Mount Gambier

Explore the stunning Blue Lake, savour delicious local delicacies next to breathtaking scenery and enjoy local vineyards, breweries and restaurants. Mount Gambier is the perfect destination to relax and recharge.

Since the time of the local Boandik people, Mount Gambier’s wild and beautiful natural surroundings have inspired the imagination. Visit the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and step into the colourful past through interactive displays, a VR studio and local art. Enjoy a cinematic excursion into the Dreamtime tales of the region, complete with a journey through the volcanic eruptions that shaped the region.

At Mount Gambier Visitor’s Centre, you can pick up a self-guided walking map that will take you past 32 state and local heritage listed buildings, dating back to the early days of colonial settlement. You can also enjoy a birds-eye view of the area at Centenary Tower. A short climb will reward you with stunning views of the surrounding country and ocean.

The volcanic formations of the Limestone Coast are some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Don’t miss a walk through the town’s famous heritage Cave Garden in the centre of town, a rose-filled oasis around a sinkhole that was once the local water source. Stroll along the viewing platforms or enjoy the Night Light Show which tells the local Dreamtime stories.

Nestled between three extinct volcano craters, Blue Lake is a vibrant wonder that turns an incredible blue between November and March due to the underground limestone. Explore this shimmering beauty on a 45-minute walk around the water’s edge. There are also plenty of lookouts to stop at along the way.

Ready to take a quick dip? The fascinating Engelbrecht Cave is an underground system of water-filled tunnels, stretching beneath the town and open to divers. The remarkable Kilsby Sinkhole is another fascinating attraction. Once a watering hole on a stock route, this scenic waterhole is now open to tours and snorkelling opportunities.

Mount Gambier is a prized producer of cool-climate wines, with many boutique vineyards and cellar doors producing award-winning varietals. You’ll find plenty of small family-owned vineyards throughout the area producing acclaimed pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.

For a dining experience by Valley Lake’s water-filled volcanic crater, visit Thyme restaurant, home to a large selection of local regional wine. The Barn Steakhouse is another local establishment that pairs great local wines and steaks sourced from the Hereford cattle bred on local properties.

Getting to Mount Gambier is easy. Halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, and 15 km from the Victorian border, the drive is just under five hours in both directions. V-Line rail services also run from Melbourne to Warrnambool, then from Warrnambool to Mt Gambier via coach. You can also fly to Mount Gambier Airport from Adelaide with REX. The airport is around 15 minutes from town.