Follow the Princes Hwy from Warrnambool Victoria, and two hours later you’ll end up at this unique country style location – the city of Mount Gambier.
Known as the half way point between Melbourne and Adelaide, but sensational in its unique identity. Your Mount Gambier caravanning trip should be jam packed with activities, from exploring the natural delights, to visiting some iconic elements.
Did You Know?
Without a doubt, the most known fact, and arguably the most interesting, is that Mount Gambier is built upon a dormant volcano. Now that’s talking point!
If you’re interested in filling up your afternoon, or morning, you can find out rich historical information from The Mount Gambier Visitor Centre. Here you can find out about the volcano element, plus information regarding European settlement, and the original inhabitants, the Boandik people.
Once you do setup your caravan in Mount Gambier, and ready to explore, the historical side of things could be a good place to begin. Not only can you get an abundance of information from The Mount Gambier Visitors Centre, but you can also see the Lady Nelson sailing vessel.
Found at the Lady Nelson Visitor Centre – Built in the year 1799 and the first ship to sail along the coastline of South Australia.
Once you’ve got your history fix, the next stop on your itinerary (or at some point on your agenda) should be the breathtaking Blue Lake.
Blue Lake – a natural wonder
What is Blue Lake? Well, in simple terms, it’s a crater filled with water. However, it’s a simply mesmerising visual experience – in more fluffy, yet accurate terminology.
This crater is a natural land monument created as part of the extinct volcano. Filled with striking blue water, it’s more interesting than your average lake. In fact, the shade of alters significantly during the year, from an aqua blue, to a deeper blue.
To experience this visual paradise, walk around the circumference of the lake where you’ll find many viewing areas. Don’t miss the chance to show your children, friends, or family to Blue Lake.
A Mount Gambier caravanning adventure wouldn’t be complete without this landmark.
Umpherston Sinkhole
Another natural gem within Mount Gambier is this tranquil garden feature, the Umpherston Sinkhole. Although it’s now been modified and utilised as an inbuilt garden area, this sinkhole formation is the perfect place to spend your morning, or afternoon, for an hour, possibly with some food on hand. It’s certainly the perfect spot for quaint picnic or coffee break. Although there are plenty of stairs to get into the sinkhole area, many should still find it an easy enough to visit.
Centenary Tower – A little bit of history + mesmerizing views
If you’ve got it in your health to undertake a steep (yet short) walking activity, it’s 100% worth visiting the Centenary Tower. This small tower standing on a steep hill is actually quite profound, transporting you to an entirely different era. You won’t have seen many tours like this unless you’ve taken a trip overseas, it almost seems like its randomly placed in the wrong setting. England perhaps, but not Australia.
Not only is the structure of the building quirky and old, but the views heighten the experience. Once you climb to the top and stand alongside the tower, you’ll know what we mean by ‘heightening the experience’.
Looking onto gleaming the gleaming lake is all you need to feel completely alive.
Also topping off the experience are the old photos and information scattered inside the tower, for those looking for some interesting historical context.
Entry Cost:
- Adult – $2.50
- Child – $1.00
Further Activities and Sights:
Once you get the opportunity to go Mount Gambier caravanning you’ll want to make the most of your time, so we’ll leave you with a little more to tantalise your excitement. You may not end up at all the nooks of this beautiful town, but we hope we can broaden your knowledge and itinerary.
Places To Stay
Finding a place to set up camp shouldn’t be an issue, there are plenty of caravan parks scattered through the town.
Caravan Parks
Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
6 Krummel St, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Right in the heart of the city, perfect for those on their Mount Gambier caravanning adventure. Only a short walk from just about all shops and necessities.
- Powered and Unpowered Sites
- Camp Kitchen
- Family + TV Room
- Click for Rates
Limestone Coast Tourist Park
Corner of Princes Highway & Hawkins Road, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Set on 8 acres of land, overlooking a stunning countryside.
- 36 Powered Sites
- Free Wireless Internet Hot Spot
- Games Room
- Children’s Playground & Basketball Area
- ‘Pooch Park’ for your four legged friends!
- Click for Rates
Kalganyi Holiday Park
Penola Rd, Mount Gambier SA 5290
- Powered Sites
- Pets Allowed
- Solar Heated Swimming Pool
- Children’s Playground
- Enclosed Camp Kitchen
Pine Country Caravan Park
Bay Road, Mt Gambier SA 5290
- Pet-Friendly – Pet Sites Available
- 1 Kilometre to Blue Lake
- 25 Powered Sites
- 30 Unpowered Sites
Places to Eat
After tackling everything on offer while undertaking your Mount Gambier caravanning adventure, stop, take a breathe, and re-fuel. You won’t be stuck for eateries in Mount Gambier, this heritage town has options for all caravan adventurers.
Gourmet India
99 Commercial St East Mount Gambier
‘Perched on the idyllic setting of Mount Gambier where the primeval merge with the nascent is the Gourmet India, the niche of discerning diners who yearn for the real taste of India…’ – Gourmet India
Indian isn’t for everyone, but some it’s the perfect hearty meal after a long day. If you’re feeling like some cultural cuisine while exploring the South Australian landscape, check in at Gourmet India.
Metro Nero (Metro Nero Dessert Bar)
13 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
We believe dessert could almost be considered the best meal, depending on your preference. Whether you’re someone who’s always looking at the dessert menu first, or more of a savoury tooth, visit Metro Nero Dessert Bar. What’s interesting about this restaurant is that it’s menu changes from breakfast & lunch to delectable desserts.
Simple, quirky, and that MasterChef touch.
Commercial Hotel
Location: 76 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Pub meal anyone? If you’re not someone for a fancy feast but still want great taste, Commercial Hotel has a robust feast awaiting. Vegetarians catered for with an expansive salad bar.
1862 Wine Bar and Grill
Location: 2 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
‘1862 Wine Bar & Grill is a newly renovated addition to the Mt Gambier Hotel’s in-house dining. The wine bar offers the consumer a chance to taste and drink some of the region’s finest food and wine with snacks available and wine by the glass an option. – 1862 Bar and Grill
Another pub style meal, but this time a little bit fancy. Modern Aussie and cultural pub meals galore.
We know you need to be fed well when Mount Gambier Caravanning, so make sure you investigate your options further. Every caravan trip is highly personalised, and we could never choose your exact itinerary.
