FEATURED CONTENT BY SOUTHAUSTRALIA.COM
Geological wonders abound in Mount Gambier, the jewel of the Limestone Coast. Discover an underground garden of Eden, glimmering sapphire lakes and bustling cafes with Trip In A Van’s family guide to Mount Gambier.
WHERE TO STAY
BIG4 BLUE LAKE HOLIDAY PARK
The perfect base for your Mount Gambier adventure, Blue Lake Holiday Park is, as the name suggests, a short stroll from the famed Blue Lake and set on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Plonked in a prime location with Mount Gambier’s biggest attractions, a golf course and the region’s wineries all on your doorstop, and with an impressive playground, swimming pool and tennis courts on-site, everyone will be kept happy. With views of the surrounding valley, stay in one of the brand-spanking new Luxury Lakeside Villas – family-friendly Mount Gambier accommodation sorted! Each villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and is decked out with all the modern creature comforts. Don’t leave your best friend behind, many of the Mount Gambier Blue Lake Holiday Park accommodation options are also pet friendly.
WHAT TO DO
1. UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE
Descend into an underground oasis at Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole. Tucked conveniently in the heart of town lies an impressive work of nature formed by millions of years’ limestone corrosion and the magical touch of a few local green-thumbs. Discover a beautiful sunken garden set in a collapsed limestone cave now blanketed with flowers, plants and lush green grass. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole, venture down into the sinkhole, along the terraces and behind the hanging vines, or stick around after sunset and meet some of the friendly possums emerging daily at dusk!
2. BLUE LAKE
Delve into the blue at one of the Limestone Coast’s most iconic attractions, the dazzling sapphire waters of Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. Once an active volcano, the 72-metre-deep Blue Lake is now filled with cobalt water which mysteriously changes shade during spring. A visit between November to late February will ensure you its famed deep, turquoise blue colour which then fades during the winter months. Walking trails surround the lake, enticing you to get out of your car and experience its striking blue water up-close.
3. LITTLE BLUE LAKE
So, you’ve heard of the Blue Lake, but it’s less-known little cousin is equally impressive, and better still, you can dive into its blue depths. One of Mount Gambier’s best attractions, Little Blue Lake is an impressive swimming amphitheatre surrounded by breathtaking sheer 10-metre limestone walls and boasting crystal-clear fresh water. A popular spot with locals for swimming and diving, the sinkhole is a quick 15-minute drive out of town. Take the steps from the car park down to the sinkhole’s edge, dip your feet in the water from the pontoon or dive right in.
4. COFFEE BAY BLUE CAFE
Kick off your day with a cup or two from one of Mount Gambier’s best cafes. Follow the flock of locals in the morning and head for Bay Blue Espresso Bar for a morning pick-me-up. A stone’s throw away from Mount Gambier’s famed Blue Lake, this bustling café boasts a chic, modern interior and serves up delicious morning brews and tasty treats.
5. PRESTO EATERY
For a wholesome, delicious meal to fuel hungry travellers, look no further than Presto Eatery. Tucked in a heritage building on Commercial Street in the heart of Mount Gambier, this thriving eatery dishes up insta-worthy breakfasts and lunches seven days a week. With options ranging from beef burgers to buddha bowls, great coffee and huge cake offering, this is one of Mount Gambier’s best lunch spots, so you’ll want to come hungry.
HOW TO GET THERE
Fly directly to Mount Gambier from Adelaide with Rex or hire a car in Adelaide and road trip four and a half hours through the picturesque Limestone Coast.
EXPLORE THE LIMESTONE COAST
Mount Gambier is the perfect base to kick off your Limestone Coast adventure. Venture further with our three-day Limestone Coast itinerary or check out our guide to driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, stopping at Mount Gambier along the way.
Check out more of Trip In A Van’s adventures at tripinavan.com.au, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
