DESTINATION: Mount Gambier

Located 460km SE of Adelaide and 450km west of Melbourne, Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of an extinct, 3-cratered volcano. Centenary Tower, on the highest point 190m above sea level, overlooks the picturesque craters, which were last active 5000 years ago. The unofficial capital of The Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is at the heart of a rich agricultural district known for its pine plantations, dairy farming, wool, vineyards and meat production.

Main Attractions

Blue Lake is believed to be the only lake in the world that changes each year from grey-blue in winter to a brilliant turquoise blue in summer; a road and walking track encircle the lake. A popular tour is the 45min Aquifer Tour, which takes visitors via a lift and tunnel close to the surface of the lake. Nearby, within the Valley Lake crater is a wildlife park and boardwalk. A sinkhole in the city centre, Cave Garden, is renowned for its rose garden, which features heritage roses. Engelbrecht Cave, off the Jubilee Hwy, offers tours showing where experienced divers enter the underground water to dive under the city. Umpherston Sink hole has lovely terraced gardens which become a hive of activity at night when possums come out to feed in the floodlight.

Nearby attractions

Port MacDonnell, 30km south of Mount Gambier, is 'Australia's Southern Rock Lobster Capital' and a favourite destination for surfers and anglers alike. The quiet township of Nelson is 37km SE of Mount Gambier in Victoria. It offers a range of cruises and recreational activities. Both the Princess Margaret Rose Cave and Tantanoola Caves are within a 30min drive.

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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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Tourist info

The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre, Jubilee Hwy East, Ph (08) 8724 9750 or 1800 087 187

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