equipment safely bedded with woodchips.

14. Mount Gambier Public Library

A word on this multimillion-dollar amenity on the southern margins of Cave Garden.

Not long after it opened in 2010 there were claims that Mount Gambier had the best small public library in the world.

More than a decade on it remains a benchmark for its bold, future-forward architecture and comprehensive services.

Travellers who need to keep in touch or are plotting their next move will be pleased with the computer access, free Wi-Fi and Bookmark Cafe.

But it’s the children’s section that really stands out, inspired by Mount Gambier’s caves, sinkholes and lakes, and integrating a play area.

15. Mount Gambier RSL War Museum

If you still have time to spare there’s a diverting museum at Mount Gambier RSL (Returned and Services League) Club building, around the corner from the Cave Garden.

In display cases mounted on the wall is a wide-ranging collection of military artefacts, including uniforms, flags, weapons, ammunition, documents, medals, gas masks, helmets and all sorts of other equipment.

These objects span every conflict that Australia has been involved in, from World War I to the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.

15 Best Things to Do in Mount Gambier (Australia):

• Umpherston Sinkhole
• Cave Garden
• Engelbrecht Cave
• Centenary Tower
• Valley Lake
• Mount Schank
• The Riddoch & Main Corner Complex
• Volcano - The Story of Earth, Fire and Water
• Railway Lands
• Lady Nelson Visitor Centre
• Vansittart Park
• Mount Gambier Public Library
• Mount Gambier RSL War Museum

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Mount Gambier

Things to do in mount gambier, tours near mount gambier.

Coonawarra Half Day Wine Tour With Lunch

Coonawarra Full Day Wine Tour With Lunch

Wine Tasting at our Cellar Door in Penola

Wine Tasting Activity at Rymill Coonawarra

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What travellers are saying

• Umpherston Sinkhole
• The Blue Lake
• The Valley Lake
• Mount Schank
• Cave Gardens
• The Mount Gambier Visitor Centre
• Centenary Tower

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About Mount Gambier

Welcome to Mount Gambier, you will be amazed at the diversity of the landscape and variety of experiences available in South Australia’s largest regional city.

Home to the Blue Lake/Warwar, craters, caves, sinkholes, underground waterways, beautiful gardens, combined with wineries, markets, galleries, festivals and events, fresh local produce and food. Experience the best of the country, while enjoying all the facilities of a thriving cosmopolitan city, with great shopping, award winning restaurants, and world class natural attractions.

Mount Gambier is famous for the Blue Lake/Warwar, but there is much more to enjoy about Mount Gambier.

Contact our Visitor Information Centre to have an information pack mailed to you: 1800 087 187 or to learn more about what Mount Gambier and the surrounding area has to offer, visit https://discovermountgambier.c...

Facts and Figures

Mount Gambier is the major service centre for the Limestone Coast. A thriving progressive community, residents enjoy a quality lifestyle, with city facilities and services. Many attractions, over 50 different accommodation options, major retail outlets, unique shopping opportunities, entertainment, all surrounded by volcanic craters, lakes, limestone and underground aquifers. Galleries, museums and markets provide an insight into the thriving culture and arts scene.

The City has a population of 26,000 and also services the surrounding towns and districts. Mount Gambier enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate; it is between 40-75 metres above sea level. The volcano’s crater rim is 190 metres and the surface of The Blue Lake 12 metres above sea level. The annual rainfall is between 450mm-820mm per year.

Mount Gambier is 436kms from Adelaide and 441kms from Melbourne, and is the centre for a large transport industry resulting from its central location, between Melbourne and Adelaide.

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As one of the most-visited tourist spots in Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake is considered to be the gem of Mount Gambier’s tourist attractions. It...

Mount Gambier’s Cave Gardens are a great place to visit if you love nature and the outdoors. This beautiful garden offers a wide array of things to see, do and explore. Take a break from the sightseeing and...

The Big Lobster, as the name suggests, is a popular sculpture of a huge red coloured spiny lobster and is located near the entrance of Kingston SE, a renowned fishing town of South Australia. The Big Lobster, known by...

Whilst visiting the wonderful Mount Gambier region, you should take a walk up to Centenary Tower to get the most scenic and panoramic views of Mount Gambier and the coast. The beautiful Centenary Tower is located 190...

The Dingley Dell Conservation Park is the former home of one of Australia’s famous poets, Adam Lindsay Gordon. Located approximately 30 kilometres south of Mount Gambier, Dingley Dell can be easily accessed via...

The city of Beachport is widely known for the Beachport Jetty. Considered as one of the most beautiful jetties in South Australia, the Beachport Jetty extends over the waters of Rivoli Bay and offers some beautiful...

Apart from the gorgeous Blue Lake, the Mount Gambier region houses a number of other crater lakes within its vicinity. Come and explore the area’s most popular crater lakes including the Blue Lake and the Mount...

The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre (previously known as the Main Corner Complex) is one of Mount Gambier’s most popular attractions. This exciting modern building and garden house has several innovative...

Railway Lands Nature Play Area

The Railway Lands Nature Play Area is a wonderful family recreational area in the heart of Mount Gambier. This public space is ideal for interactions with the community, but it is also important as it captures the...

Woakwine Range Wind Farm

Take a drive through beautiful South Australia and wind past the Woakwine Range Wind Farm for spectacular views of the countryside. Along the drive, you will view dozens of giant wind turbines which dot the landscape...

The Barn is a beautiful modern property providing accommodation, steakhouse and catering services. It is located among landscaped gardens near Mount Gambier. The Barn is located in the fertile Limestone Coast region of...

Mount Gambier, Limestone Coast Tourism to Adelaide, Australia

Located amid the gorgeous limestone coast of South Australia, Mount Gambier is a must-see destination for any visitors to the southern coast of Australia. Located halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, Mount Gambier is a popular tourist spot due to the unique natural environment.

With its stunning geographic features, scenic nature spots, lush pine forests, world-famous wineries and gorgeous coastline, there are so many things to see and do around Mount Gambier.

Mount Gambier is certainly a unique location for those visiting South Australia - with many sightseeing opportunities, landmarks and activities for travellers to fully experience.

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YOUR GO TO GETAWAY DESTINATION IN

The limestone coast.

8 acres of tranquil parkland overlooking surrounding countryside, Limestone Coast Tourist Park offers a relaxing home away from home where all travellers are welcomed.

With stunning fishing and surf beaches, ancient caves, short and long hiking trails, wineries and much more available, there is an adventure to suit everyone.  

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Enjoy the amazing views and the fresh country air, with facilities, services and friendly staff to help make your holiday comfortable and hassle free

We value our community and the locally owned and self run businesses. Find local produce, gifts and meet the people that make this region great.

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The Park is within reach to 40 National Parks, Stunning fishing and surf beaches, ancient caves, volcanos and wineries. There is something to do for everyone.

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PURE DISCOVERY

Our mission is to position mount gambier as a must visit destination, attracting visitors from across australia and the around the world..

Tourism Mount Gambier is the peak Tourism Industry body for Mount Gambier. We are a member based organisation, led by a board that are passionate about the growth of the region through increased visitor numbers.

The organisation is a part of the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and receives funding and resource support from the City of Mount Gambier and has a growing paid membership base.

It is an exciting time in Mount Gambier as we actively start to market our region and develop new visitor product and experiences. This website has been designed as our showcase for the region and is the first step in taking our message to the world. Mount Gambier is a must visit destination.

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We work with the very best. we are proud of our partners, who work with us to deliver the best travel experience any region can offer..

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Thank you to all of those who are so enthusiastic about sharing all Mount Gambier has to offer and helping to showcase what makes Mount Gambier a truly unique destination.

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Mount Gambier Blue Lake visitors enjoy new cellar door, but council 'activation' slow

Tourists and locals flocked to a cellar door opening in Mount Gambier on the weekend in an area where the council is trying increase business activity.

Luke and Rebecca Trotter's business, which offers wine tasting, coffee and snacks, opened in the former WIN Television studio  next to Blue Lake on Good Friday.

"People walk past, they come in, they've grabbed their takeaway coffee, they've walked their lap of the lake and some of them popped back later to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine as well," Mr Trotter said.

"There's nothing like that at all up there, at the end of the day, and when you walk on by and smell the coffee brewing and pop by, you can't go wrong really."

Mr Trotter said the council was supportive of the cellar door business and approved its use as a retail outlet.

"The town has evolved quite a bit over the last 10 or 15 years anyway, with much more offerings than it used to have, but I guess it's like most small towns — you need that council support to get things running," he said.

Services at lake reduced

The council runs a visitor centre next to the lake that is open from 10am to 2pm on weekends and public holidays.

It used to be open seven days a week and included a cafe when it was run by locals Garry and Trish Turner.

The council ended a sub-licence with the Turners in 2020, but they still occasionally run tours of the Blue Lake pump station under an agreement with SAWater.

At the time the council's acting chief executive Barbara Cernovskis "a shared vision and model to activate the Blue Lake with cultural and tourism opportunities" was being developed.

The Crater Lakes Activation Plan is still being put together.

"We are focused on working towards a world-class peri-urban park by ensuring a well-managed natural environment on the fringe of our city in accordance with our Crater Lakes vision and guiding principles," the council's manager for economy, strategy and engagement, Biddie Shearing, said.

"Council is currently reviewing its visitor servicing model to ensure that we're providing our visitors with the best possible experience and guidance when they seek information about our city, with the outcome of any service revisions to be provided in due course."

Last November the council voted to endorse a plan to improve the trails and signage around the Blue Lake and its surrounds, but did not allocate any major funds towards the project.

Differing views on future

Denna Joy, who was visiting from Adelaide with her family, said Blue Lake was "really beautiful" but it was unclear what activities could be done around it.

"I think there could be something more added to it, maybe perhaps a cafe or some guided tours around this area, because even we were not sure as to where to walk around or what to see here," she said.

Ilise Girvan, from Canberra, said the lake "should stay this way and not have shops or cafes".

Her partner Jose Cobian thought the lake should "stay like this, with nature, a couple of people around the lake to have a beautiful view of the landscape".

"If somebody wants to buy anything like food or a beverage, they can go further up," he said.

Local Dean Galpin and his support worker Kristy Disselbach agreed it would be good if there was a kiosk open nearby.

"This is probably my thousandth time here and I love it probably as much as the first day I saw it when I was a kid," Mr Galpin said.

News was last broadcast from the WIN TV studio in 2013 and sales staff moved out in 2020.

A native title claim that would include Blue Lake is before the Federal Court.

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