Average Winter Temps: 13.6℃
Average Summer Temps: 23.9℃
Traditional Land of: Buandig People
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing a volcano or simply love exploring old caves, sinkholes, and other natural wonders, then a vacation to Mount Gambier in the Limestone Coast is something you definitely need to put on your bucket list! Visit the Blue Lake in early November to witness the change in colour from a sombre blue to an intense turquoise!
Ever since it was first discovered by the HMS Lady Nelson more than two centuries ago, Mount Gambier has been an important centre for this region of South Australia.
It has also become one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions, and that should come as no surprise! The city itself is built on the slopes of Mount Gambier volcano, which is part of a larger complex of volcanoes that stretch out over 15,000 square kilometres. While the volcano is a major attraction, there are also a host of craters, lakes, and other natural sights to see as well.
Cave divers are particularly fond of the area, as it offers a variety of different opportunities for testing their mettle against the area’s many challenges. There are also sinkholes, gardens, and the brilliant Blue Lake to visit, making this a truly special getaway from nature lovers.
Of course, there are so many things to do throughout the Limestone Region that you’ll almost hate to leave the cities and towns. To ensure that you have time for the many cultural and historical attractions as well, you’ll definitely want to plan a trip that lasts for more than a few days!
National Parks:
Canunda National Park
Lower Glenelg National Park
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
Attractions & Activities:
- Visit the Blue Lake
- Climb the Centenary Tower
- Visit the Volcanic Craters
- Go on a hike
- Cave Dive
- Umpherston Sinkhole
- Engelbrecht Cave
- Beachport Jetty
- Old Mount Gambier Gaol
- Valley Lake Wildlife Park
- Tantanoola Tiger
- Mt Gambier Speedway
- Mt Gambier Showgrounds
- Mount Gambier Rsl War Museum
- Aquifer Tours
- Arena Horsemanship Centre
- Cave Gardens
- Visit the Mount Schank volcano
- Take a River Cruise on Gleneig River
- Go Canoeing
Caravan Parks:
Pine Country Caravan Park Location
Mount Gambier, South Australia
This small park is pet-friendly and designed for travelers on a budget. It’s within walking distance of Blue Lake and many of the other wonderful area attractions, making it a great place to set up camp as you explore the surrounding region. It provides a camp kitchen and barbecues, laundry area, clean amenities, camp fire, and even a tennis court.
$20-25/night for two persons, unpowered grass site; $33/night for two persons, powered grass site
$10/each additional child; $15/each additional adult
Kalganyi Holiday Park
Mount Gambier, South Australia
Near the town centre of Mount Gambier sits a hidden gem of a park. Kalganyi Holiday Park offers tremendous access to shopping facilities and cafes, as well as the type of accommodations you’re looking for when you’re out on the road for a holiday. That includes a solar pool and playground, a game room, barbecues and camp kitchen, laundry, amenities block, and more.
Rates start at $33/night for two persons, powered grass site; Call for effective rates.
Rates start at $40/night for two persons, ensuite powered grass site; Call for effective rates.
Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
Mount Gambier, South Australia
This centrally located park puts you within walking distance of shopping, dining establishments, and many town attractions. Within the park, you’ll find a camp kitchen, barbecue areas, family room with television, laundry, and well-kept amenities block.
$25/night for two persons, unpowered grass site; $30/night for two persons, powered grass site
$6/night for each additional person
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping:
There is free camping at Rest Area locations throughout the region. For example, you can find just such a location - with picnic tables, bins, and good mobile reception – about 14 km to the north of Padthaway, which will have you within an hour and a half of Mt. Gambier. It’s an overnight area called Padthaway North Rest Area, with a nice level gravel area for caravans.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
