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Mount Gambier is South Australia’s second-largest city. It is located in the heart of the Limestone Coast, 450 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. Mount Gambier is a popular tourist destination and a great base to explore the surrounding areas.
Natural geological wonders surround Mount Gambier. You can see stunning blue lakes and amazing sunken gardens, snorkel in freshwater sinkholes, and explore beautiful caves. You can also hike to the top of a dormant volcano and discover Mount Gambier's History.
Top 10 Things to Do in and Around Mount Gambier
Blue Lake
The Blue Lake, a volcanic crater in Mount Gambier, is a stunning sight from December to March when it turns a vibrant cobalt blue. You can drive to several viewing areas around the lake and walk a 3.6-kilometre track around the edge.
Umpherston Sinkhole was once a limestone cave that collapsed, creating a giant sinkhole. In 1886, James Umpherston created this beautiful sunken garden, which you can see from a viewing platform at the top or wander down the stairs to enjoy the gardens at the bottom.
Tantanoola Caves is one of the smallest caves in South Australia, with one chamber 30 metres wide and 8 metres high. However, it is also one of the most stunning, with impressive stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. Take a 30-minute tour to learn about the history and geology of the caves.
Little Blue Lake
Little Blue Lake is a natural water-filled sinkhole popular with visitors and locals who enjoy a cool, refreshing swim. The water can be easily accessed via stairs and a floating pontoon.
Ewens Ponds
Ewens Ponds are spring-fed limestone ponds with crystal clear water and amazing underwater plants that you can snorkel or dive in. Bookings need to be made with SA National Parks and fees apply.
Mount Schank is a 100-metre-high dormant volcano with a walking track to the top and around the rim. Enjoy wonderful views into the crater of the volcano and across the farming land to Port MacDonnell.
Valley Lake
Valley Lake is another stunning crater lake in Mount Gambier. It has expansive lawn areas, picnic tables, BBQ playgrounds, and walking tracks. There is also a free wildlife park, where we spotted numerous birds, a wallaby and an echidna.
Lady Nelson Discovery Centre
The Lady Nelson Discovery Centre is located at the Information Centre, where you will see the full-size replica of the Lady Nelson. The small museum has lots of historical information and interactive displays about the Lady Nelson, Volcanoes, Fossils, and the Mount Gambier area.
Engelbrecht Cave
The guided tour of Engelbrecht Cave takes 45 minutes. During the tour, you will learn all about the cave's early history and see its unique dry cave formations. Qualified cave divers can explore the secret tunnels in the crystal-clear water.
Heritage Walk
Wander around Mount Gambier on a self-guided Heritage walk, where you will see buildings dating back to 1863. There are 32 different buildings and sites to visit along the walk. You can collect a brochure at the visitor centre or online - click here.