NATURAL BEAUTY MEETS CITY STYLE
LOCATED on the slopes of a dormant volcano, Mount Gambier is the largest City in regional South Australia. Situated half way between Adelaide and Melbourne, it is an ideal stopover for travellers or the perfect destination for longer stays.
Famous for its volcanic landscape, underground caverns,
water-filled caves, sinkholes and the spectacular world renowned Blue Lake, Mount Gambier boasts beautiful parks and gardens, stately homes and heritage buildings.
The impressive array of modern facilities and amenities such as the vibrant civic precinct, boutique retail, a mix of galleries, museums and markets, and the premium selection of fresh local food and wine available at many cafes and restaurants, are just some of the reasons why the ‘Blue Lake city’ is a popular holiday destination.
GET ACTIVE
MOUNT GAMBIER: There are a variety of walking and driving options allowing visitors to explore the history of Mount Gambier and its surrounds. The Crater Lakes area has extensive walking options, from short easy walks to more challenging options. Inner city walks provide interesting insight into the Central Business District and feature a range of historic buildings and boutique retail stores. Individual brochures and maps are available from the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre for many of the walks, drives and bike trails around Mount Gambier and its surrounds. A free bicycle hire service is now available at a number of outlets throughout the city, including the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre, the Main Corner and the Mount Gambier Library. MOUNT SCHANK: Feeling energetic? Explore Mount Schank. Take a drive south of Mount Gambier on Bay Road, and approximately 15kms away you will find on your left hand side the turn off to Mount Schank, an extinct volcano surrounded by fertile grazing land and a large quarry. Follow the signs to the car park and enjoy a trek up to view some very spectacular scenery, looking back to Mount Gambier and down to the coast at Port MacDonnell. If you still feel energetic you can walk around the top of the crater. It is an enjoyable walk if you like the outdoors, but wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
INDULGE IN THE FINER THINGS
Enjoy sophisticated dining, casual eateries or gourmet delights at local bakeries, butchers, delicatessens and fritterers. From succulent seafood, fresh herbs, meat and game to fruit, berries, boutique cheeses and indigenous spices there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Our rich, fertile volcanic soil provides food rich in intensity and flavour. You’ll also find an extensive range of take away venues as well as several of the national fast food chains.
Whether it is an intimate evening, casual dining or a cosy pub, Mount Gambier has something for everyone.
Afterwards, catch a show at The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, a fully equipped multi-purpose arts centre in the heart of the Limestone Coast. Accommodating a diverse range of conferences, performing arts and seminars, the 524 seat proscenium arch theatre is home to the Reels Film Society and features the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra as its resident artistic company.
The arts centre presents a diverse mainstage season of dance, theatre, music and physical circus, as well as a morning melodies collection and commercial and community productions.
EXPLORE
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
One of the highlights of Mount Gambier’s Railway Lands is the Nature Play area, created by the City of Mount Gambier.
The space encourages adventure taking, with children balancing upon logs, leaping from rock to rock across the stream which winds through the space, and building shelters upon the stick tepee frames housed on site.
This is the second of two recent developments which sees the City of Mount Gambier focus on using natural elements for children’s play.
The design is based on a premise that connection with nature, and imaginative play are important for early childhood development.
Trees are embedded upside down, climbing handles allowing children to scramble up and perch high over the space, a large sand pit, and mud pie making area, sees children delighting in getting messy.
With something for everyone, come and visit the Railway Lands, but expect to stay a long while, as this space encourages young minds to explore.
MUST SEE
CAVE GARDENS
Next to the Main Corner in the centre of town is the Cave Garden precinct, featuring a singhole that was the original water source for the town. Famous for its beautiful rose garden, it is also a great place for a relaxing picnic.
SOUND AND LIGHT
Free every evening, historic local images are projected onto the back of the buildings in the Cave Garden area. Then within the cave, the story of our local dreamtime legend appears. Music and lighting adds to the atmosphere.
MAIN CORNER
The Main Corner is Mount Gambier’s iconic exhibition and convention complex showcasing the natural and cultural history of our beautiful region through an array of interactive displays and state-of-the-art digital effects.
RIDDOCH ART GALLERY
The Riddoch Art Gallery is the largest and finest regional gallery in South Australia. It was first opened in 1887 and features both national and state touring exhibitions, as well as the gallery’s permanent art collection.
BLUE LAKE PUMPING STATION
The best way to appreciate the Blue Lake is by joining an aquifer tour. Guides explain the geological activity and interpret legends of the local Aboriginals. The focus of the tour is the dolomite puimping station, built in the 1880s.
CENTERNARY TOWER
At 190 metres above sea level, it is the highest point in the area, with spectacular views over the lakes, city and countryside. The tower commemorates the sighting and naming of Mount Gambier by Lt James Grant aboard “The Lady Nelson”.
VANSITTART PARK
Stately memorial gates open onto immaculate gardens featuring a special garden for the blind and two rotundas, one housing a restored World War I Krupp field gun. The adjoining playground makes a great break for the kids (and parents).
VISITOR AND DISCOVERY CENTER
The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre is a first stop destination when visiting Mount Gambier. Staff will help you get the most out of your visit, with up to date information about the region’s attractions and accommodation.
FREE BIKE HIRE
The City of Mount Gambier provides free bike hire. Bikes are available at The Lady Nelson, Main Corner and Library. Bookings can be made. All that is required is a credit card imprint, which is destroyed once the bikes are returned.
CRATER LAKES
Situated within three extinct volcanic craters, the Crater Lakes comprises the Blue, Valley, Brownes and Leg of Mutton lakes. This spectacular precinct is a part of the iconic Kanawinka Geotril, one of the world’s largest volcanic regions.
Stay Another Day is locally owned and produced by The Border Watch
Newsgroup, which is part of the Scott Group of Companies in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
Copyright © 2018