Things to do in Mount Gambier: Where to Visit, Eat, Drink and Stay
These are the best things to do in Mount Gambier, an oasis of luxury lodgings, crater lakes and sunken gardens, and paddock to plate dining experiences.
As the second largest city in South Australia, Mount Gambier is a whole other world - a lush, green, otherworldly paradise ready to be enjoyed and explored. Escape to an unexpected playground of crater lakes, sinkholes and sunken gardens, a fascinating destination that's perfect for a weekend trip...or longer!
We’ve rounded up everything you should do across a long weekend in Mount Gambier, from the best cafes and restaurants, to luxury accommodation and which natural oasis spots are must-visit.
Things to do in Mount Gambier: Eat & Drink
Breaking Bread
Alert, alert, Mount Gambier has it's first dedicated sandwich shop - and we can't stop drooling over their delicious array of everyone's favourite lunch. From the fresh, crispy deliciousness of their roast chicken, apple, celery, mayo, walnut and cos lettuce sandwich to a heartier pulled pork and pickle filled melt; the loaded fior di latte, mortadella, pesto, rocket and giardiniera pickles to the classic curried egg sando, the range here is seriously on point when it comes to flavour. They also have plenty of lush bagel options on the menu. Say less, sandwich more at Breaking Bread.
3a Mitchell Street, Mount Gambier
Presto Eatery
Get yourself fuelled for a day ahead of exploring in Mount Gambier with a visit to this charming, light-filled cafe. Presto Eatery is serving up some of the most nourishing and healthy brekky and lunch dishes in town (alongside equally delicious coffee, of course). Expect a delightful smashed avocado served with green salsa and smoked yoghurt, hearty bowls of porridge, and cinnamon 'doughnut'-style French toast. For lunch, grab one of their salad bowls to go; you can select up to three different salads, with added extras on top.
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 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
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 pull you a pint of their own beer to sip on and you wait for fresh, wood fired pizza.
107 Ruwoldt Road, Yahl
The Barn Steakhouse
Serving the finest aged steaks since 1988, The Barn Steakhouse team know what they’re doing. Their menu is full of a range of local, fresh and tasty produce, like their Barn Tasting Plate, a selection of fine salami from Borga Smallgoods, seared scallops, wagyu beef, and of course, a range of succulent steaks. They are passionate about keeping things local and of the finest quality, and their award-winning cellar features over 750 selections. the vast majority collected from the local wineries of the Limestone Coast.
747 Glenelg River Road, Mount Gambier
Mayura Station – The Tasting Room
The ultimate paddock-to-plate experience is waiting for you at The Tasting Room at Mayura Station. The specialist dining spot, located on the renowned cattle farm offers a special set-menu of 4 courses specially prepared by their chef, utilising the best cuts of Mayura wagyu beef alongside fresh, seasonal produce.
941 Canunda Frontage Road, Millicent
Brand’s Laira
Sat just outside of Mount Gambier is Brand’s Laira, a hidden gem in the internationally renowned wine region of Coonawarra. Brand’s Laira is an iconic winery, with vineyards dating back to 1893 and a recently renovated cellar door simply waiting for you to swing by for a tasting. Take a seat in their welcoming space with stretching floor to ceiling windows providing a landscape of vines to admire from inside. Their expert staff will guide you through a free wine tasting experience, all tailored to your needs and wine preferences.
14680 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra
Ottelia
Another Coonawarra gem is Ottelia. This dedicated tasting room and restaurant is a celebration of the food and wine of the Limestone Coast, and with recent renovations only enhancing its effortless charm (it's been featured in the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Top 82 Restaurants in Australia), its best to book ahead to experience both a beautiful space and unique, modern approach to the region's finest produce.
A daily, constantly evolving menu of seasonal small plates are sure to delight, using produce sourced straight from the restaurant's kitchen garden and designed to complement the range of wines and surrounding landscape.
5 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra
Things to do in Mount Gambier: Stay
The Lodge
Experience the epitome of modern luxury at these chic new lodgings. Every detail at The Lodge has been meticulously curated for your comfort and convenience, making a stay here one of the best things to do in Mount Gambier in 2024.
Nestled in a serene street just moments from Mount Gambier's bustling centre, this boutique stay offers four immaculate private rooms, suitable for both work and leisure.
Indulge in the plush comforts of a queen bed, unwind with a 50-inch smart TV, and savour the finest Nespresso coffee pods. With thoughtful amenities like luxury towels, a dining area, and reverse-cycle A/C, The Lodge promises a rejuvenating escape like no other, where contemporary elegance make for unforgettable memories.
Kookaburra Cottage
Sitting peacefully on the doorstep of some of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mount Gambier and the surrounding Limestone Coast region, Kookaburra Cottage is a masterclass in countryside tranquility.
Enjoy a stargaze and soak combination in the outdoor bathtub, roast some marshmallows around the fire pit, get up close with some sheep and alpacas, and enjoy all the modern country cottage amenities provided in this newly constructed three-bedroom accommodation. One of the best things to do in Mount Gambier when it comes to finding that perfect home away from home.
Delgattie Estate
If luxury accommodation is your thing, then Delgattie Estate will be right up your street. 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 are suitable for two guests, and uniquely decorated with contemporary and antique furnishings. A grand country manor with charm for days.
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 to take a stroll in and historical features like original fireplaces. There are multiple rooms available to stay in, from romantic suites to boudoirs with balconies attached, some even complete with luxurious claw bathtubs. Mr Darcy, eat your heart out.
3 Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Now this is accommodation like no other. For a truly unique experience, try spending a night or two at the The Old Mount Gambier Gaol. Admitting to not having 5-star facilities, room service and spa baths, what they do provide however is fantastic service and a unique experience of a lifetime. Choose your cell (ahem, room) - there are dorm style lodgings, double cells converted into suite-style accommodation, family rooms and more. Then take a wander around the gardens, chapel and courtyard spaces to soak up some of the amazing history.
25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier
Things to do in Mount Gambier: What to Do
Blue Lake
Mount Gambier houses many natural wonders and this magnificent lake is one of them! 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. 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.
Blue Lake, John Watson Drive, Mount Gambier
Little Blue Lake
The Little Blue Lake has to be one of the top spots to visit in Mount Gambier, with its crystal blue waters welcoming visitors in for a cool swim. Complete with stairs and a floating pontoon, the lake is a natural water-filled sinkhole located in the Kanawinka volcanic area – but don’t worry, the volcanos are all dormant!
Little Blue Lake, Mount Salt Road, Mount Schank
Umpherston Sinkhole
Mount Gambier’s nature-filled sinkholes are truly a sight to behold. Gaze into the depths of the mighty Umpherston Sinkhole from around its huge circumference, before heading down into the lush natural 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
Centenary Tower
Treat yourself to a spectacular view from Centenary Tower during your stay in Mount Gambier. 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 definitely should book a tour at Kilsby Sinkhole.
They will kit you out in a wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel before you are able to 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
Explore the spectacular underwater world of Piccaninnie Ponds and Ewens Ponds, both recognised as wetlands of significant importance. Take a closer look at the reef systems and giant kelp forests below, by diving into the channels, ponds and chasms of each wetland; an Avatar-level dreamscape of blues, greens and sculpted limestone features await.
Fun fact: The water clarity here enables plants to grow under water to a depth of around six metres. Some of these plants are not found growing fully underwater anywhere else in the world!
On land, you can take a walk along the beach and see the freshwater springs bubbling up onto the sand, but if you're more mermaid than human, we highly recommend booking in one of the many fantastic diving, snorkelling and scuba diving experiences available.
To note: If you plan to snorkel or dive, you'll need to get a permit from National Parks South Australia.
Piccaninnie Ponds Road, Wye
Ewens Ponds Road, Eight Mile Creek
Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Beautiful inside and out, the Tantanoola Caves is one of South Australia’s most impressive caves. Set into a cliff face, the large cavern is made up of cave decorations in shades of pink and brown, with stalagmites and stalactites reaching up and down the inside in a truly dramatic style.
Tantanoola, Limestone Coast
Mural Art in Millicent
One of South Australia’s most significant rural centres, Millicent is steeped in rich Aboriginal and pioneering history, surrounded by fertile farmlands and timber industry. For something totally different, it's also the perfect spot to keep your eyes peeled for some striking mural art, where a walk along George Street is a kaleidoscope of colour.
With a series of murals painted on some of the town’s most historic buildings, new works appear almost constantly, decking out anything from bank buildings to skate parks. For all things bright, bold and beautiful, this is one of the coolest things to do in Mount Gambier region.
Millicent, South Australia
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