Mount Gambier is a city with a striking natural landscape situated on the foothills of a dormant volcano. Experience the region’s rich and geologically diverse natural scenery as you explore the Limestone Coast. Go hiking and cave diving and spend some time enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of crater lakes and verdant valleys. Mount Gambier is a popular stop for travelers journeying between Melbourne and Adelaide, but the city’s hidden treasures reveal themselves for those who stay awhile.
Stroll around the city center and visit a delicatessen to pick up local South Australian treats for a picnic. Riddoch Art Gallery is one of the state’s major regional art galleries and the adjacent Corner hosts theater productions in the repurposed offices of the old town hall complex.
Make your way to Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake Reserve to witness the hypnotic blue color of the artesian lake. The lake is encircled by a pretty walking path, from which you can observe the water’s steel-grey tone in winter and cobalt-blue in summer. You can also check out pretty Valley Lake, which has an exciting wildlife park, and Little Blue Lake or Leg of Mutton Lake.
Another popular spot for a picnic is the Cave Gardens. This pretty park has a rose garden and spacious lawns. Explore some of Mount Gambier’s many caves, sinkholes and geological formations. Umpherston Sinkhole has gorgeous gardens while Engelbrecht Cave is a popular spot for cave-diving adventures.
Climb to the top of Centenary Tower to enjoy sweeping views across Valley Lake and Marist Park to Mount Gambier’s eastern reaches.
Mount Gambier is easy to reach by car from Adelaide and Melbourne, both of which are less than 5 hours’ drive away. The city has a regional airport with services to Melbourne and Adelaide. You can also reach the city by regional train from Melbourne via Warrnambool. Add Mount Gambier to your Limestone Coast road trip and enjoy an exciting range of natural attractions. Nearby, you’ll find the Tantanoola Caves, the Naracoorte Caves and Hells Hole.