DESTINATION: Port MacDonnell

About 28km south of Mount Gambier, Port MacDonnell is known as 'Australia's Southern Rock Lobster Capital' and is a favourite destination for surfers and anglers. The Port was also home to poet Adam Lindsay Gordon who wrote Dingley Dell, a poetic depiction of life in the early 1860s. It is said the Port MacDonnell area was the inspiration behind much of his poetry. In the early days, Port MacDonnell was a thriving trade port and today a breakwater (built in 1975) shelters Australia's largest southern rock-lobster fishing fleet.

Main Attractions

The Maritime Museum displays artefacts salvaged from ships wrecked on reefs in the vicinity as well as a photographic display tracing the town's heritage. Port MacDonnell also offers many activities; bushwalking, golf, boating, fishing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, waterskiing, lawn bowls and tennis.

Nearby attractions

Dingley Dell CP is located just outside of town and protects the rare Dingley Dell blue-gum and local vegetation. Nature walks and picnic facilities are available. Also within the park is the restored and refurnished cottage of poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon. Visitors can step back in time to the 1860s and take a glimpse of Gordon's life. Located 15km north of the town, Mount Schank is actually the crater of Australia's youngest volcano, classified as dormant, yet it erupted as recently as 2000 years ago. A walking trail takes visitors to the top, where there are wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

latest stories

No items changed yet.

Region: Limestone Coast

The Coonawarra paddle steamer, Murray River

by admin

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

Local Weather

Tourist info

5 Charles St, Ph: (08) 8738 2100

Local Videos

editors picks