Your Guide To The Best Things to Do in Mount Gambier

As the second largest city in South Australia, with a population somewhere around 30,000, Mount Gambier is a whole new world begging to be explored. A lush, green, otherworldly paradise, a near 5-hour drive from Adelaide, here you can escape to an unexpected playground of crater lakes, sinkholes and sunken gardens. A fascinating destination that’s perfect for a detour as you drive from Adelaide to Melbourne, a weekend trip…or longer!

We’ve rounded up everything you should do across a long weekend in this overlooked region, from the best cafes and restaurants to luxury accommodation and which natural oasis spots are must-visit. Here is your guide to the best things to do in Mount Gambier.

Things to do in Mount Gambier: Eat & Drink

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Breaking Bread

Mount Gambier’s first dedicated sandwich shop, Breaking Bread, is a lunchtime dream! With a mouthwatering array of sandwiches, their menu features everything from a fresh roast chicken to a decadent pulled pork and pickle melt. They even offer a selection of lush bagel options, and the cookie cabinet is impossible to resist. Say less, sandwich more!

3a Mitchell Street, Mount Gambier 

Presto Eatery

Fuel up for a day of exploration at Presto Eatery, a charming, light-filled café. Known for its nourishing breakfast and delicious lunch dishes, you’ll find options like smashed avocado with lemon feta whip, refreshing strawberry matcha chia pudding, and housemade crumpets with monthly special flavours. For lunch, grab a hearty salad bowl where you can choose up to three salads, topped with delightful extras.

37 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier 

Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co

Get your coffee fix at the local favourite Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co café. They’re roasting up ethically sourced small batch coffee in their cute brew bar space, alongside a selection of toasties, salads and a whole load of sweet treats.

Sitchu Tip: Take your coffee to-go and go for a morning stroll around Vansittart Park. 

2a Wehl Street North, Mount Gambier

Mayura Station – The Tasting Room

Indulge in the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience at The Tasting Room at Mayura Station. Found on a renowned cattle farm, this specialty dining venue offers a curated four-course set menu crafted by their talented chef. Savour the exquisite Mayura wagyu beef, paired with the freshest seasonal produce for a truly unforgettable meal. Every dish reflects the rich flavours of the region, ensuring a dining experience that celebrates the best of local produce and exquisite craftsmanship.

941 Canunda Frontage Road, Millicent

The Barn Steakhouse

Serving the finest aged steaks since 1988, The Barn Steakhouse team knows how to deliver. Their menu showcases local, fresh produce, including the Barn Tasting Plate—a delicious selection of fine salami from Borga Smallgoods, plus seared scallops, wagyu beef, and succulent steaks. Passionate about quality, they proudly feature an award-winning cellar with over 750 selections, the majority sourced from the nearby wineries of the Limestone Coast.

747 Glenelg River Road, Mount Gambier

Little Rippa Brewing Co

Just on the outskirts of Mount Gambier sits Little Rippa Brewing Co, a small batch brewery and wood fire restaurant brewing up great beer, great food and great times. Take a seat in their open, industrial-style interiors, filled with festoon lighting and plants, as the team pulls you a pint of their beer to sip on. Arrive hungry, because the fresh, wood-fired pizzas are the perfect addition to your brew of choice.

107 Ruwoldt Road, Yahl

Ottelia

You’ll need to drive 45 minutes to Coonawarra to find treasure at Ottelia, a dedicated tasting room and restaurant celebrating the food and wine of the Limestone Coast. Beautifully renovated and featured in the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Top 82 Restaurants in Australia, it’s wise to book ahead to enjoy this charming space and its unique, modern take on the region’s finest produce.

Delight in a daily evolving menu of seasonal small plates crafted from ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s kitchen garden, perfectly paired with local wines.

5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra

Things to Do in Mount Gambier: Explore

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Umpherston Sinkhole

Mount Gambier’s nature-filled sinkholes are a sight to behold. Gaze into the depths of the mighty Umpherston Sinkhole from around its huge circumference, before heading down into the lush green paradise. Created in 1886 by one James Umpherston, the sunken garden includes viewing platforms, benches, sculptures & walking paths – and its beauty must be seen to be believed!

Umpherston Sinkhole, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier

Mount Schank

Mount Schank is a natural wonder just 12 kilometres south of Mount Gambier. As part of the Kanawinka Geopark, it is a rare geological gem, preserving some of Australia’s most fascinating volcanic history.

This striking dormant cinder cone offers a 2km walk around its rim, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The moderate hike to the top includes limestone steps, and though challenging in parts, the sense of accomplishment and stunning landscape make it well worth the effort.

92 Mountain Path Road, Mount Schank

Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

No visit to Mount Gambier is complete without exploring the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre. Showcasing a rotating array of local and nationally significant exhibitions and workshops, this vibrant cultural hub holds South Australia’s premier regional art collection. With over 1,500 works, from Limestone Coast history to Aboriginal and 20th-century Australian art, there’s always something fascinating to see.

Sitchu Tip: Be sure to catch the daily screening of Volcano, which beautifully weaves the local Dreamtime story with the region’s volcanic history.

1 Bay Road, Mount Gambier 

Echo Farm

Echo Farm, just outside Mount Gambier, is a charming, family-owned and operated spot that transports you back to simpler times. The 1940s-style farmhouse and historic displays offer a nostalgic experience, while the real highlight is interacting with friendly farm animals like donkeys and ducks.

Open six days a week, Echo Farm allows visitors to feed the animals and explore the self-guided trail at their own pace. It’s a wholesome, hands-on day out perfect for families or anyone seeking a peaceful countryside retreat.

249 Tollner Road, Mount Gambier 

Blue Lake

Mount Gambier houses many natural wonders, and this magnificent lake is one of the best of the bunch. The larger of the two blue lakes, the Blue Lake/Warwar is a water-filled crater of the extinct volcano after which the city was named, and is every bit nature’s play area. Its sparkling waters change from a deep blue to bright turquoise throughout the year, and it has a 3.6 kilometre road and walking track with many viewpoints for you to enjoy.

Sitchu tip: Take a walk to nearby Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi, where native flora and fauna provide a glimpse into the past. This special area is home to hours of fun.

Blue Lake, John Watson Drive, Mount Gambier

Little Blue Lake

The Little Blue Lake is easily one of the most popular attractions in Mount Gambier, and for good reason! Its crystal blue waters welcome visitors in for a cool dip or dive like no other. Complete with stairs and a floating pontoon, the lake is a natural water-filled sinkhole in the Kanawinka volcanic crater area – but don’t worry, the volcanoes are all dormant!

Little Blue Lake, Mount Salt Road, Mount Schank

Centenary Tower

Treat yourself to a spectacular view from Centenary Tower. Located 190 metres above sea level, Centenary Tower was opened to the public in 1904, and it’s the best spot in town to get the most scenic and panoramic views over the city, the volcanic, lake-dotted countryside and down to the coast. 

Elliott Drive, Mount Gambier

Kilsby Sinkhole

If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you should book a tour at Kilsby Sinkhole. The team will kit you out in a wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel before you can experience an amazing underwater adventure in the crystal clear depths of this sinkhole. If you’re lucky enough to be a certified and current scuba diver, you can arrange a dive with one of the experienced guides to explore the underwater caves.

Kilsby Sinkhole, 525 Sisters Road, Moorak

Piccaninnie Ponds & Ewens Ponds

Dive into the mesmerising underwater worlds of Piccaninnie Ponds and Ewens Ponds, where crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant reef systems, giant kelp forests, and stunning limestone formations. It’s an Avatar-like dreamscape of blues and greens, perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving.

Want a fun fact? The water clarity allows plants to thrive at depths of up to six metres, with some species found nowhere else in the world! For those who prefer dry land, stroll along the banks and discover freshwater springs bubbling onto the sand.

Sitchu Tip: If you plan to snorkel or dive, you’ll need to get a permit from National Parks South Australia.

Swimming in the ponds is currently closed to the public, though the park remains open.

Piccaninnie Ponds Road, Wye

Ewens Ponds Road, Eight Mile Creek

Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park

Stunning both inside and out, Tantanoola Caves is one of South Australia’s most striking natural wonders. Set into a cliff face, the vast cavern boasts an array of dramatic cave formations in soft pink and brown hues, with stalagmites and stalactites creating an otherworldly display.

Sitchu Tip: For something different, check out Engelbrecht Cave. This hidden gem features rare dry cave formations and a fascinating European history. Located in the heart of the city, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Mount Gambier. Another city gem? The Cave Garden/Thugi, just a 5-minute drive away.

Tantanoola, Limestone Coast

Mural Art in Millicent

Millicent, one of South Australia’s historic rural hubs, is brimming with vibrant mural art. Stroll down George Street, where the colourful Millicent Murals brighten everything from historic buildings to skate parks. New works pop up regularly, turning the town into a living art gallery. If you’re in the Mount Gambier region, don’t miss this bold, creative stop—it’s a perfect way to add some colour to your day.

Millicent, South Australia

Things to Do in Mount Gambier: Stay

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The Lodge 

Experience the epitome of modern luxury at The Lodge, where every detail is designed for your ultimate comfort. Located on a tranquil street just moments from Mount Gambier’s vibrant centre, this boutique features four impeccably styled private rooms perfect for work or leisure. Sink into plush queen beds, watch a movie on the 50-inch smart TV, and sip premium Nespresso coffee. With luxury towels and a cosy dining area, The Lodge offers a refreshing, contemporary escape.

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92 Riddoch Highway, Mount Gambier

Kookaburra Cottage

Sitting at the gateway to Mount Gambier’s stunning attractions, Kookaburra Cottage is a serene countryside escape. Enjoy the luxury of stargazing from the outdoor bathtub, roasting marshmallows by the fire pit, and saying hello to friendly sheep and alpacas. This three-bedroom retreat blends modern comforts with rustic charm, making it the perfect home away from home.

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266 Lange Road, Yahl 

Delgattie Estate

If luxury accommodation is your thing, then Delgattie Estate will be right up your alley. Established in 1902, this iconic property hosts a range of suites with sunny sitting rooms, en suite and private entrances. Each of the three suites is suitable for two guests and uniquely decorated with contemporary and antique furnishings. A grand country manor with charm for days. 

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60 Penola Road, Mount Gambier

Colhurst House

Historic, boutique accommodation is beckoning with the unique and beautiful Colhurst House. Built in 1878 and extensively restored in 1981, this historical mansion is a classy blend of grand and quaint, with lush surrounding gardens and historical features like original fireplaces. There are multiple room options, from romantic suites to boudoirs with balconies attached, some even complete with luxurious claw bathtubs. Mr Darcy, eat your heart out. 

Book your stay at Colhurst House

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3 Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier

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