Mount Gambier’s biggest attractions are created by its unique volcanic landscape

If you’re trying to find a really unique holiday experience, look no further than Mount Gambier, located in the brilliant sunshine of South Australia. Located about half way between Adelaide and Melbourne, Mount Gambier has a few of the most spectacular and unique landscape in the country, and is ideal for just about any type of holiday.

Mount Gambier gets its name from the extinct volcano right in the heart of town, first discovered in 1800. It is now the largest city in South Australia, and it is world famous for its spectacular caves and cave diving.

The Aboriginal people called the area ereng balam, which meant the home of the eagle hawk. The town grew up in the mid-1800s, on the slopes of the extinct Mount Gambier volcano, which is part of a complex of volcanoes that cover the area.

There is a lot of history to explore. Right in town, the National Trust Old Court House was built back in 1865. Nowadays, you are able to flip through past law books, and if you’re lucky, you can watch a mock trial being staged. You can also stop buy the Mount Gambier Jail, which was built in 1866. Take a tour, or even plan to spend the night in its budget backpacker accommodations.

From budget to luxury, there is a wide variety of Mt Gambier accommodation all around the town for any kind of holiday you may have planned. From picturesque campgrounds and caravan parks to cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts and full service hotels, you can have your pick of where to stay in Mount Gambier.

Thousands of visitors come to Mount Gambier every year to visit its unique landscape. It is possible to spend the day at the Crater Lakes, made up of Blue Lake Crater, Valley Lake Crater and Leg of Mutton Lake Crater. Each lake has numerous scenic views, walking paths, recreational areas, and scenic picnic places.

The most famous of these lakes is the Blue Lake, which changes colour with the season, changing from a dark grey shade in winter months, to a bright blue during the summer.

The lakes are only part of the region’s interesting geography. The Umpherson Sinkhole has magnificent gardens at the bottom. Right in the heart of Mount Gambier, the Cave Gardens has stunning rose gardens, and a viewing platform offering a fantastic view right down into the cave.

The whole area is dotted with fascinating caves and sinkholes, like Hells Hole, just south of Mount Gambier, where it is possible to peek off a viewing platform down into the depths of the earth. The Umpherson Sinkhole has a beautiful garden at the bottom. Scuba divers can arrange for an excursion into the subterranean lakes at the Englebrecht Caves. In fact the region is world famous because of its spectacular cave diving.

There are a lot of other attractions throughout Mount Gambier. The region’s fertile soil is home to several world class wineries, all open for tours. As well, there you will find the nearby coastal community of Port MacDonnell, which offers long stretches of gorgeous beach where you can play, surf or even fish.

Whatever you enjoy doing, whether you’re into the wonders of cave diving, spelunking, hiking or just a pleasant picnic or a day at the beach, you are bound to find just what you’re looking for in Mount Gambier.



Take a few days off, find Holiday in Mount Gambier, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.