Destination Guides > Australia > South Australia > Limestone Coast > Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier
Located in South Australia’s southeast corner, Mount Gambier is a major regional centre that is worth a look. The main attractions are the two crater lakes, Blue Lake and Valley Lake, which are both located on an extinct volcano overlooking the city.
Mount Gambier is also a good base for exploring the Coonawarra wine region, which is about 30km north of town.
Practical Information
Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre
Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Tel 1800 087 187
Website www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & Going
AIR
Rex (tel 13 17 13) flies to Adelaide and Melbourne from Mount Gambier. The airport is 10km north of town on Penola Road (Riddoch Highway).
BUS
Premier Stateliner (tel (08) 8415 5555) buses go to Adelaide. V/line (tel 13 61 96) buses go to Melbourne via Warrnambool and Ballarat. Buses stop at the Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre on Jubilee Highway.
Hostel Accommodation
The Jail
25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier
Tel (08) 8723 0032
Sights
Caves
Mount Gambier has a huge network of caves. The Cave Gardens in the city centre is a nice spot for a picnic and from here you can walk down into the cave.
If you want to more fully explore the caves you can take the Engelbrecht Cave Tour (tel 0418 133 407), which costs $6 for the 45 minute tour.
Crater Lakes
Mount Gambier’s main attractions are the three crater lakes: Blue Lake, Valley Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake. There is a wildlife park with boardwalks over Valley Lake and walking trails around the dry Leg of Mutton Lake.
