Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can see lakes that change color, caves that hide secrets, volcanoes that offer stunning views, and sinkholes that reveal wonders? If yes, then you should definitely add Mount Gambier to your bucket list. Mount Gambier is the second largest town in South Australia, located on the Limestone Coast, about 450 km southeast of Adelaide.
It is home to some of the most amazing natural attractions in the country, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritage. In this article, we will show you everything you need to know about Mount Gambier, including the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and when to visit. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, Mount Gambier has something for everyone.
Things to Do in Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier is a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of attractions that will leave you in awe. Here are some of the must-see and must-do things in Mount Gambier:
Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake
One of the most iconic and popular attractions in Mount Gambier is the Blue Lake, a large lake that fills a dormant volcanic crater. The lake is famous for its striking color change, from a dull grey in winter to a brilliant blue in summer. The color change is caused by the temperature and sunlight, which affect the growth of algae and bacteria in the water. The best time to see the blue lake is from November to March, when the water is at its brightest and clearest. You can enjoy the lake from various viewpoints, such as the road that circles the lake, the walking trail that follows the rim, or the lookout tower that offers panoramic views. You can also learn more about the lake and its history at the Blue Lake Pumping Station, which houses a museum and a cafe.
If you want to see another blue lake, you can head to the Little Blue Lake, which is about 20 km south of Mount Gambier. The Little Blue Lake is actually a sinkhole that was formed by the collapse of limestone. The water in the sinkhole is also blue, but unlike the Blue Lake, it does not change color. The Little Blue Lake is a popular spot for swimming, diving, and picnicking, but be careful as the water is very deep and cold.
Umpherston Sinkhole and Cave Gardens
Another amazing attraction in Mount Gambier is the Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken garden that was created by a local farmer in the 1880s. The sinkhole was once a limestone cave that collapsed, leaving a large hole that was filled with soil and plants. The farmer, James Umpherston, decided to turn the sinkhole into a garden, planting flowers, ferns, and trees. He also added a pond, a fountain, a terrace, and a pavilion. The result is a beautiful and tranquil oasis that is open to the public for free. The best time to visit the Umpherston Sinkhole is in the evening, when you can see hundreds of possums that come out to feed on the fruits that are left by the visitors. You can also enjoy a picnic or a barbecue at the sinkhole, as there are tables and facilities available.
If you want to see another sinkhole, you can visit the Cave Gardens, which are located in the center of Mount Gambier. The Cave Gardens are also a former limestone cave that collapsed, but unlike the Umpherston Sinkhole, they are not filled with plants. Instead, they are a rocky and rugged landscape that features a waterfall, a pond, and a cave. The Cave Gardens are also a cultural and historical site, as they were used by the local Aboriginal people as a source of water and a meeting place. You can learn more about the Cave Gardens and their significance at the visitor center, which also has a gift shop and a cafe. The best time to visit the Cave Gardens is at night, when you can see a light and sound show that illuminates the sinkhole and tells the stories of the past.
Engelbrecht Cave and The Valley Lake
If you are feeling adventurous, you can explore the Engelbrecht Cave and The Valley Lake, two attractions that offer a thrilling and unique experience. The Engelbrecht Cave is a limestone cave that is part of a network of underground tunnels and chambers that run beneath Mount Gambier. The cave is open to the public for guided tours, which take you through the history and geology of the cave, as well as the flora and fauna that live in it. You can also see the crystal-clear water that fills the lower level of the cave, which is connected to the Blue Lake. If you are a certified diver, you can even dive into the cave and see the underwater formations and creatures.
The Valley Lake is another attraction that is connected to the Blue Lake, as it is also a volcanic crater lake. However, unlike the Blue Lake, the Valley Lake is not blue, but green. The Valley Lake is a recreational area that offers a range of activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also visit the wildlife park, which has a variety of native animals, such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and koalas. You can also walk or bike around the lake, or hike up to the Centenary Tower, which is the next attraction on our list.
Centenary Tower and Mount Schank
If you want to see some of the best views in Mount Gambier, you should visit the Centenary Tower and Mount Schank, two attractions that offer stunning panoramas of the town and the surrounding landscape. The Centenary Tower is a stone tower that was built in 1904 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first sighting of Mount Gambier by a European explorer. The tower is located on the highest point of Mount Gambier, and can be reached by a steep and winding trail. The tower is open to the public for a small fee, and has a viewing platform that gives you a 360-degree view of the town, the lakes, the volcanoes, and the sea.
Mount Schank is another volcano that is located about 12 km south of Mount Gambier. It is a dormant volcano that has a large crater and a cone-shaped peak. You can hike up to the rim of the crater, which takes about 30 minutes, and enjoy the views of the countryside and the coast. You can also hike down to the floor of the crater, which takes another 30 minutes, and see the vegetation and the rocks. Mount Schank is a great place for nature lovers and photographers, as it offers a scenic and serene environment.
Piccaninnie Ponds and Kilsby Sinkhole
The last attractions on our list are the Piccaninnie Ponds and the Kilsby Sinkhole, two attractions that are located about 30 km southeast of Mount Gambier. They are both freshwater springs that are fed by the underground water system that runs through the Limestone Coast. They are both famous for their crystal clear water and their aquatic life, which make them ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Piccaninnie Ponds are a conservation park that has two main ponds, the First Pond and the Chasm. The First Pond is a shallow and calm pond that has a sandy bottom and a variety of fish and plants. The Chasm is a deep and dark pond that has a limestone wall and a cavern. You can snorkel or dive in the Piccaninnie Ponds, but you need to book in advance and have a permit.
The Kilsby Sinkhole is another sinkhole that was formed by the collapse of limestone. It is a private property that is owned by the Kilsby family, who have been farming on the land for generations. The sinkhole is open to the public for snorkeling and diving, but you need to book in advance and pay a fee. The sinkhole is a large and open pool that has a depth of about 65 meters. It has clear and blue water that has a constant temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius. It also has a variety of fish, plants, and rocks, as well as some underwater sculptures and artifacts. The Kilsby Sinkhole is a popular and world-class diving site, as it offers a spectacular and surreal experience.
Where to Stay in Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mount Gambier:
Pine Country Caravan Park
If you are looking for a budget-friendly and family-friendly option, you can stay at the Pine Country Caravan Park, which is a cozy and comfortable caravan park that is located about 3 km from the town center. The caravan park has a variety of accommodation options, such as cabins, cottages, units, and sites. The cabins and cottages are fully equipped with kitchen, bathroom, and bedding facilities, and can accommodate up to six people. The units are more spacious and modern, and can accommodate up to eight people. The sites are suitable for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, and have access to power, water, and amenities. The caravan park also has a range of facilities and services, such as a swimming pool, a playground, a barbecue area, a laundry, and a camp kitchen. The caravan park is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.
The Louise
If you are looking for a luxury and romantic option, you can stay at The Louise, which is a boutique hotel that is located about 40 km from Mount Gambier. The hotel is situated in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region, and offers a tranquil and elegant retreat. The hotel has 15 suites, each with a private terrace, a fireplace, a spa bath, and a king-size bed. The suites are also equipped with modern amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, a minibar, and a coffee machine. The hotel also has a fine dining restaurant, a bar, a pool, a gym, and a spa. The hotel also offers a range of activities and experiences, such as wine tasting, cooking classes, golf, and helicopter tours. The hotel is perfect for couples who want to indulge in a relaxing and romantic getaway.
The Frames - Luxury Riverland Accommodation
If you are looking for a unique and exclusive option, you can stay at The Frames - Luxury Riverland Accommodation, which is a resort that is located about 100 km from Mount Gambier. The resort is situated on the banks of the Murray River, and offers a secluded and spectacular escape. The resort has three villas, each with a private pool, a spa, a sauna, and a balcony. The villas are also equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, such as a smart TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a Nespresso machine. The resort also provides a personal chef, a masseuse, and a concierge service. The resort also offers a range of activities and experiences, such as river cruises, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife watching. The resort is ideal for travellers who want to experience the ultimate luxury and privacy.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier has a variety of food and drink options to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Mount Gambier:
ScRoll Queen
If you are looking for a casual and delicious option, you can visit ScRoll Queen, which is a cafe that is located in the town center. ScRoll Queen is famous for its scrolls, which are baked pastries that are filled with various flavors, such as cinnamon, Nutella, apple, and cheese. The cafe also serves coffee, tea, smoothies, and sandwiches. The cafe is cozy and friendly, and has a retro and quirky decor. The cafe is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm. The cafe is a great place for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Limestone Coast Pantry
If you are looking for a healthy and local option, you can visit Limestone Coast Pantry, which is a restaurant that is located in the town center. Limestone Coast Pantry is a farm-to-table restaurant that uses fresh and organic ingredients and products from the Limestone Coast region. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a menu that changes with the seasons. The restaurant also has a pantry, where you can buy local and artisanal goods, such as cheese, honey, jam, and wine. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 am to 9 pm. The restaurant is a great place for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Mount Gambier is a hidden gem of South Australia, that offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions, accommodation, food and drink, and tours and activities. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, Mount Gambier has something for everyone. You can see the amazing lakes, caves, volcanoes, and sinkholes, that will leave you in awe. You can also learn about the history and heritage of the town and the region, and enjoy the local and organic cuisine and wine. You can also experience the thrill and fun of snorkeling, diving, hiking, and biking, and see the wildlife and scenery. Mount Gambier is a place that you will never forget, and that you will want to visit again and again.
If you are interested in booking a trip to Mount Gambier, you can visit our website, where you can find more information and booking options. You can also contact us by phone or email, and we will be happy to assist you.
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