Discover Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier, a little gem on the southern coast of Australia, has natural wonders, history and landscapes in spades. Located on the Limestone Coast, this pretty town is famous for its crater lakes, sunken gardens, and proximity to Port Campbell and Bells Beach. From dormant volcanoes and ancient forests to coastal roads with limestone cliffs, Mount Gambier has it all.

History

Mount Gambier has a history that goes back thousands of years. It’s a sacred place for the local Aboriginal people, the Boandik. Their stories and traditions are woven into the volcanic craters and limestone cliffs. European settlers arrived in the 1830s and were drawn to the fertile volcanic soils for agriculture and livestock. They farmed the land, which became the foundation of the timber and agricultural industries. Heritage buildings throughout the town, from the Old Court House to the Riddoch Art Gallery, show the evolution of Mount Gambier from a small rural town to a thriving cultural and economic hub.

How to Get There

Mount Gambier is easy to get to whether you’re driving along the coast or taking the inland route. A scenic drive from Melbourne is 435km of coastal views, cliffs and unique stops like Bells Beach and Port Campbell National Park. From Adelaide, it’s 430km and just over 4 hours. This route takes you through forests and rugged coastlines to get a taste of South Australia’s natural beauty before you even arrive. If you’d rather fly, Mount Gambier Airport has flights from Melbourne and Adelaide, so you can land and hit the town’s attractions and culture straight away.

Attractions

Mount Gambier is full of tourist attractions and natural wonders. Visitors can see coastline views, ancient volcanoes and underground waterways. Top picks include the famous Blue Lake, Mount Schank volcanic landscapes and the Valley Lake Conservation Area. Coastal towns nearby, like Port Fairy and Port MacDonnell, have scenic coastal towns for coastal drives and exploring the Southern Ocean coastline.

The Blue Lake: A Seasonal Wonder

The Blue Lake stands as one of Mount Gambier’s most iconic natural wonders and a must-see highlight for visitors. This volcanic crater lake mesmerizes with its seasonal transformation, shifting from a steel-grey hue to a vibrant blue during the warmer months. Encircled by scenic walking tracks, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of both the lake and the charming town. The Blue Lake is just one of several crater lakes in this captivating region, aptly named the land of volcanoes. It’s a perfect addition to Great Ocean Road Melbourne Tours, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and geological marvels.

Umpherston Sinkhole: A Sunken Garden

A geological wonder turned natural haven, the Umpherston Sinkhole or “Sunken Garden” is the perfect place to sit among the ferns, greenery and gardens. Originally a collapsed cave, this sinkhole is now a beautiful attraction where visitors can relax in a peaceful setting surrounded by flora and native wildlife. As the sun sets, local possums add to the charm.

The Limestone Coast: Coastal Heaven

Mount Gambier is situated on the Limestone Coast and visitors have access to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline. Coastal drives along Port Campbell National Park take you to the famous Apostles Coast & Hinterland and the stunning rock stacks of the Bay of Islands. The coast is rugged and beautiful with pristine beaches, sandy shores and cliffs with views of Bass Strait.

Cave Diving at Engelbrecht Cave

Engelbrecht Cave is a world famous cave diving destination where you can explore an underground waterway system. For those who don’t want to dive guided tours will take you through the cave and show you the limestone formations and the geological history of this attraction. It’s the perfect place to get a deep dive into Mount Gambier’s volcanic history without a wetsuit!

Historic Sites: Mount Gambier’s Heritage

The town’s historic sites reflect Mount Gambier’s history and cultural significance. Top picks include the Centenary Tower which has 360 degree views of the landscape and the historic Cave Garden a sinkhole that was a water source for early settlers. Other notable sites include the Riddoch Art Gallery and the Old Court House which show the town’s evolution from its early days to the thriving town it is today.

The Valley Lake Conservation Area

Valley Lake Conservation Area is a family and nature lovers paradise with walking tracks, picnic areas and native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas. Situated in the volcanic landscape of Mount Gambier, it’s a great place to get amongst the natural beauty of the area. Lookouts around the conservation area offer stunning views of greenery against the backdrop of ancient volcanoes.

Tasting Mount Gambier: Food and Wine

The Mount Gambier region is famous for its local produce and cool climate wines. The Limestone Coast wineries with cellar doors are just a short drive from town so that you can taste a range of top-class wines. Local restaurants feature fresh produce, including Southern Ocean seafood and gourmet goodies, to make for a foodie’s dream.

Mount Gambier’s Festive Spirit

Mount Gambier’s annual events are a reflection of its community spirit. The Generations in Jazz festival attracts jazz lovers from around the world, while other events celebrate the town’s agricultural and cultural heritage. These events are held against the stunning backdrops of Valley Lake and the volcanic cliffs to make for an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Plan Your Visit

Mount Gambier is a destination for all types of travellers. Nature lovers will enjoy the outdoor attractions: the volcanic landscapes of Mount Schank and the Crater Lakes and the beaches and coastal cliffs of the Limestone Coast. History buffs can visit heritage sites. Foodies can indulge in the region’s gourmet delights. For the best experience, plan your visit around Blue Lake’s seasonal change or one of the town’s festivals. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, Mount Gambier is a place where memories are made against the most beautiful landscapes in Australia.