DESTINATION: Bordertown

Bordertown is about 20km from the state border at the junction of the road linking Adelaide and Melbourne and the north-south route from the Riverland to Mount Gambier. Established in 1852 adjacent to the Tatiara Creek, the town was originally the site of a base camp. The camp was created by Police Inspector Alexander Tolmer, who was in charge of the gold escorts from the Victorian goldfields to Adelaide. At one time the border between South Australia and Victoria was not very far from the town; hence its name.

Main Attractions

There are parks and gardens, which are good for picnics or BBQs. Tolmer Park has an interpretative walk that explains the history of the area. For a swim in an Olympic-sized pool, Memorial Park is the place. A Wildlife Park on North Tce exhibits rare white kangaroos, as well as friendly wallabies, emus and waterbirds. Hawke House Museum, the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister Robert J Hawke, is on the corner of Farquhar and Binnie sts and is open weekdays, 9am-5pm.

Nearby attractions

Clayton Farm, 3km from the town centre, is an historic site and agricultural museum. The heritage-listed Old Mundulla Hotel, 10km west at Mundulla, offers memorabilia, arts, crafts and refreshments. Just north off the hwy, Recreation Lake is another good spot for BBQs, canoeing and fishing. Poocher Swamp, 8.5km to the west, is noted for its magnificent red gums and prolific birdlife.

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Region: Limestone Coast

The Coonawarra paddle steamer, Murray River

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The Limestone Coast, in the south-east corner of South Australia, is rich in natural attractions, with an arc of beaches and lobster-fishing ports stretching along the coastline to the Victorian border. The SA region, which centres on Mount Gambier has main attractions including: Blue Lake, Bool Lagoon, Bordertown, Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, Canunda National Park, Coonawarra Wineries, Crater Lakes, Kingston SE, Millicent, Naracoorte Caves, Padthaway, Penola, Pool of Siloam, Robe and Tantanoola Caves. There is no shortage of accommodation and attractions for travellers to the area. more

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Tolmer Park, 81 North Tce, Ph: (08) 8752 0700

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