compendium
Local Attractions
The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre provides all the information you will need to know about Mount Gambier and surrounding areas. The self guided tours give visitors the opportunity to peer back in time at the pre-European history of the Limestone Coast. Walk through a series of displays including local geology, wetlands and indigenous history. Learn about the voyage of discovery undertaken by Lieutenant Grant.
FREE ADMISSION.
The Cave Garden is a state heritage area, located in the heart of Mount Gambier. The well-kept garden, best known for its roses, is a great place for a picnic. A short walk down the stairs leads to the viewing platforms which are suspended over the sinkhole. This sinkhole was the original source of water for the early settlers to Mount Gambier. A spectacular water-fall can sometimes be seen during winter as the storm water run-off makes its way down the sinkhole and into the underground water system.
FREE ADMISSION.
Located in the heart of Mount Gambier, the Railway Lands is a dynamic park land that ser-vices locals and visitors alike. The space was developed to enhance a railway corridor that was left unused for several years. The reserve offers open grass land, a unique nature play area, a work out section, amphitheatre and a man-made water catchment.
FREE ADMISSION.
The Umpherston Sinkhole is a sunken garden formed through the corrosion of the lime-stone. The gardens can be seen from the viewing platforms, but a short walk along the ter-races and down into the sinkhole garden is recommended to truly appreciate its scale and depth. The resident colony of possums make appearances throughout the day particularly at dusk, and enjoy being fed fresh fruit.
FREE ADMISSION.
The modern Main Corner building emerges from the historic dolomite town hall building. The complex offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about local history and culture. Free in-teractive displays and touch screens tell the history of Mount Gambier, and the documentary VOLCANO screens twice a day. The complex leads through to the Riddoch Art Gallery featur-ing local collections as well as changing exhibitions.
FREE ADMISSION – Fees may apply for featured exhibitions.
The Blue Lake, is one of three dormant volcanic craters in Mount Gambier. It is best known for its crystal clear water that changes colour throughout the year, from a steel grey in winter to a vibrant turquoise in summer. A walking trail and road surround the vast 3.6km circum-ference of the lake providing easy access to numerous viewing points.
FREE ADMISSION.
Experience the 45 minute aquifer tour to find out more about the history, geology and folk-lore of the lake. The tour takes you through the pumping station, and in a glass panelled lift down the original dolomite well shaft where you can view the lake from the water’s surface. Call 8723 1199 for bookings.
FEE APPLIES.
The Valley Lake is popular all year round with both tourists and locals. It offers well-kept pic-nic areas, look outs and a large fenced playground. Enjoy the free wildlife conservation park, with a number of Australian flora and fauna.
FREE ADMISSION.
Take a short, but steep walk from the car park to the Centenary Tower. Standing at 190 metres above sea level, the tower offers spectacular views of the Lake, Mount Gambier and the sur-rounding country side. The foundation stone of the tower was laid on December 3rd 1900 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Mount Gambier’s first sighting by Lieutenant James Grant aboard HMS Lady Nelson.
FREE ADMISSION.
Discover
Surrounding Areas
Only a 25 minute drive from Mount Gambier is Port Macdonnell, the southernmost town in South Australia. The beautiful seaside town is best known as the ‘Australian Southern Rock Lobster Capital’. It is a popular spot for anglers, hikers and divers. Travel 10 minutes along Eight Mile Creek Road and it leads to Brown Bay, a popular swimming beach amongst locals.
Mount Schank is a dormant volcano half way between Mount Gambier and Port Macdonnell, accessible from the Riddoch highway. It is generally regarded as the youngest volcano in Australia, first erupting between 4500 and 5000 years ago. 158 metres in height, there is a walking trail that leads up to the crater rim, here you will experience spectacular 360º views of the crater and the surrounding farmlands.
Piccaninnie ponds and Ewens ponds are two spring-fed Limestone ponds located between Port Macdonnell and Nelson. They are most commonly known for scuba diving, but they also offer spectacular views from the ground. Please note diving permits are required.
50km north of Mount Gambier is the town of Penola. The historic town is best known for its past residents including Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Catholic Saint. Wander along the heritage trail and immerse yourself in many heritage listed and National Trust buildings. The quaint town also offers a number of cafés, restaurants, boutique-style shops and galleries.
The nearby Coonawarra, is one of South Australia’s many wine regions. It is well known for producing world class red wines, in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon. There is an abundance of wineries within 10 minutes drive of one another, 27 of which open their cellar doors for wine tastings.
Robe is a popular holiday destination located 131km from Mount Gambier. It is the ideal des-tination for a day trip, or even a stop over on your way to Adelaide. The coastal town show-cases a diverse range of scenery, from beautiful beaches to rugged coastlines and tranquil lakes. There are a number of cafes and restaurants which showcase local produce.
Naracoorte is located 100km north of Mount Gambier. The township is renowned for it’s Scottish heritage and historic buildings.
Naracoorte is home to the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, one of the world’s most important fossil sites. Four of the twenty eight known caves in the national park are open to the public, from 9am – 5pm every day (except Christmas Day or days of catastrophic fire danger).