Mount Gambier Visitor Guide - Have Your Say Mount Gambier

Mount
Gambier
Limestone Coast | South Australia
Attractions
Maps
Accommodation
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Adelaide
Melbourne
Mount Gambier
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welcome to
mount gambier
Mount Gambier is the major service centre for the
Limestone Coast. A thriving progressive community,
residents enjoy a quality lifestyle, with city facilities
and services, many attractions, a wide range of
accommodation, shopping and entertainment are
surrounded by volcanic craters, lakes, limestone
and underground aquifers.
welcome to
mount gambier
Mount Gambier is famous for its ‘Blue Lake’ which changes colour
dramatically each year. The Blue Lake is just one of the lakes within
the three craters of the volcano. The city also boasts beautiful parks
and gardens, caves and sinkholes. An interesting mix of galleries,
museums and markets provides an insight into the culture and arts of
the town. With fresh local food and wines available at many cafes and
restaurants everyone’s tastes are catered for.
welcome
Destination or Drive through?
Mount Gambier’s location half way between Adelaide and Melbourne
makes it an ideal stopover for travellers to and from Kangaroo
Island, The Great Ocean Road or the Grampians, it is also a perfect
destination for longer stays to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty
of the surrounding region, the caves and sinkholes, coastline, rivers,
lakes and wineries.
Mount Gambier is perfectly positioned to host events and
conferences. With many conference and meeting facilities as well as
outstanding sporting and recreational facilities it is an ideal location
for conferences, sporting events, trade shows and conventions.
Accommodation includes 19 Motels, 7 Hotels, 6 Caravan Parks as
well as many Bed & Breakfasts.
Contents
Unique Attractions............................................................................... 4
Blue Lake........................................................................................5 – 7
Mount Gambier Public Library............................................................. 8
The Main Corner.................................................................................. 9
Arts Drive........................................................................................... 10
Events................................................................................................ 11
Family Fun..................................................................................12 – 13
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre..........................14 – 15
Mount Gambier’s Heritage.........................................................16 – 17
Arts, Crafts, Galleries, Souvenirs, Markets........................................ 18
Food & Wine...................................................................................... 19
Parks & Gardens.........................................................................20 – 21
Crater Lakes Walks.....................................................................22 – 23
National Parks & Reserves (SA & VIC).......................................24 – 25
Geology......................................................................................26 – 29
Maps: City, District & Regional . ................................................30 – 33
Caves & Sinkholes............................................................................. 34
Kanawinka Global Geopark................................................................ 35
Nature Walks..............................................................................36 – 37
Short Drives................................................................................38 – 41
History........................................................................................42 – 43
Recreation, Leisure & Adventure...............................................44 – 45
Tours, Cruises & Transport................................................................ 46
Calendar of Annual Events................................................................ 47
Community & Health Services...................................................48 – 49
Industry.............................................................................................. 50
Facts & Figures.................................................................................. 51
Eating Out...................................................................................52 – 55
Accommodation.........................................................................56 – 59
Full disabled facilities
A Disabled Access
T Disabled toilet provided
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Umpherston Sinkhole
Once a cave, formed through
the dissolution of the limestone,
this sinkhole was created when
the top of the chamber fell to
the floor of the cave, creating
the perfect environment for its
‘sunken’ garden. See pages
21 & 28
Originally beautified by James
Umpherston around 1886, it is
open at all times and from dusk
each evening the area comes
alive with possums as they
venture into the floodlit gardens
to feed. A large undercover
shelter with group seating and
free BBQ is provided. Free of
charge entry. Jubilee Hwy East,
city map N25
Engelbrecht Cave Tour
unique attractions
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This huge complex of limestone
caves under the city was first
explored around 1884. Cave
divers, who have undertaken
intense training, regularly
explore this site and have
provided maps showing the
extent of this underground cave
system. See page 28
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Guided tours take visitors
down into two of the chambers
where divers enter the water to
dive under the city. Learn how
caves are formed and how the
underground water filters through
the limestone, making its way to
the Blue Lake. Souvenirs, light
meals & refreshments available.
Jubilee Hwy West,
city map K12 8723 5552
Cave Garden
- State Heritage Area
This sinkhole was the original
source of water for the early
settlers. Famous for its roses,
the Cave Garden is a great place
for a picnic. Walk down into the
cave and venture out onto the
suspended viewing platforms for
an awesome view into the cave.
During winter, storm water
run-off makes its way to the
cave forming a spectacular
waterfall. It eventually enters the
underground water system which
possibly feeds into the Blue Lake.
With its spectacular lighting,
Cave Garden is well worth a
visit at night. See pages 20 &
21 Parks and Gardens for more
information. Free of charge entry.
Nearby is the redeveloped City
Hall which provides excellent
facilities for public functions
and conferences. Watson
Terrace, city map N16
The Crater
Lakes
Centenary Tower
Comprising of three craters,
the Blue Lake Crater, the Valley
Lake Crater and the Leg of
Mutton Lake Crater, this area
is a significant site within the
Kanawinka Geopark. See page 35
From the car park, walk to
Centenary Tower, 190 metres
above sea level for spectacular
views of the lakes, the City
and the beautiful countryside.
Opened in 1904, a small fee
provides entry to the tower
which includes an extensive
display of early photographs
of the Crater Lakes area
and a volcanic audio visual.
Souvenirs and refreshments
are also available. Binoculars
are supplied. The tower is open
when the flag is flying.
The foundation stone for the
tower was laid on December
3rd, 1900, to commemorate the
100 years since Mount Gambier
was sighted and named by
Lt. James Grant aboard “The
Lady Nelson”. Illuminated at
night, the tower can be seen
from many points in the City
and surrounding district. WA
Mitchell Walk, city map V11
08 8723 9224, 0438 239 224
Paul Krummel was the first
curator of the Cave Garden from
the 1880’s to 1920. He initiated
the first community plantings
and rose garden.
Valley Lake
The Valley Lake is very popular
all year round with excellent
playground and recreational
areas. With well kept picnic
areas, 16 free gas barbecues,
covered shelters, large grassed
areas, it can cater for many
families. Nearby is Browne’s Lake
which is again suffering from a
fall in the water level as it did
in 1841. Free of charge entry.
Davison Drive, city map U14
The Wildlife Park
The Park presents indigenous
species of flora and fauna in an
environment very similar to that
which would have originally been
found in the area. With lookouts,
nature walks at the Valley Lake,
the area is an ideal place for
families to spend many hours of
pleasure. Free of charge entry
A Valley Lake area, city map V13
The Leg of Mutton Lake
Situated in its own smaller crater,
surrounded by many varieties of
deciduous trees it is popular for
its walking trails. This lake has
had a history of varying water
levels and was recorded as being
dry as early as 1859.
Nearby is the Adam Lindsay
Gordon Monument, erected in
1887 to commemorate the scene
where Gordon on horseback,
daringly leapt over a fence, and
landed on a narrow ledge above
a 70 metre sheer drop to the Blue
Lake. Bay Rd, city map U16
Umpherston Sinkhole
blue lake
blue lake
The Blue Lake is the
drinking water for the city
Situated in one of three extinct
volcanic craters, the Blue Lake
exposes the crystal clear water
that has filtered underground
through the limestone, passing
slowly beneath the city.
Each year in November the lake
starts its colour change from
winter steel blue to brilliant
turquoise blue and then in March
changes back to steel blue. Many
theories have been advanced
about this mystery. See page 7
With average depths of 70
metres, the lake contains 36,000
million litres (ML). It is the source
of water to the city 3,500 ML
is pumped annually from the
lake into holding tanks which
gravity feed water to the city
and surrounds. No swimming or
diving is permitted.
The Blue Lake and the Crater
Lakes area is a significant site
within the Kanawinka Geopark
and is a State Heritage Area.
See page 35
The Blue Lake Reception Centre
provides public facilities and a
comprehensive interpretation of
the volcanic area.
Tours down into the crater of
the Blue Lake operate from the
Reception Centre. T
The 3.6 km road and walking
track around the circumference of
the lake provides access to many
viewing points. The underpass
between the Blue Lake and
the Leg of Mutton Lake offers
great views of both areas. John
Watson Drive, city map W17
Aquifer Tours
Experience this fascinating 45
minute tour which takes visitors
in a glass paneled lift down the
original dolomite well shaft,
from which water was originally
extracted. Walk through a
tunnel to see the Blue Lake at
close proximity. Learn about the
hydrology of Mount Gambier’s
water supply and the aquifer
system. Hear the interesting
stories of local history, European
settlement, folklore and aboriginal
legend. Souvenirs, local crafts
and refreshments available. John
Watson Drive, city map U17
08 8723 1199
The Blue
Lake is
500 metres
across and
70 metres
deep
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blue lake
No other lake changes colour
so dramatically every year
Why Blue?
Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake
is unique. There are lots of
blue lakes in the world, but no
other lake changes colour so
dramatically every year.
Is Blue Lake blue?
Sunlight enters the lake, and a
small proportion comes back out
again. The proportion, and colour
of the light that comes back out
is controlled by processes called
scattering and absorption
(described in diagram 1,
opposite page).
In summer, the light coming out
of the lake contains a range of
colours, but the dominant colour
is blue. In winter there is far less
light (and when looked at in detail
it contains more green colour).
Yes - Blue Lake is blue.
Why is Blue Lake blue?
Is it blue dye? A bunyip? A
range of explanations have been
proposed over the last century.
It was also proposed that the
blue colour was caused by
fluorescence of dissolved organic
matter which builds up seasonally
in the upper layers of the lake.
Another theory was that the blue
colour was caused by absorption
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of all incident visible radiation
except blue by finely crystalline
calcite in the surface of the lake.
However, the natural colour of
water is blue, and for the same
reasons that the sky is blue.
Therefore, Blue Lake (and all
lakes) should be blue.
The question to answer is
therefore: Why does Blue Lake
become less blue in winter?
Why does Blue Lake
change colour?
The colour change is due to the
removal of humic substances (eg
tannins) from the upper part of
the lake by calcite precipitation.
The humic substances are yellow
in colour, because they absorb
blue light. The humic substances
come from dead algae and land
vegetation. Calcite precipitates
when the lake water warms
during summer.
The lake water flows into the
lake through limestone rocks,
and the water contains lots of
dissolved limestone. When the
lake water warms up in summer,
the limestone precipitates out
of the water. As it happens, the
humic substances are chemically
attracted to the calcite crystals
and co-precipitate with the
calcite. The calcite, with humic
substances attached, falls to
the floor of the lake. So during
summer, the surface waters have
the humic substances removed
and hence the natural blue colour
of the water is more evident.
Management issues
Human activities are likely to
influence the colour of Blue Lake,
therefore, an understanding of
the colour change processes
is needed so the lake and its
environments can be managed
to preserve the annual colour
change. Important factors that
might affect the colour of the
lake if they are altered are the
inflowing groundwater chemistry;
the lake water chemistry; and the
water depth in the lake.
Scattering of light in water
Water, gases and small particles
(i.e. less than 0.0000005m
diameter) scatter light in all
directions (see diagram 2) due
to density fluctuation scattering.
Blue light is scattered more
strongly than red light, and
therefore more blue light is
backscattered toward the surface
of the lake than red light. Particles
much larger than the wavelength
of light (>0.000005m) scatter light
in the forward direction.
Absorption of light
in water
It is absorption that plays the
major role in affecting the
colour of the emergent light.
All light absorption that takes
place in water is attributable to
4 components. Water absorbs
only weakly in the blue and
green regions of the spectrum
but is significant in the red end.
Soluble humic substances (eg
tannins) strongly absorb blue
light. Particulate matter does
not absorb light strongly. Algae
absorbs blue and red. (see
diagram 3)
Winter - August
Autumn - May
In winter, the lake is green-grey. It is thoroughly stirred up with dead
algae which are mixed into the top of the lake. The amount of light
entering and therefore coming out of the lake is at its lowest. The lake
appears less blue due to absorption of blue light by humic substances
in the near-surface water. Low rates of calcite precipitation are
insufficient to remove the humic substances from the water column
hence the water clarity is poor.
As the top layer of water cools in autumn the calcite production slows
dramatically but the mass flux of organic material continues.
Spring - November
Summer - February
The lake commences stratification in spring forming a thin layer of
warm water which cuts off deep circulation in the lake. Degassing of
CO2 modifies the pH of the surface water promoting precipitation of
calcite. An abundance of white calcite forms near the surface of the
lake, making the water appear brighter blue. The calcite comes from the
groundwater inflow from the adjacent limestone and dolomite aquifer.
The high rate of calcite production removes the humic acids from the
water column. The spring colour change results principally from the
introduction of significant quantities of finely crystalline calcite.
In summer, the calcite continues to form. The calcite continues to
strip the humic substances (which come mostly from dead algae in
the lake) from the water (through a chemical reaction) in the top of
the lake, and the calcite and humic substances settle to the bottom of
the lake. As more and more humic substances are removed through
summer, the lake becomes deeper and deeper blue. (The humic
substances being produced by algae deeper in the lake don’t get into
the water near the top of the lake because the lake stratification in
summer prevents mixing of the two water layers).
1. Scattering and absorption
3. Absorption of light in water
Winter
Absorption coefficient (m -1)
The amount and colour of
the light coming out of Blue
Lake in summer and winter
2. Scattering of light in water
Colour of light
lake
lue lake
bblue
Amount of light (uE/m 2/nm
Summer
The concentrations of algae in the near surface water increases and
the colour returns to aqua. New and old humic substances are mixed
into the surface water from below, which is the probable cause of
the colour change. The addition of humic substances to the water
increases the absorbency of light in the blue end of the spectrum.
Prepared by Andrew Telfer & Kylie Hyde,
Australian Water Environments Pty Ltd
PO Box 171 Kent Town 5071
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public library
Hailed as
“the best
smaller
city public
library in
the world”,
a must for
all visitors
to Mount
Gambier.
Mount Gambier Public Library
This vibrant dynamic space is for
people of all ages to connect,
play, learn, socialise or sit, read
and enjoy. Organised into six
“rooms” or zones that group
together related materials
featuring multimedia resources,
18 public access computers,
many events, authors visits,
musical performances, and
a fantasy world of caves and
underwater adventures for
children to explore.
Check out the Bookmark Cafe, a
great meeting place with the best
view in Mount Gambier over the
Cave Gardens.
Light bright and airy you will
find the library bold, interactive
and entertaining. Sit and enjoy,
listen to music, play interactive
computer games, watch TV, surf
the net.
Under 5’s story time and
craft sessions are held every
Tuesday and Friday, 10.30am
during school term. Baby
Bounce and Rhyme sessions
are every Tuesday at 2.15pm
during the school term.
Sessions are free and no
bookings are required. Special
School holiday programs are
also available at varying times.
For those interested in local
history, family history and
genealogy the Library has the
Les Hill Historical collection
featuring: Mount Gambier and
regional local history books,
Mount Gambier records dating
back to 1876, a large variety
of newspapers dating back to
1861, online cemetery records,
births deaths marriages for
South Australia, Victoria, NSW,
Tasmania and Queensland. To
aid your research a computer,
microfilm reader, microfiche,
and scanner are also available.
Also available to access is
a collection of over 16,000
historical photos dating back
to 1850.
Free City Bike Hire
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Library Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 10.00am – 2.00pm, Sunday: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Public Holidays: 12.00pm - 3.00pm,
Closed: Christmas, New Years Day, Easter Friday & Anzac Day (am)
the main corner
main corne
Features:
When the first white settlers arrived
in the district in 1841 in search of new
grazing land, they discovered a valuable
secret which local Aboriginals had
shared since the dream time: a cave
containing fresh, sweet water in plentiful
supply.
Riddoch Art Gallery:
Riddoch Art Gallery is South
Australia’s premier regional
art gallery.
The water became the foundation and
lifeblood of a community, and today, the
Cave Garden remains at the heart of our
City pulsing with life and promise.
But every heart needs a soul and that
soul is the Main Corner precinct.
The Main Corner
Mount Gambier
The Main Corner project connects the existing buildings via multipurpose spaces and a striking new entrance foyer. The City Hall
terrace now flows through to Bay Road at ground level, while a glass
atrium provides access to the rejuvenated Riddoch Art Gallery and
upper floor spaces.
The completion of this project brings the Garden Square vision
to life, with the Cave Garden, Civic Centre, Sir Robert Helpmann
Theatre, Mount Gambier Library, 1884 marble fountain and the
former site of the Town Baths included in this precinct.
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday 10.00am-5.00pm
Weekends/Public Holidays 10.00am - 3.00pm
Closed: Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter Friday, Anzac Day (am)
The Foyer Light Show:
Moving images of molten lava
and flowing water are projected
onto glass windows, while
the cave feature wall at the
entrance to the Main Corner
precinct is washed in a deep
blue light reflecting the colour
transformation of the Blue Lake.
Sound & Light Show
AT THE CAVE GARDEN:
A spectacular sound and light
show which tells our Indigenous
Dreamtime stories. Best viewed
down in the cave. Nightly - times
vary to season and daylight
savings.
The King’s Floor:
Multi-touch discovery light tables
and illuminated displays detail
Mount Gambier’s pioneering
history, famous persons, forestry
and timber industry, pastoral
heritage, indigenous culture,
geography and recent history.
r
~ Earth Fire Water ~
The Living Green Wall:
Creates continuity of the Cave
Garden landscape as well as
providing a natural shading device
for the glass atrium wall.
The Balcony:
Offers spectacular view across
the City. This is the perfect
spot for functions, weddings,
exhibitions and displays, with
direct access to the King’s Floor
and the Dress Circle theatrette.
The Dress Circle:
Free screenings of “Volcano” The
Story of Earth Fire and Water.
A 112 seat venue available for
concerts, drama productions,
film screenings, lectures, private
functions.
Haigh’s Chocolates:
Haigh’s Chocolates actually
started in Mount Gambier. Their
shop was located inside the
King’s Theatre (now the Riddoch
Art Gallery). South Australia’s
iconic store has now returned.
A Wyrie Swamp Diorama:
Tells the story of how the world’s
oldest known boomerang was
unearthed.
Deep Cave Engravings:
More than 30,000 years old
have been replicated in a cave
constructed by local artist Kelvin
Smibert.
Free City Bike Hire
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arts
arts drive
Mount Gambier
has many public
art pieces some
of which are
the legacy of
the National
Limestone
Sculpture
Symposium held
biannually in
Mount Gambier.
Memories in a Suitcase
The symposium celebrates the Limestone which underpins
our whole region; a walk around the city centre can take in
some of these pieces whilst a drive around the wider city
area allows the visitor to view many more.
Within the city centre start with
our earliest piece of public art the
Fountain in the Cave Gardens,
presented to the town by Captain
Gardiner in 1884 the grandfather
of Sir Robert Helpmann.
Also view the wind impelled
sculpture “ Peformance” by
Adelaide artist Max Lyle.
In the Library forecourt you will
find the sculpture “Memories in
a Suitcase” by acclaimed sculptor
Silvio Aponyi, recognising the
importance of migration to our
local community.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is
the home of the Symposium and
three of the pieces are located
there: Verisimilar by local artist
Ivo Tadic which explores the
notion of likeness to the real
things. “A Wonderful Life” by
Tony Bishop of Adelaide is based
on a lotus seed pod from the
Botanic Gardens in Adelaide and
Fast Food by James Darling
Two sculptures can also be
viewed at the Lady Nelson
Visitor and Discovery Centre,
“Vessel” by Siv Grave and John
Turpie is a metaphor for a vessel
Ceramic and Mural Redgum seats and the importance of historic
are featured at four sites within
voyages made to the Limestone
the city; one in front of the Border Coast; “Accident with a Ute” by
Watch office in Commercial St
Alexander Sexton explores water
East; another in front of Plants
and how we conserve it.
on Sturt in Sturt St; opposite the
One art work can be viewed at
Post Office in Helen St; and one
Tenison College, “I’m all Ears”
in the front of the Mount Gambier
by Graham Wilson near the
Hotel Bottle Shop on Penola Rd.
main entrance to the school off
At the Umpherston Sinkhole
Sheperdson Rd. Another two
“Cenotes and other Encounters” are on adjacent White Avenue,
was created by local artist Ivo
Admella 150 by Greg Johns and
Tadic, he was inspired by the
Jamie Willis commemorates the
geological process which created wreck of the SS Admella which
the region’s sinkholes and caves. sank in 1859 near Carpenter
Rocks; and Sea Grasses by
Silvio Apponyi was created to
compliment the adjacent
Admella 150.
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Two sculptures including
“Presence” by Stephen
Schubert can be viewed at the
Mount Gambier Bowling Club,
Commercial St West as well as
“The Pod” by Pam Procter is
designed with simplicity in mind
to show the beauty of the ancient
materials. Directly behind the
Bowling Club in Vansittart Park is
a mural on the water tank by local
artists Robert and Anne Miles.
Flinders University Rural medical
Clinic in Vivienne Ave is home to
“In your Heart” by Murray Haines
and “Shadows” by Pam Procter.
National Limestone Sculpture Symposium
“Quite Victory” can be viewed at
the Centenary Tower car Park by
Craig Mesdon the shape of the
boulder inspired the wing form.
Single sculptures can also be
viewed at Melaleuca Park School
on Pick Ave “Looking Local”
by Tianee Hurst, and at Mount
Gambier Child Care Centre
Derrington St is “Bowl of Tears”
by Birgit Grapentin in which the
artist responds to the impact of
the Victorian Bushfires in 2009.
events
events
Mount Gambier
- Perfect Event Destination
Mount Gambier is a thriving
city set in an ancient landscape
of volcanic craters, lakes and
underground water ways.
It provides many unique
experiences for a memorable
event.
Support Division located at
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor
and Discovery Centre.
•
Local Knowledge
As the Limestone Coasts
Regional Centre and the Largest
City in Regional South Australia,
Mount Gambier boasts many
attractions including the world
famous Blue Lake.
•
Venue Selection & Advice
•
Accommodation
requirements
•
Itinerary Planning
•
Funding Advice
& Assistance
First Class conference and event
facilities catering for up to 1200
people with extended services
for much larger groups.
•
Catering Selection & Advice
•
Promotion & Marketing
•
Administrative Support
•
Event Timing
•
Tourist Information Packs
(pre event mail outs or
at your Event)
•
Image Gallery of
motivational images
of the region
A multitude of cafes, restaurants
and accommodation options,
Mount Gambier delivers
excellence within a relaxed
regional setting.
Event organisers also enjoy the
support of the Mount Gambier
City Council through the Event
The Support Team assist
with the following:
Mount Gambier is a 4.5
hour drive from both
Melbourne and Adelaide
with daily one hour flights
to and from both cities.
Adelaide
Melbourne
Mount Gambier
See page 47 for ‘Calendar of Annual Events’
or visit the online Events Calendar at
www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
Contact “The Lady Nelson”
Visitor & Discovery Centre
Phone: 08 8724 9750 Tollfree: 1800 087 187
Fax: 08 8723 2833
Email: theladynelson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
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11
!
n
fu
family fun!
Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre
Wildlife Park
Wander through the Valley Lake crater to see indigenous species of
flora and fauna in a free-range environment. With lookouts and nature
walks it’s an ideal place for families to enjoy many hours of fun and
discovery. Valley Lake area, city map V13
Umpherston Sinkhole
Visit during the day to see the beauty of its terraced gardens, or at
night to see possums venture into the floodlit sinkhole and gardens
to feed. Jubilee Highway East, city map N25
The Treehouse Play Café
Enjoy a coffee or snack, while the children burn off some energy,
playing, exploring and learning in our unique indoor adventure
playground environment, which includes two inflatable jumping
castles. Best suited for children 0 – 12 years. Catering for birthday
parties. Bay Road (enter via Heriot Street) city map O16 08 8723 2045
Ten Pin Bowling
Choose from a wide range of recreational activities for children of
all ages. Commercial Street West, city map N14 08 8723 2442
Don’t miss “The Lady
Nelson” Discovery Centre
Learn about the limestone and how it was formed from millions
of shells, bones and fossils; wander through The Wetlands to see
the animals that were here before we were; meet Christina Smith
as she changes into a ghostly figure and tells us about working
in the 1800s; walk on the exciting glass floor of The Cave Walk,
make the volcano erupt in The Geology Room.
For the whole family...
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Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre
Choose from the various heated outdoor pools.
Margaret Street, city map P15 08 8723 1283
Centro Mount Gambier Shopping Centre
Open 7 days a week with over 40 retailers, food court and free
parking. Helen Street, city map O15 08 8725 2661
Oatmill Cinema Complex
A wide range of the latest release movies.
Percy Street, city map M17 08 8724 9150
Bike Riding
Free Bike Hire available from The Main Corner, The Lady Nelson
Visitor and Discovery Centre & The Library.
fun!
Be sure to spend time in the
two outstanding playgrounds
one in the Valley Lakes
Recreation Area, the other
at Vansittart Park.
family fun!
The Valley Lakes Recreation Area
Beaches
Soak in the beauty of one of the many beaches within 30 minutes
drive of the city.
Little Blue Lake
For the older and more adventurous, swim in the cool depths
of the lake. Mount Salt Road, district map P6
Canoe
Take a canoe trip along the Glenelg River where camping sites
provide facilities for day visitors.
Bushland
Walk to see wombats, kangaroos, emus and many species of birds.
See page 36
Mount Schank
Take the exhilarating walk to the top of the volcano crater, for
wonderful views of the surrounding area. Follow the trail around a
section of the rim to the steep track to the bottom of the crater.
See Page 36. Post Office Road, district map Q9
Fishing
Enjoy at one of the peaceful landings along the Glenelg River
or from the jetty or breakwater at Port MacDonnell.
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13
t
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‘the lady nelson’
visitor centre
“The Lady Nelson”
Visitor Centre
The Centre
serves an
average of
80,000 visitors
annually, and
provides a
personalised
information
service on
Mount
Gambier and
The Limestone
Coast
When visiting Mount Gambier,
make your first stop at “The
Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre.
Our friendly staff will help you
get the most out of your stay
in Mount Gambier. Offering
up to date information about
all of the local attractions and
accommodation for the Mount
Gambier area.
A wide range of souvenirs
and local products are on
offer, featuring gourmet food
products, lavender, pottery,
olive oils, handmade chocolates,
exclusive range of local jewellery
and much more.
The Centre serves an average
of 80,000 visitors annually,
and provides a personalised
information service on Mount
Gambier and The Limestone
Coast. Ask for free copies of the
Mount Gambier Visitor Guide,
district and regional maps. A
wide range of information is
provided for all South Australian
and Victorian regions.
Theatrette
Admission to our Theatrette is
free and you can watch a variety
of locally produced films.
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre
35 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Phone: 08 8724 9750
Tollfree: 1800 087 187
Fax: 08 8723 2833
Email: theladynelson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
Open 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (SA Time) Monday - Friday
10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays.
Closed Christmas Day.
Extended hours during periods of seasonal demand.
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre
is a division of The City of Mount Gambier.
page
14
“The Lady Nelson”
Discovery Centre
Take a tour of “The Lady Nelson”
Discovery Centre - see ancient
fossils and learn about our history
and geology…
The Under-Sea World
Step back in time, through The
Under-Sea World of fish, see
the birds and animals which
contributed to the making of our
limestone geology 40 million
years ago.
The Wetlands
Wander through The Wetlands.
Learn the history of aboriginal
middens.
Relax in front of the fascinating
3D Spectravision and meet
Christina Smith as her ghostly
figure steps down from the
photograph to tell of her
experiences in the 1800s.
Learn how the pastoral, forestry
and tourism industries evolved.
Discover some of the fascinating
features and interesting
characters who fashioned the
Mount Gambier District of today.
The Cave Walk
Walk on the exciting glass floor in The Cave
Walk to see illuminated fossil rocks strewn with
kangaroo and other bones to represent a typical
cave floor of the area. See 40,000 year old fossils
and examples of aboriginal art as featured on the
walls. Look out for the “Cave Explorer”
HMS Lady Nelson
View the full size replica HMS
Lady Nelson, originally weighing
60 tons, it was designed by
Captain John Schanck to map and
chart shallow waters. Lieutenant
James Grant, at the age of 28,
was commissioned to sail HMS
Lady Nelson to Sydney.
It was the first vessel to sail
eastward through Bass Strait.
Sailing on latitude 38o south, at
8.00am on December 3rd, 1800,
the first Australian land was
sighted.
The first mountain was named
after Captain Schanck (Mount
Schank) and the second mountain
after Lord Gambier R.N. (Mount
Gambier). Cape Northumberland
and Cape Banks were also
named. Learn about the voyage
of discovery in the year 1800 and
of life on this early sailing ship.
Free City Bike Hire
‘the lady nelson’
discovery centre
Christina Smith
Venture into The Geology Room
to see and hear the neon volcano
explode. As you approach the
neon volcano, it suddenly bursts
into volcanic activity, rumbling
and erupting with steam, smoke
and lights. Learn about the
fascinating geological activity
of the area. Watch the video of
diving in the famous Blue Lake.
discover
See the South East Region
through the eyes of the
early settlers when they first
discovered and settled the
district. Interact with the
exhibits and share some of the
experiences of the explorers
and the local aboriginals. Walk
through time to our country as
it is today unfolding some of
the mysteries of our history and
geology.
The Geology Room
“The Lady Nelson” Discovery Centre
A World of Fascination not to be Missed
Self Guided Tours from 9.00 am - 4.15 pm Mon - Fri,
10.00 am - 3.15 pm Sat - Sun (SA Time)
Prices including GST
Adult $4.00
Concession $2.00
Family (2+4) $10.00
page
15
Take in the beauty of Mount
Gambier’s Heritage Buildings
constructed from local limestone and
the unique pink to orange dolomite
which is cut from local quarries.
Stroll around the Old Town Hall
precinct, with its old world charm and
the re-developed modern City Hall
which overlooks the Cave Gardens.
Museums & Heritage Sites
The Gaol
Built in 1866, the former Mount Gambier Gaol was operational up
to 1995. Today it is available for budget accommodation with a
difference. See Page 56. Margaret Street, city map P14 08 8723 0032
The Glencoe Woolshed
Glencoe Station was subdivided for closer settlement in 1903. The
town of Glencoe grew around the Woolshed, which has been restored
to its original splendor by the National Trust. The Woolshed, built in
1863 by Leake Bros, features cathedral like arched Blackwood beams
and roof timbers marked with Roman numerals. 38 blade shearers
operated in the shed at any time and it was never mechanized. Main
Rd, Glencoe, district map S30 08 8739 4320 (Glencoe General Store)
Mount Gambier Community RSL
The collection of Military Memorabilia, housed at the clubrooms in
Sturt Street, is considered one of Australasia’s best RSL collections.
It includes artifacts, items and photographs from 1815 to the Vietnam
War. Sturt Street, city map 016 08 8725 8181
Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum
A small museum with a large display covering 30 ships that were
wrecked on the coast. View a collection of maritime artifacts and
discover the early history of Port MacDonnell and information on the
current local fishing industry. Charles Street, Port MacDonnell,
district map Y7 08 8738 7259
Nangwarry Forestry & Logging Museum
The Museum presents the history of forestry through the ages.
Riddoch Hwy, Nangwarry, district map Q32 0422 958 005
Dingley Dell, Adam Lindsay Gordon’s Cottage
Home of Adam Lindsay Gordon from 1864-67. See some of the
works and personal effects of Adam Lindsay Gordon, Australia’s first
poet and horseman extraordinaire. Take a short walk through Dingley
Dell Conservation Park to see an abundance of wildlife.
Dingley Dell Road, district map Y7 08 8738 2221
Feast’s Private Classic Car Collection & Memorabilia
Take a walk down memory lane. Open when signs are out or phone
for viewing. Lower Nelson Road, Port MacDonnell 0429 368 342
National Trust Old Court House
A limestone and dolomite building with original courtroom furniture.
Take time out and sit in the jury box, view the judge’s chambers and
inspect the cells. This fascinating 1865 Court House incorporates local
history, past law records and photographic representations of past
events. Mock Trials are available by appointment only and are popular
with coach and school groups. Bay Road, city map Q15 08 8725 7011
Admella Discovery Trail
A heritage and nature based touring route of 130 kms, in and around
Mount Gambier. The trail passes through Robe, Beachport, Millicent,
Carpenter Rocks, Port MacDonnell, Mount Gambier, Nelson and
Portland. It follows 21 maritime themed interpretive trail markers
which emotively recount the tale of the Wreck of The Admella. Ask at
Visitor Information Centers for a full map of the Trail.
page
16
Town Hall
Antiques & Collectables
Blue Lake Furniture
Buying and selling second hand furniture, household goods, collectables
and knick knacks. Elizabeth Street, city map N15 08 8723 6181
Cash City Clearance Centre
Buys and sells second hand collectables and an assortment of
furniture and household goods. Commercial St East, city map N17
08 8724 7673
Charlicks Bazaar
Located in an old galvanized iron warehouse on the old railway station
site. Charm awaits those who enter, with a stunning array of antiques,
collectables, rustic and secondhand furniture. Front and rear access
available. 6 Margaret Street, city map P15 08 8723 9704
Goods and Chattels
Antiques, bric-a-brac and furniture, collectables, china, glassware,
ornaments, books, records, CD’s, are bought and sold.
Crouch Street, city map P18 08 8725 9765
Nell’s Collectables
Selling small furniture, antique and unusual collectables.
6/68 Gray Street, city map N15 08 8723 5255
Pioneer Country Furniture
Selling antiques and second hand furniture, reproduction brass
handles, bric a brac, specialising in custom made furniture using
a variety of solid timbers. Allan Drive city map N7 08 8723 6340
mount gambier’s
heritage
heritage
Cemeteries
Heritage Walks & Drives
The Lake Terrace Cemetery
Church Hill Walk
The Lake Terrace Cemetery provides the history of some of the early
settlers and a cross section of the community who have been interred
since 1868. The historical wrought iron gates of the cemetery were
erected in 1884 and the Gothic style Sexton’s Cottage was built in
1904. City map S18
Includes Mount Gambier’s earliest places of worship and many
historic buildings.
Pioneer Park
The site of Mount Gambier’s first official cemetery which was used
for interments from 1854 to 1913. City map U17
Lutheran Cemetery, Meischel Park
A plaque acknowledges the 76 burials between 1864-1907. Some
original headstones from this site have been relocated to St. Martin’s
Lutheran Church grounds. City map Q18
Mount Gambier Gaol
The site of the three unmarked graves of murderers. City map P14
Carinya Gardens Cemetery and Crematorium
Set in approximately 7ha of gardens, has been used since 1966.
City map W8
Further information on burials can be obtained from
the Mount Gambier Public Library and “The Lady Nelson”
Visitor Centre.
Templar Terrace Walk
Covers a triangular section of the city encompassing the area
between Bay Road, Lake Terrace West and O’Halloran Terrace.
Highlights include the Helpmann Home, the birthplace of Sir Robert
Helpmann and also the Old and New Courthouses.
City Centre Heritage Walk
Takes you through the city centre and its historic buildings, a brochure
is available. Information and images are located on red gum bollards
at the front of each building.
Vansittart Park Walk
Includes Mia Mia the home of Dr Wehl, one of the town’s first public
schools, some commercial buildings including the first Commercial
Bank of South Australia.
North & South Drive
Covers a more extensive area than the walks, for those wanting
to drive the historical areas.
An information booklet or a map of these walks
is available for purchase from “The Lady Nelson”.
A free comprehensive guide to the historical sites of
Mount Gambier is available from “The Lady Nelson”.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol was
opened on April 4th 1866 and
continued operating until 1995.
It was built from pink and grey
Dolomite brought in by bullock
wagon from Tantanoola.
For local or family history research and cemetery
enquiries contact:
Mount Gambier History Group Inc
PO Box 252, Mount Gambier 5290
Christina Smith’s book “The Booandik Tribe of South
Australian Aborigines” has been copied and is also
available for sale.
page
17
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arts, crafts
& markets
Shopping is easy in Mount Gambier
with most major outlets in easy walking
distance of the city centre. Parking is
free; take the time to explore the many
antique shops, galleries and markets
plus numerous speciality shops, major
retailers and supermarkets. Late night
shopping is available Thursday evenings,
and many of the major retailers are open
extended hours seven days a week.
Riddoch Art Gallery
Arts, Crafts, Galleries
& Souvenirs
The Riddoch Art Gallery
Accessed via the Main Corner, the Gallery is located in what was
once the Kings Theatre. The Gallery incorporates three exhibition
spaces, and is one of the state’s finest regional public galleries.
Offering a broad range of art works and national touring exhibitions,
the Riddoch houses a permanent collection of 19th and 20th
Century paintings, sculptures, Aboriginal Art from Central Australia
as well as a research library. Free Admission. Commercial St East,
city map N16 08 8723 9566
Little Goat Gallery
Little Goat Gallery is an exhibition and studio space that provides an
innovative platform for contemporary art. Artwork from both local
and interstate artists. Hosts art classes for small groups. Place to
find a unique gift. 50 Sturt Street, city map 018 0422 846 698
Echo Farm
Pioneer Farm offering insight into agriculture and ordinary farm
life in Australia from1900-1950, items for sale include traditional
toys, personal care products, kitchen linen, confectionary, leather
products, stationery, heritage items, mostly Australian made.
Lot 899 Tollner Road, city map N1 08 8725 1482
Cold Store Country Gallery
From apple shed to local art hang, Blue Water Wine and sparkling
apple ciders: tasting available, special events, function centre.
Clarke Road O.B. Flat, district map N12 08 8726 8302
The Jolly Swagman Souvenirs
& Sporting Memorabilia
A range of pottery made by local artist Trevor Pitt. Select from
a wide range of souvenirs and AFL licensed merchandise.
7 Commercial Street East, city map N16 08 8725 0751
Blue Lake Print Gallery
Extensive range of photographic prints and souvenirs by local
photographer Kelvin Ruge, featuring the Limestone Coast and
surrounding areas. Personalised souvenirs and gifts using your own
photo or choose one of ours. Commercial St West, city map N14
08 8725 9198
Umpherston Tours and Souvenirs
Guided tours of the sinkhole are available, souvenirs and
refreshments available, enquire at the kiosk. Jubilee Highway East,
city map N26 0439 432 653
page
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Markets
Mount Gambier Rotary Community Market
Home baked cakes, fruit and vegetables, potted plants, freshly cut
flowers, hand crafted local products, clothing, bric-a-brac, canteen and
BBQ. Operated every Saturday by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier.
Ample parking. Free entry.
Jubilee Highway East, city map M22 0403 410 527
Molony’s Market and Arts Centre
Variety of stalls including locally produced crafts, woodwork, lead
lighting, painting, toys, plants, local produce, fish, clothing and garden
ornaments. Hot and cold food available. Open Saturday and Sunday.
Free admission, parking available at rear via hotel car park.
155 Commercial Street West, city map N13 0438 800 475
Limestone Coast Food Group Farmers Market
Produce direct from growers and makers of food in the Limestone
Coast Region. Organic fruit, vegetables, juices, herbs, honey, cake,
bread, chocolates, native bush foods, seafood, meats, preserves and
coffee. BBQ and tasting available. Free admission and parking.
Market held at various locations within Limestone Coast Region
08 8766 0028
Nangula Market
Held on the 2nd Sunday morning of every month from February to
December. Stalls selling craft, clothes, vegetables, bric-a-brac and
home cooked fares. Light luncheon available.
Princes Highway, regional map R28 08 8724 7332
1. Yoey’s Traditional
Fine Foods
4. Whispehring Vines Wine
Sales Outlet
Specialising in gift baskets
offering a full range of
Australian and imported
cheeses, gourmet foods,
chocolates, confectionary and
local produce, cheese available
for tasting. James Street,
city map N14 08 8725 7710
Purchase cool climate Cabernet
Sauvignon directly from the
grower. Open by appointment.
Childs Road, district map N9
08 8726 8008
2. The Old Apple Farm
Blue Water Wines
An extensive range of boutique
cool climate red and white
wine. Nestled amongst vines
and apple orchard. The cellar
doors offers wine, cheeses and
local coffee. An onsite gallery
offers local art works, imported
jewellery and antiques.
77 Clarke Road, district map N11
08 8726 8302
3. Caroline Hills Vineyard
Boutique vineyard establishing
a reputation for excellent Pinot
Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon
Blanc and Chardonnay.
Vineyard and winery open by
appointment. Cellar door sales.
Norman Road, district map 014
08 8725 8857
5. Haig Vineyards
Open for cellar door sales,
producing Pinot Noir, Cabernet
Sauvignon and early and late
harvest Chardonnay, all grown
on the rich soil surrounding the
extinct volcanic crater of Mount
Gambier. Square Mile Rd,
district map K11 08 8725 5414
food & wine
food wine
Succulent seafood, fresh herbs, meat and game, fruit,
berries, boutique cheeses, indigenous spices there is
something to satisfy everyone’s tastes, our rich, fertile
volcanic soil provides food rich in intensity and flavour.
Fine dining to casual eateries, gourmet food shops and
markets with local homemade goodies you’ll find it all
in Mount Gambier.
6. Bimbimbi Cherries
Visit during the cherry season
for cherries, home made
jams and sauces. See first
hand the growing, picking and
grading operations. Open mid
December to mid January.
Glencoe, regional map R31
08 8739 4066
7. Herbert Vineyard
Mini winery with cellar door
sales overlooking a hedge
maze. Appointments for wine
sales welcome. Bishop Rd,
district map G12
0458 849 090
Premium grapes have
been grown in the region
for more than a century.
See pages 52 - 55 for the
wide selection of eating
houses in Mount Gambier
& District.
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19
Nurseries
Conboy’s Nurseries
Plants on Sturt
Stocking a wide range of popular
indoor and outdoor plants,
specialising in roses, fruit trees,
pots, water features and outdoor
living. Open 7 days. Princes
Highway, district map K3
08 8725 3301
Relax over coffee and cake or
browse through the range of
pots, plants, water features,
giftware and unique statuary
Open 7 days. Sturt Street,
city map O17 08 8725 2236
Gardenarium
& The Pot Shop
parks and gardens
s
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pa
Specialising in perennials, cottage
plants, topiary and self grown
roses. Wander through the roses
in spring and summer or choose
from a wide range of pots, water
and garden features. Bay Road/
cnr Florence Street, district map
K11 08 8723 1325
Cave Garden in Winter
Cave Garden
Clarke Park
Rosebrook Gardens
Early pioneers settled around
this area to access the ample
supply of fresh water. Today it is
surrounded by beautiful gardens
and is most famous for its
roses. Picnic and toilet facilities
are provided. The sculptures in
the park, “Performance”, were
created by Max Lyle. Watson Tce,
city map N16
The small sheltered public
enjoyment area is situated on the
outskirts of Port MacDonnell, it
is one of the entrances into the
Germein Reserve, and makes an
ideal place for picnics. Here, the
underground water bubbles up
as a natural spring. Toilet facilities
and wood BBQ’s provided.
Springs Road, Port MacDonnell,
district map Y6 08 8738 2380
Features English and native trees
set in 3 acre garden with ponds
and roses. Morning and afternoon
tea available, and produce for
sale. Antiques, old furniture and
china available. Millicent Road,
Compton, district map E7
08 8739 9336
Aberfoyle Garden
2 ha of spacious lawns, rose
arbours, 700 roses, a variety of
shrubs, annual bulbs, perennials,
water features, plant nursery, old
tool collection, weddings, groups
and coaches welcome. School
Road, Kongorong, district map P2
08 8738 9269
Laughton Park Gardens
and Tearooms
1.5 ha of garden and water
features, enjoy a Devonshire tea
in the large secluded tea rooms
with views of the lake. Enquiries
for groups, weddings and
coaches most welcome.
A Brim Brim Road, Yahl,
district map M12 08 8725 0479
page
20
Lions Park
Provides the other entrance to
Germein Reserve. An ideal place
for picnics with BBQ facilities and
Liberty swing. A Springs Road,
Port MacDonnell, district map Y6
08 8738 2380
Germein Reserve
See native flora and birdlife
whilst strolling on the boardwalk,
just a short drive from Port
MacDonnell, entrance via Clarke
Park or Lions Park. Springs Road,
Port MacDonnell, district map Y6
08 8738 2380
Waterfall Gardens
Nestled beside the bank of
the Glenelg River, half an hour
drive from Mount Gambier, the
three tiered gardens combine
natural spring fed spillways and
waterfalls cascading through a
fern gully of tree ferns, stags,
elks and native orchids. Wanwin
Road, Dartmoor, regional map
U34 03 5528 1253
Vansittart Park
Beautifully manicured gardens,
bowling green, sports arena and
large playground with sheltered
areas, popular with families. The
memorial, erected in the centre
of the gardens, was unveiled in
October 1922 to commemorate
those men from the district who
died in the Great War.
The gates at the entrance
were erected in May 1959 as
a memorial to the fallen of the
Second World War. A garden for
the blind and a biblical garden are
recent additions. In 1991 a new
rotunda was completed to house
the Krupp field gun which was
captured during the Great War.
The Federation Arch at the entry
of Vansittart Park Oval draws its
inspiration from a similar arch that
spanned the main intersection in
the city in 1936. Wehl St North,
city map M13
In 1884 James Umpherston set out to
create “a pleasant resort in the heat of
summer” by constructing terraces, rock
walkways and planting ferns, shrubs and
trees. There was a lake in the bottom on
which a small hut was constructed.
Umpherston Sinkhole
parks and gardens
Referred to as “the sunken garden”, it was originally beautified in 1886
by James Umpherston. Today it is one of Mount Gambier’s most popular
attractions. In daylight, the beauty of its landscaped gardens can be enjoyed,
at night, the floodlit gardens turn into a natural noctarium as possums descend
from the cave wall to feed. A popular spot for family BBQs and picnics with its
covered shelter and display of early logging transport. The limestone sculpture
was inspired by the geological processes that have created the sinkholes in
the region. Jubilee Hwy East, city map N25.
gardents
Umpherston Sinkhole
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crater lakes walks
Centenary Tower
is 190m above
sea level, 170m
above the Blue
Lake, 85m above
the car park,
and 150m above
Commercial
Street.
Lookout legend:
Walk 1 - Blue Lake circuit
Continue to the Cactus Garden
near the car park, a viewing
area is provided with wheelchair
access.
A 3.6 km walk around the
circumference of the Blue Lake.
Toilets are available at the Blue
Lake Reception Centre.
Start at the Pioneer Memorial
parking area to the right of
Bay Road. Walk in a clockwise
direction, past the entrance to
Aquifer Tours, up the track to Apex
Lookout for views of the lake.
Left is the broadcasting studio
of WIN Television.
Further along the path dips
closely towards the fence with
views of The Tower and The
Pumping Station.
On the left the is P.J. Browne
Reserve, then on to the Rotary
Lookout, Mount Schank can be
seen to the south.
page
22
1 Adam Lindsay Gordon Lookout
2 Blue Lake Lookout
3 Rook Walk Lookout
4 Stephen Henty Lookout
5 Apex Lookout
6 Rotary Lookout
7 Cactus Garden Lookout
8 Leg of Mutton Lake Lookout
9 Hoo Hoo Lookout
10 Rotary Clubs Lookout
11 RSL Lookout
12 Centenary Tower Lookout
13 Lions Lookout
14 Marks Lookout
Walk 1
Blue Lake Circuit
Walk 2
Mountain Trail
Walk 3
Leg of Mutton Lake walk
Walk 4
Rook Walk & Pepperpot trail
Walk 5
Wildlife Park & Boardwalk
Blue Gum Trail
Mountain Bike Track (one way)
Past the roundabout is the Adam
Lindsay Gordon Monument,
marking the place where Gordon
leapt on horseback, over an old
guard fence onto a narrow ledge
on the side of the Blue Lake.
Walk down the steps near the
tunnel under the road for a
different view of the lake and
the dolomite Pumping Station or
through the tunnel to The Leg of
Mutton Lake Lookout.
Do not cross the road, but rejoin
the walk via the tunnel closest
to the lake to appreciate the
significance of Rook Wall which
was constructed in one day by
800 men in 1918.
Walk 2 - Mountain Trail
Begin this 4.2 km walk at Mark’s
Lookout Car Park. Start in an anticlockwise direction along the trail
between the Valley and Leg of
Mutton Lake Crater, viewing both
craters from The Saddle, then past
the car park and “Old Hospital”
providing spectacular views of The
Valley Lake and the City.
Potter’s Point, the lookout built
by Mount Gambier’s three Rotary
Clubs and the City Council,
marks the centenary of Rotary
International in 2006. An optional
walk leads to the RSL Lookout.
Continue along the exposed ridge
called the Sugarloaf overlooking
the city.
At the fork, choose between The
Blue Gum Trail, the easier walk
to the right or The Mountain Trail
which continues up to Centenary
Tower. Continue to the car park
and Lions Lookout and Devil’s
Punch Bowl, one of several
blowholes in the area, back to
the start of the walk.
Walk 3 - Leg of Mutton
Lake walk
Start this 1.6 km walk at the car
park near the tunnel under the
road. Walk down the access road
to the lake past the area once
used as a tree nursery.
Follow the track around the
circumference of the now dry
lake bed. It was nearly dry in
1859, but levels rose again and
the lake regained the leg of
mutton shape from which it has
been named.
Rejoin the access road to return
to the car park.
Bike Track
commences
Start the 1.7 km walk at the car
park near the tunnel under the
road. Up the steps to the stone
“rest house” then continue up
the steps behind the Rook Walk,
past the surge tank and The
Stephen Henty Lookout on to the
Hoo Hoo Lookout.
Begin the 1.2 km walk at the boat
ramp at the edge of the Valley
Lake, enter the Wildlife Park
through the main gates.
Follow the markers past the car
park, around the eastern side of
the ground tank and down the hill
towards Keegan Drive.
Walking parallel to Keegan Drive,
cross the lawns to meet the road
at the water tower then follow
the direction markers through
the park, down onto the track to
the lowest point of The Saddle.
Continue along the top of The
Saddle to Mark’s Lookout, The
Leg of Mutton Lookout, returning
back to the start.
Follow the track to the left which
leads onto the boardwalk over
the lake surface. Water birds and
animals can be seen at various
times of the year.
Walk back into the heart of the
park. Take the track to the left
for views from higher ground or
to the right which leads up into
the bushland area. Walk quietly
in this area as many animals
including Koalas may be present.
Birdlife can be seen from the
raised boardwalk which provides
a closer look at the bushland
canopy and views over the park.
Follow this track down the hill,
over the swamp back to the start
of the walk.
Other Short Walks
There are many short walks in
the area including:
Valley Lake Walk
Blue Gum Walk
The Oaks Walk
crater lakes walks
Walk 5 - The wildlife park
& boardwalk - 1.2 km
walks
Walk 4 - Rook walk/
Pepperpot trail - 1.7 km
For further information on all
walks including a comprehensive
guide to all interest points, the
flora, fauna and history, a booklet
has been produced by The Mount
Gambier History Group.
The final volcanic
activity in the Mount
Gambier area were
steam ejections from
Blow Holes. The Devil’s
Punchbowl is the most
notable and perfectly
shaped example.
page
23
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national parks
& reserves
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Inland Parks & Reserves
The location of Mount Gambier means that many National
Parks on both sides of the South Australian and Victorian
border are only an hours drive from the city. Some of the
smaller parks preserve particular flora and fauna species.
Others have been designated for the protection of the natural
environment whilst offering visitor use and enjoyment.
Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Alexandra Cave/Wet Cave
Situated within a dolomite cliff of what was believed to be ancient
coastline. The walking trail up and along the cliff face provides
excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The cave situated in
this park was thought to be “opened up” by the constant pounding of
the shallow seas. Continuing dissolution has resulted in this beautiful
highly decorated chamber which is open daily.
Enjoy the guided tour in the beautifully decorated Alexandra Cave
and the self guided tour through Wet Cave.
Entry into forest areas is prohibited on days of total fire ban
Penola Conservation Park
Discover and enjoy the diversity which provides a natural refuge all
year round. Walk to the winter swampland where birds and frogs are
prolific. In spring, see honeyeaters flock to wildflowers and echidnas
shuffling under the low vegetation. In summer, large red gums
provide welcome shade, and in autumn, parrots can be seen feeding.
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Open at all times. Walk along Tea-Tree Boardwalk to the heart of the
lagoon where, during the breeding season, ibis, spoonbills and other
birds can be observed from the bird hides with the use of binoculars.
Walk to the inlet channel or across the boardwalk to Hack’s Island.
The Lagoon has traditionally been a Game Reserve.
Naracoorte Caves National Park - World Heritage Area
Naracoorte Caves National Park is situated on an ancient coastline,
over 100 kms inland from the present day coast. The park was
inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994, recognising the universal
value of the incredible fossil deposits found in the caves. BBQ and
picnic facilities, a café and camp ground complement the tours that
offer something of interest to everyone.
page
24
Victoria Fossil Cave
View the remains of marsupials and other long extinct animals at the
largest deposit of fossils yet found in this World Heritage Site.
Bat Cave/Blanche Cave
Discover the amazing lives of Bent Winged Bats by visiting the Bat
Cave Teleview Centre and Blanche Cave. In summer, take a night tour
to witness 35,000 bats exit the cave to feed on insects.
Wonambi Fossil Centre/Wet Cave walk at your leisure through a
simulated forest of a bygone era to experience animals that we have
learnt about through their fossil remains. Then, enjoy the solitude of a
self guided walk through Wet Cave.
Adventure Tours
Enjoy the excitement of the wild cave experience by donning overalls
and hard hat to explore, squeeze and crawl – minimum 4 persons
required for these tours.
Other Parks And Reserves
There are many Parks and Reserves in the Mount Gambier area,
some providing walking trails, picnic spots and BBQ and toilet
facilities.
Driving on beaches should be undertaken with caution and with
tyres deflated. It is unwise to venture into these areas without an
accompanying vehicle to help out in case the vehicle gets bogged in
the soft sand of the dunes or beach.
Between Port MacDonnell and the Victorian Border, there are
numerous places where the underground water emerges to the
surface making its way to the ocean via ponds, springs, creeks or
bubbling up through the sand on the beach or at low water level mark.
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
The crystal clear water makes its way to the surface after filtering
slowly underground through the limestone. A world renowned cave
diving site, but due to safety aspects associated with cave diving,
permits are available to certified cave divers only. See page 34 for
further information.
Ewens Ponds Conservation Park
Coastal Parks & Reserves
From the Victorian Border to The Coorong
north of Kingston, large areas of the
fragile coastal environment are protected
as National Parks and Reserves.
All host an abundance of wildlife including endangered species of
migratory birds such as the Orange-bellied parrot and Hooded Plover.
Many contain “middens”, formed over thousands of years when local
Aboriginal people feasted on shellfish.
A small bushland park and the three ponds which feed Eight Mile
Creek. Snorkel or dive the underwater gardens to explore the
fascinating natural springs which bubble up through the limestone
at the bottom of the ponds. Follow the water flow through the
creek to the ocean – water levels permitting. Check snorkel and dive
regulations. See page 34
Canunda National Park.
The 62 kms length of the park, from just North of Carpenter Rocks
through to Southend is accessible ‘only by 4WD’ vehicles and is at
times, impassable. Always check the condition of the beach and park
restrictions, and follow guidelines as recommended for driving on
coastal dunes and beach terrain. 2WD access is provided via Millicent
and Southend for camping, fishing and walking. See page 59 for
camping areas.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle off the marked tracks, as the small
shrubby vegetation is very fragile and easily destroyed by off-road
vehicles. If damaged, sands begin to drift, eventually creating
stabilisation difficulties, allowing strong winds to erode large swales
in the dune system.
parks
Discovery Bay Coastal Park
Lower Glenelg National Park
Known for its lakes, dune areas and long sandy beaches. Vehicle
access is provided at several points - driving on the dunes and beach
is prohibited. The full length of the park is included in the Great South
West Walk. See page 37. Camping areas are provided. See page 59.
Stretches from the mouth of the
Glenelg River inland, encompassing
27,000 ha of bushland and winding
river flanked by spectacular limestone
cliffs. Princess Margaret Rose Cave is
set in natural bushland with walking
trails to the river and cliff edge with
breathtaking views over the river
gorge. Tours of the cave to see the
delicate formations through multiple
chambers are offered daily. The river
area provides opportunities for a wide
range of activities. See cruises page 46,
canoeing, boating, fishing page 44.
Mt Richmond National Park
Features spectacular coastal views from the lookout tower and with
its walking tracks, picnic and barbecue sites is a place to enjoy the
natural surroundings or abundant wildlife and spring wildflowers.
Cape Nelson Coastal Park
Enjoy many walks, Petrified Forest, Blowhole and Cape Nelson
Lighthouse.
Cape Bridgewater
Once a volcanic island, is renowned for its wide sandy beach and the
scenic boat tour or walk to the seal colony that inhabits the remnant
lava tubes in the now coastal cliff.
parks & reserves
- victoria
From the Victorian Border to Cape Bridgewater there
are several major National Parks and Reserves offering
a range of experiences from walking, camping, fishing,
boating, water skiing, canoeing and river cruises.
page
25
limestone coast
geology
y
g
o
l
geo
The lushness of the Mount Gambier area is not
only due to its annual rainfall. Its life blood is
the abundance of underground water which
lies in the wedge shaped block of limestone
beneath the earth’s surface.
Formed millions of years ago
under the ocean, the limestone is
made up of fossils and corals and
extends from the Bordertown
area down to the coast at Port
MacDonnell, where it is more
than 300 metres thick.
Rainfall soaks down through the
surface into the limestone which
acts like a huge sponge. Called
the unconfined aquifer, the water
finally discharges out to sea at
various points along the coast
between Port MacDonnell and
the Victorian border.
This abundance of ‘groundwater’
contributes greatly to the beauty
of the city’s parks and gardens
and to the rural sector.
Mount Gambier’s famous Blue
Lake, Little Blue Lake, Ewens
Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds are
just a few of the locations which
provide a “window” into this
underground water system.
Creeks from both Ewens Ponds
and Piccaninnie Ponds carry
millions of litres of water per
hour to the ocean. Just down the
beach from Piccaninnie Ponds,
fresh water can be seen bubbling
up through the sandy beach.
The abundance of water in the
Mount Gambier area supports
a wonderful array of food,
wine production and natural
experiences. Rural industries
draw underground water from
bores sunk at various depths
into the limestone creating not
only a richness of colour but also
significant economic value to the
region.
Limestone is an important
product to industry. It is a major
building stone for domestic and
industrial buildings and is used
extensively for road construction.
Other significant uses include
agricultural lime, glass and
fibreglass, sculpture and calcium
based products such as tablets,
toothpaste and talcum powder.
Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake,
situated in a volcanic crater,
exposes the crystal clear water
that has filtered underground as
it passes slowly under the city
through the limestone. Each year
in November the lake starts its
colour change from winter steel
blue to brilliant turquoise blue,
before returning to its winter hue
in March. See page 7
Information and graphics developed
in consultation with Jeff Lawson,
Department of Water, Land and
Biodiversity Conservation.
‘Gambier Stone’ as the Limestone is called, is very porous. This is why
water can seep so readily into the Blue Lake. The stone is light and easy
to cut, and is used as a popular building material.
NORTH
Catchment for
Mount Gambier
Naracoorte Caves
Coonawarra
Engelbrecht Cave
Black Clay
page
26
Blue
Lake
geology
limestone coast
geology
Blocks of Limestone used for building are called
ashlars, and are equivalent in area to 10 standard
bricks. About 100 can be laid a day.
Limestone Quarry
Mount
Schank
SOUTH
Piccaninnie Ponds
500 years from Blue Lake to the ocean
water table
Limestone
300m
deep
page
27
y
g
o
l
geo
limestone coast
geology
Engelbrecht Cave
A huge complex of limestone caves under the city of Mount Gambier,
offers tours into two of the chambers where cave divers enter the
water to dive under the city. View the underground water as it slowly
filters through to the Blue Lake, on to sinkholes south of Mount
Gambier then out to the ocean.
Umpherston Sinkhole was
originally a cave formed by the
dissolution of the limestone.
The sinkhole was formed when
the top of the cave fell to the
cave floor creating terraces and
the perfect environment for its
beautiful sunken garden. At dusk,
the cave comes to life when
possums come out to feed in the
floodlit gardens. See pages 4
& 21
Surrounded by a beautiful rose
garden, the Cave Garden was
the original water supply for
early settlers in Mount Gambier.
Viewing platforms suspended
above the cave provide awesome
views of the limestone cave
which directs storm water run-off
from the streets down under the
city into the underground water
system. See pages 4 & 18
The rich history of Mount
Gambier has been captured in the
beautiful architecture of the city,
much of which has been created
from the natural limestone and
dolomite rock found in the region.
Gambier Limestone, as it is
known, has become popular again
today, particularly for the roughcut quoins used in the building of
older Victorian style homes. The
open quarries from where the
blocks or ashlars are cut, can be
seen by driving 20 minutes south
west of Mount Gambier.
Masses of exposed limestone
can also be seen in the area
near Little Blue Lake. Known as
Karst, this exposed limestone
is gradually being selectively
dissolved to produce indentations
in the surface.
There are approximately
24,000 hectares of
volcanic influenced soil
within a 30km radius of
Mount Gambier.
page
28
The limestone beneath the
surface is also gradually
dissolving, forming cavities,
some reported by cave divers to
be as large as the MCG. Others
run horizontally, following fault
lines which have been created
over millions of years. The most
complex of these is Tank Cave.
With 7kms of water filled caverns
and only one entrance, it is a cave
that only the most experienced
divers dare to explore.
Little Blue Lake, just 15 minutes
drive south of Mount Gambier,
was once a cave. Now that
the top has collapsed to the
bottom of the cave, the crystal
clear water of this sinkhole is
exposed, providing a popular
but cool swimming hole for the
experienced swimmer.
Underground water from this
same system emerges from
the bottom of Ewens Ponds,
bubbling upwards then flowing
through the three ponds, down
Eight Mile Creek to the ocean,
providing a popular snorkel and
diving site. See page 25 & 34
Piccaninnie Ponds, a 110 metre
deep water-filled limestone cave,
can be snorkelled and dived to
36.5m under permit.
See page 25 & 34.
Mount Schank was formed
when volcanic pressure
exploded from deep within a
limestone joint. A walk to the
summit of the extinct crater
at 158 metres above sea level
provides wonderful views of the
surrounding countryside.
See page 34
The beautiful Glenelg River
exposes white limestone cliffs
as it meanders through the
Lower Glenelg National Park.
River cruises regularly depart
from Nelson, situated just over
the Victorian Border. Take the
time to discover the wonders
of the natural limestone cave
formations in Princess Margaret
Rose Cave or the natural beauty
of the walking trail leading to
spectacular views of the Glenelg
River Gorge.
Tantanoola Cave has been
formed in the cliff face of what
was an ancient coastline. Through
possible volcanic influence
the limestone has changed
to dolomite, a unique feature
of this cave, which displays a
spectacular array of decorations
in its large single chamber.
Little more than an hour to
the north of Mount Gambier is
Naracoorte Caves. The 307
ha Park is World Heritage listed
and contains numerous fossil
deposits. Many caves along the
ridge have had openings that have
acted as pitfall traps, preserving
a fascinating record of animal life
over the last 500,000 years.
Along the extent of coastline
from Kingston to the Victorian
border the scenic splendour of
the rough weathered limestone
cliffs contrasts with smooth
white sandy beaches. Much of
the coastline is accessible via the
4WD tracks of the coastal parks
which offer bush camping with
basic facilities.
Just 35 minutes north of Mount Gambier is Coonawarra. Here the prized terra rossa soil, free draining
limestone and an abundance of underground water combine to provide optimal growing conditions for
vignerons. The world famous Coonawarra Wines are produced within a 12 km strip. Around 20 wineries
are open for cellar door sales along Riddoch Highway, offering a wide selection for the wine connoisseur.
geology
Coonawarra
limestone coast
geology
Scientists regard our
ancient limestone
coasts as the world’s
best example of a
sequence of ice ages.
page
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor
& Discovery Centre L18
2
Blue Lake V17
3
Centenary Tower V11
4
Aquifer Tours U17
5
Valley Lake U14
6
Browne’s Lake U12
7
Wildlife Park & Boardwalk V14
8
The Leg of Mutton Lake U15
9
Umpherston Sinkhole N25
C
D
E
F
H
10 Cave Garden N16
11 Engelbrecht Cave L12
12 The Main Corner N16
HOSPITAL
Corriedale
Park
Wireless Road West
To Adelaide
(via Millicent, Beachport,
B1 Robe, Kingston)
8
20 21
Princes (Jubilee) Hwy
Graham Road
L
Jubilee Highway West
M
Commercial Street West
N Places of Interest (city)
Aquatic Centre (heated outdoor) Q15
15 Blue Lake Golf Links Y11
16 Blue Lake Print Gallery N15
17 Centro Shopping Centre O15
18 Civic Centre & Public Library O16
19 Dimjalla Park & Skate Park M26
20 Gambier City Bowl (Ten Pin) N15
Jolly Swagman Souvenirs and Gifts N16
23 Molony’s Market & Arts Centre N13
24 Mount Gambier Golf Club C24
25 Mount Gambier Rotary
Community Market M22
Y
Z
Margaret Stre
30
POLI
14
rR
oa
e
nu
Av
e
d
ce
H
O’
a
or
all
Marist
Park
er
nT
Lake Terrace West
13
30
National Trust Old Courthouse
Old Courthouse Gallery
Law and Heritage Centre Q16
28 Oatmill Cinema M17
12 The Main Corner N16
29 Umpherston Tourist Souvenirs N25
30 Potters Point S12
12 Riddoch Art Gallery N16
31 Sextons Cottage S19
Playground
Brownes
Lake 6
Carinya Gardens
Cemetery
Gr
3
Centenary
Tower
Leg
Mu
La
Valley Lake
5
7
Wildlife Park
35
an
tA
ve
nu
18 Sir Robert Helpman Theatre O16
32 Treehouse Play Café O16
33 Vansittart Park Jubilee Gardens M13
34 Wehl Street Theatre O14
2
Helen Stree
42
17
ite
ne
Mount Gambier RSL
Collection of Military Memorabilia O16
1
20
James Stree
ra
3
ad
e
Ro
ad
X
55
Ro
W
34
16
ra
V
27 16
4
Ba
y
26 28 23
na
Tol
l
23
Shepherdson Road
Wh
22 U
Hastings Cunningham
Reserve
Malseed
Park
Vansittart
Park
33
Playground
Bertha Street
14 51
Avey Road
A.F Sutton Reserve & Skate Park G11
Be
T
13 2
49
68
44
S
11 Engelbrecht
Cave
Lindsay Street
K
Wehl Street South
J
Heath Street
Acacia Street
I
Suttontown Road
O’Leary Rd
H
Wehl Street North
A.F Sutton 13
Reserve &
Skate Park
G
R
39
Wehl Street North
B
Q
15
Pinehall Ave
Suttontown Road
P
14
Main Attractions
A
O
13
15
Blue Lake Golf Club
To Kongorong,
Carpenter Rocks,
Blackfellows Cave
5
6
7
8
To Port M
B66
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
5
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
A
Public Toilets
37
Bishop Road
Shopping Centres
Mount Gambier Golf Club
B
Information Bays
24
C
Information Centre
H
Gladigau Road
Penola Rd (Riddoch Hwy)
A66
To Adelaide
(via Penola, Coonawarra,
Naracoorte, Padthaway)
Hospital
D
Reserves, Sporting Venues
E
F
67
Wireless Road East
Wireless Road East
G
48
oad
van R
Cana
65
66
Jubilee Hwy Ea
st
61
L
McDonald
Park
5
4
24
36
Commercial Street East
17
6
9
1
Blue Lake Sports Park
37
27
Bay Road
54
Boandik Terrace
Gwendoline Street
40
39 Showgrounds
47
R
Lake Terrace East
S
T
John Wat
son
Accommodation
Attractions
ive
Dr
4
so
Nel
8
2
) Ro
36 ad
37 38 39 Joh
40 Drive
41 42 MacDonnell
5
35 unt
5
1 kilometre
16
17
18
19
43 To Melbourne
(via Nelson, Portland,
Warrnambool)
200 metres
20
21
22
U
Services (city)
n (P
Blue Lake
n W
atson
P
Q
Lake Terrace East
31
Lake
Terrace
Cemetery
g of
utton
ake
O
56
Crouch Street South
ICE 41
N
29 9 Umpherston 12
Sinkhole
63
64 62
Sturt Street
M
38
Princes (Jubilee) Highway
43
14
eet
To Melbourne A1
(via Casterton or Dartmoor)
19
Dimjalla
Park
25
46
28
Percy Street
12 25
10
Cave Garden
26 18
Sturt Street
26 38
32
et
11
et
15 36
19
1
70
22
K
Dohle Road
27
Frew Park
35 60
J
North Terrace
North Terrace
Pick Avenue
73
53
Penola Road
7
I
Attamurra Rd
10
H
N
Kennedy Avenue
Crouch Street North
65
18
23
44 18 24
25
Ambulance Station L16
Department of Environment O15
Fire Station (Ph 8725 0634) O18
Hawkins Medical Clinic O17
Hospital (Ph 8721 1200) C14
Mount Gambier Courthouse Q16
Police Station (Ph 8735 1020) P16
Post Office - Mount Gambier O14
Post Office - Mount Gambier East N21
Post Office - Mount Gambier West N11
Public Library O16
26
27
28
29
V
W
X
Y
Z
t
c
i
r
t
dis
district map
Places of Interest (district)
Aberfoyle Gardens P2
Dingley Dell
Conservation Park X6
2
The Old Apple Farm
Blue Water Wines N11
11 5
Bicentenary Tower Y5
6
Bool Lagoon Reserve L31
Butchers Gap
Conservation Park J25
3
4
20 Limestone Coast Adventures
- Horseriding L31
21 Limestone Quarries J6
22 Little Blue Lake P6
23 Little Dip Conservation
Park N25
Rosebrook Gardens F7
34 Burrungule Park Paintball G1
35 Tantanoola Caves S30
Telford’s Scrub R31
37 Whispering Vines Wines
Sales Outlet N9
Naracoorte Caves
National Park K32
Dry Creek Native
Forest Reserve U17
26 38 Windfarm Development T29
15 Ewens Ponds W11
National Trust Old Glencoe
Woolshed R30
39 Woakwine Cutting O27
16 Gouldens Sinkhole R6
28 Natural Karst Formations Q7
40 Pinecountry Caravan Park K10
17 Haig Vineyard L11
41 Hells Hole Sinkhole Q13
42 Caroline Hills Vineyard
6
7
27 8
9
10
11
Telfords Scrub
Conservation Park
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
A66
To Adelaide
(via Penola, Coonawarra,
Naracoorte, Padthaway)
36 50
o
ro
ga
d
tR
Fla
Peweena
Rd
Riddoch Highway
Walker Rd
Rd
Sunnybrae Rd
Carpenter Rocks Road
To Carpenter Rocks
69
L
40
M
y Rd
N
17
Mount Salt Rd
22
28
Q
16
R
Post
Riddoch Highway
McLeans Rd
S
d
Cas
Clarke Rd
Offic
Car
olin
Hells Hole Native
Forest Reserve
e Rd
Sea Coast Hill Rd
Caroline Sinkhole
Gle
29
ne
ALLENDALE EAST
Rd
Lower Nelson
Umpherston
Bay
lg
Riv
er
Ro
Green Point Rd
U
CAPE DOUGLAS
DONOVANS
Tillers Road
15
Finger
Point
Riddoch
Bay
5
MacDonnell Bay
10
Cape
Northumberland
Z
3
4
5
6
PORT MACDONNELL
7
8
Danger Point
Brown
Bay
Picaninnie Ponds
Conservation Park
10
NELSON
31
Stony
Point
French Racecourse
Bay
Point
9
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
11
12
13
Lower Glenelg
National Park
To
via Mel
Po bou
rtla rn
nd e
&W
arr
na
mb
oo
l
Ewans Ponds
Conservation Park
2
Blanche
Bay
Princess Margaret
Rose Cave
32
14
ad
Dingley Dell
Conservation Park
Middle
Point
Dry Creek Native
Forest Reserve
11
Penambol
Conservation Park
T
V
d
41
Laslett Rd
To Melbourne
(via Dartmoor) A1
eR
42
MOUNT
SCHANK
25
Mount Schank
Crown Land
Princes Hwy
Borderline
Speedway
Glenburnie
Racecourse
Yahl Hall Rd
YAHL
74
3 52
GLENBURNIE
Rd
22
Rd
st
Car
ba
Mount Salt
y Ea
e
av
eC
os
tR
re
ga
ar
sM
es
inc
Pr
To
O
Hw
Square Mile Rd
3
37
st
19
OB FLAT
KONGORONG
ra R
tert
Kilsb
e Ea
Whitehead Rd
1
e
ilee
e Tc
Ba
72
Jub
Lak
d
yR
le R
21
MacNamara
Park
y Av
MOUNT
GAMBIER
Doh
J
59
d
t
Rd
Yahl Rd
I
t
ned
57
Hw
yW
Com est
mer
cial
S
long
mur
ilee
Eas
Rd
Ken
Jub
s Rd
Wor
ro
op18
Bish
la Rd
H
eles
on R
SUTTONTOWN
Wir
Atta
COMPTON
To Melbourne
(via Casterton) B160
Glenelg Hwy
MIL LEL
Caroline Headquarters Rd
Spain
58
d
wy
34
2
33 Nangula Market R29
F
1
Princess Margaret
Rose Cave U32
25 33
Y
Discovery Bay Coastal
Park W33
n
Ka
E
X
Piccaninnie Ponds Y16
32 36 es H
Douglas
Point
31 Mount Schank Q9
Princ
Douglas Point
Conservation Park
Penola Conservation
Park N30
25 D
W
30 Coorong National Park
A24 & E25
12 MOUNT GAMBIER
AIRPORT
P
Lower Glenelg National
Park V34
WANDILO
K
Penambol Conservation
Park T14
24 5
C
G
29 To Glencoe
To Glencoe
To Adelaide B1
(via Millicent, Beachport
Robe, Kingston)
Laughton Park Gardens M12
Caroline Sinkhole S15
14 7
B
Cape Northumberland
Lighthouse Z5
Beachport Conservation
Park P26
A
10 13 4
2
Cape Jaffa J24
3
1
9
Canunda National Park R27
Herbert Vineyard H11
19 Peno
1
8
18 14
15
16
VICTORIA
17
18
19
l
a
n
o
i
reg
regional map
Cape Banks Lighthouse
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
g
ron
oo
eC
Th
KEITH
Messent
Conservation Park
A
SALT CREEK
Martins Washpool
Conservation Park
Mt. Monster
Conservation
Park
12
B
Gum Lagoon
Conservation
Park
k
Par
nal
atio
gN
ron
Coo
N
27
Aberdour
Conservation
Park
C
BORDERTOWN
Poocher
Game Reserve
MUNDULLA
WOLSELEY
WILLALOOKA
KANIVA
SERVICETON
D
Jip Jip
Desert Camp
Conservation Conservation
Park
Park
E
F
Little Desert
National Park
Bangham
Little Desert
Conservation National Park
Park
Padthaway
Conservation
Park
PADTHAWAY
G
FRANCES
KINGSTON SE
Butchers Gap
Conservation
Park
I
KYBYBOLITE
7
CAPE JAFFA
9
H
Mt. Scott
Conservation
Park
LUCINDALE
Bernouilli
Conservation
Park
NARACOORTE
J
APSLEY
26
Lake Wallace
Naracoorte Caves
National Park
6 Bool
Guichen Bay
Conservation
Park
Little Dip
Conservation
Park
23
Lake
Eliza
20
Big Heath
Conservation Park Lagoon
Bool Lagoon
Game Reserve
Mary Seymour
Conservation Park
Lake
Hawdon
North
ROBE
Lake
Hawdon
South
K
EDENHOPE
L
LANGKOOP
Glen Roy
Conservation Park
M
Glenelg River
COONAWARRA
NORA CREINA
Lake
George
Beachport
Conservation
Park
4
N
30
KANGAROO INN
Lake
St. Clair
Penola
Conservation Park
PENOLA
39
O
DERGHOLM
Tooloy - Lake Mundi
State Nature Reserve
HATHERLEIGH
P
Lake Mundi
BEACHPORT
RENDELSHAM
SOUTHEND
MOUNT BURR
KALANGADOO
MILLICENT Lake Leake
8
a
nd
nu
Ca
25
Lake Edward
ark
lP
na
tio
Na
TANTANOOLA
27
36
GLENCOE
Tantanoola Caves
35
NANGWARRY
Q
CASTERTON
TARPEENA
R
Telford Swamp
Conservation Park
Lake
Bonney
S
Glenelg
River
38 MOUNT GAMBIER
Bucks Lake
Game Reserve
CARPENTER ROCKS
BLACKFELLOWS CAVE
RENNICK
T
DARTMOOR
KONGORONG
Nene Valley Conservation Park
DONOVANS
ALLENDALE
EAST
NENE VALLEY
PORT MACDONNELL
32
U
WINNAP
Gle
nelg
Riv
er
NELSON
13
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
Crawford River
VICTORIA
V
24
Lower Glenelg
National Park
Di
sc
ov
er
yB
ay
Na
tio
na
lP
ar
k
W
HEYWOOD
X
Y
CAPE BRIDGEWATER
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
PORTLAND
35
36
Z
y
g
o
l
geo
caves &
sinkholes
There are approximately
800 caves in the
Limestone Coast region
Diving and Snorkelling
There are numerous water filled caves and sinkholes in the Mount
Gambier area that can be accessed for diving or snorkelling.
However, most are situated on private land and are accessible only by
permission of the landowner and within the regulations and training
criteria as set by the Cave Diving Association of Australia (CDAA).
Caves
As rain water passes through the atmosphere, it absorbs carbon
dioxide and becomes mildly acidic. Limestone, when saturated under
water, is slowly dissolved by the acidic solution causing cracks and
fissures which gradually enlarge into caves.
There are many fine examples of caves throughout the South East,
some which are now dry, others reaching far below the water table,
are water filled caves.
Once a cave has formed in the limestone and the water level drops,
leaving the cave dry, the continuing slow process of water dripping
from the ceiling sometimes forms stalactites and stalagmites. Small
droplets of water can hang from the ceiling for up to 10 hours, and as
the carbon dioxide is given off, minute deposits of calcite are left on
the cave ceiling and floor, building up over a period of time to form the
elaborate decorations as seen in some of the caves in the area.
Engelbrecht Cave, a large complex of caves located beneath
the streets of the city of Mount Gambier, provides good examples
of the processes involved in cave formation. A fascinating tour of
Engelbrecht Cave includes entry into two large chambers which
expose the underground water table.These two chambers provide
access to a water filled underground system by trained and
experienced cave divers.
Tantanoola Cave – a beautiful single chamber dolomite cave
created in an ancient stranded sea cliff. See page 24
Princess Margaret Rose Cave – a unique tunnel cave of
sculptured limestone and comprehensive decoration, it was formed
approx 500,000 years ago by an underground stream deep within the
cliffs of the Glenelg River Gorge. See pages 28 & 37
Naracoorte Caves – a complex of caves formed within the ridge
of what was once a stranded dune system. See pages 29 & 38
Due to the constant cold temperature of the water in all caves and
sinkholes, warm, well insulated full length wetsuits should always
be worn.
Divers and snorkellers may enter Ewens Ponds. See page 25
Guidelines are available from “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre
and The Department for Environment, Heritage, Water and Natural
Resources.
To protect the unique and fragile environment of Piccaninnie
Ponds and to improve the diving and snorkelling experience, a
permit and time slot system is operated by The Department for
Environment, Heritage, Water and Natural Resources which requires
the completion of an indemnity and conditions form and payment of
fees:
Annual Diver Permit $65.00
Single Slot Dive Permit $30.00
Single Slot Snorkel Permit $10.00 Single Slot Snorkel Conc. $8.00
Single Slot Snorkel Child $6.00
Diving air and wetsuit hire
Blue Lake Diving and Just A Bed Lodge
Cave diving accommodation, six bedrooms (accommodates up to 14
divers) Cafpirco Road, Compton 0408 845 511 (B&B) 0427 884 729
Allendale East General Store Bay Rd,
Open 7 days. Bookings for snorkelling at Piccaninnie Ponds. Air and
wetsuit hire. Allendale East 08 8738 7274
Pine Tank Dive Lodge Glencoe
Cave diver only accommodation. 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms
(Accommodates up to 12 divers) CDAA South East Representative
34Pearce 0438 833 103
Grant
page
Sinkholes
Sinkholes are formed when
the roof of a cave weakens
and collapses in or falls to the
bottom of the cave, leaving an
opening at ground level and
providing a natural window into
the underground cave or water
system. creating the perfect
environment for a sunken
garden. This is the case with both
Umpherston Sinkhole and the
Cave Garden. See pages 20 & 21
a
k
n
i
w
a
n
ka
kanawinka
geotrail
Mount Schank
Within the lava areas are five main precincts, all with varying
landscapes according to the period and type of eruption, including
Australia’s youngest volcanoes, highly accessible volcanic cave
systems, off-shore volcanic islands, remains of coastal volcanoes and
extensive systems of craters, lakes and wetlands.
The Kanawinka Geotrail takes you on
a journey through Australia’s most
extensive volcanic province with over
60 sites and offers a range of visitor
experiences including beautiful
waterfalls, caves and coastal formations
and even a climb into one of the region’s
youngest volcanoes.
Volcanic activity occurred in the Mount Gambier area in recent
geological time and has been recorded as an important part of local
Aboriginal culture. The outbursts, which would have been spectacular,
took place during two different eruptive phases, along the edge of a
main zone of activity centred on southern and western Victoria.
Mount Gambier and Mount Schank, the more recent eruptions, are
two of the better preserved examples of their type in Australia and
are well known scenic attractions.
Less well known is the extent of volcanic activity in the Mount Burr
complex, which contains 15 eruptive centres dated as occurring
from 10,000 to 2 million years ago. Lakes Leake and Edward are
water bodies present within volcanic craters, relying on rainfall to
recharge them each year.
The area is popular with naturalists, geologists, tourists and locals
as the volcanic features are easily accessible via the walking trails
provided. The most impressive overview of the volcanic region is
from the Centenary Tower lookout in the Crater Lakes complex.
Lava bombs, some containing olivine crystals, have been found
in the Mount Gambier lakes area – examples of these and audio
visual displays can be viewed at the tower or at “The Lady Nelson”
Discovery Centre which also features the geology of the area.
See and hear the erupting neon volcano in the Geology Room.
www.kanawinka.org.au
Craters & Limestone Precinct
e
r
u
t
na
nature walks
1. Mount Schank
An extinct volcano rising abruptly
to 158 metres above sea level.
Two steep walking trails offer
a great geological experience.
Viewing Platform Hike (900
metres return) begins at the
car park to the crater rim and
provides a different aspect to
the surrounding landscape. Rock
formations can be inspected more
closely if driving past that area,
including the line of small cones
on the northern side. Crater Floor
Walk (1.3 km return) also begins
at the car park and includes the
section of the crater floor.
On the southern side of the
mountain a small cone can be
seen which is believed to have
been formed by the first of two
main stages.
From the top overlooking the
nearby quarry, evidence can
be seen of the lava flow and
changes in the rock formation
caused by heat and steam.
A free gas BBQ, picnic table and
toilets are provided at the base of
the mountain. Post Office Road,
district map Q9
Enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Gambier and
District on foot. The many walks listed below provide
opportunities to take in the unspoilt beauty and the
abundance of wildlife in the area.
2. Telford Scrub
Conservation Park
Located north of Mount Gambier,
this park is an ‘island’ of native
vegetation in a ‘sea’ of farming
land and pine forest.
Its 169 hectares provides safe
refuge for a wide variety of native
fauna and flora including the
rare southern brown bandicoot
and many other species. Koalas
have been relocated here from
Kangaroo Island.
From the car park situated on
the southern end of the park on
Grundy’s Lane, the 1.6 km return
“Forest Canopy Walking Trail”
provides scenic views and a
unique perspective of the forest
from the 100 metre long elevated
boardwalk.
page
36
From the northern end of the
park, walk along the 5 km return
“Stringybark Forest Walking
Trail” which meanders through
a swamp gum woodland. The
two walking trails meet near
the southern end of the park.
Grundy’s Lane, district map A10
3. Dry Creek Native
Forest Reserve
Offering 2 walking trails the
Creekbed Walk (2.7 km or 3.9 km
return) follows what is thought
to be an ancient tributary of the
Glenelg River. River Walk (3.1
km or 3.3 km return) features
a viewing platform offering
spectacular views of the Glenelg
River. Dry Creek Road, district
map U17
4. Piccaninnie Ponds
Enjoy the wildflowers in spring
and the natural beauty of this
unique site where the crystal
clear water emerges from
the underground system up
through submerged caverns and
underwater gardens to flow via
a creek to the ocean. See page
34 for information on diving and
snorkel permits.
Walk on the track from the
carpark, over the sand hill to the
beach where the creek takes the
emerging water to the ocean. Or
from the beach car park, west
along the established trail to view
the park and creek. Take the 20
minute walk down the beach in
an easterly direction to see water
bubbling up through the sand.
Piccaninnie Ponds Road, district
map Y16
5. Penambol
Conservation Park
Choose between two walks
through the park. Wombat Walk
(4.5km - 2 hours), meanders
through the eastern portion of
the park where many species
of birds, animals and flora may
be observed. Wombats can be
observed during evening walks.
Butterfly Walk (1km - 25 mins)
passes through mainly stringy
bark and swamp gum woodlands.
Archaeologists have discovered
evidence of Aboriginal habitation
at Caroline Sinkhole. View the
sinkhole from the suspended
platform near the main car park
on Carba Road. Carba Road,
district map T14
Princess Margaret Rose Cave
Enjoy an easy 20 minute circular stroll through natural bushland
to spectacular views over the Glenelg River Gorge. Pack a lunch
and walk 4.5 kms to Lasletts Canoe Camp taking in views of the
limestone cliffs and river. See the prolific wild flowers and watch
for wildlife, delicate native orchids and the many species of birds.
Dry Creek Road, district map U19 08 8738 4171
The Great South West Walk
This truly great walk, of approximately 250 km, has been developed
and maintained by a tireless group of volunteers. Allow at least 12
days for the full walk. The Forest is wet from July to October and
should be avoided on days of high fire danger. All other sections of
the walk can be tackled any time. A free folding map is available from
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre and a booklet “Short Walks on
and around the Great South West Walk” can be purchased by those
wishing to tackle small sections at a time. Contact Portland Visitor
Information Centre on 03 5523 2671 for information on guided and
specialised walks.
Nelson Beach to Descartes Bay 55km
Ever changing coastline with an alternative route through lightly
timbered sand dunes, over Mount Richmond to Bridgewater Lakes
and back to the coast.
Decartes Bay to Portland 45km
Past natural springs, grassy slopes along clifftops. See the petrified
forest and enjoy views of Discovery Bay and Cape Bridgewater.
Continue through Cape Nelson State Park to Nelson Bay, past the
Portland Smelter into Portland.
Portland to Blackwood Camp 20km
Follows the clifftops, then the beach before turning inland through
farmland and quiet countryside.
Port MacDonnell
nature walks
Moleside to Nelson 45 km
Follow the river with beautiful views of the limestone cliffs, the
serene Glenelg River, through Nelson Reserve, under the bridge
through to Discovery Bay to complete the walk in its entirety.
The wild flowers in this section are spectacular in spring.
nature
Blackwood Camp to Moleside 60km
Changing landscape, stringybark forest, Surry and Fitzroy Rivers with
ferns and blackwoods, past the black pool known as The Inkpot to the
riverside camp of Moleside. An abundance of wildlife is present on
this section of the walk.
There are many walking opportunities in the Port MacDonnell area.
Stroll along the sandy beaches, explore the reef exposed on low tide
where evidence of historical wagon wheel tracks are sometimes
visible, or discover the beauty of the rugged and rocky coastline
which in some areas exposes fossilised roots in the wind eroded cliff
face. Near Cape Northumberland on dusk, Fairy Penguins may be
seen returning to their nests in the cove on the eastern side of the
cliff top.
To the west of Port MacDonnell is Germein Reserve. Walk through
the remnant native vegetation of Woolly Ti-Tree and SA Blue Gum or
observe bird life from the bird hide near Blackfish Lagoon. Boardwalks
provide access across the swampland areas renowned as a reserve
for frogs.
Nearby, wander through the bushland tracks of Dingley Dell
Conservation Park to see local flora and fauna at its best and views
of Mount Gambier and Mount Schank from elevated ridges. T
Looking south from Cape Banks Lighthouse towards Carpenter Rocks,
Pelican Point and Blackfellows Caves
page
37
rd ives
short drives
Mount Gambier, with its excellent
range of accommodation and
dining, is the perfect base for the
extended stay and for those who
want to see more of the region.
There are many interesting
places to visit, most within a
11/2 hour drive of the city.
Coonawarra Wine Region
Drive 1 - North
Drive to the North to see
parts of the timber industry,
Historic Penola, the Wine
Region of Coonawarra, Caves
& Wetlands.
The Bureau of Meteorology
Near Mount Gambier Airport.
Weather balloons are launched
twice daily.
Telford’s Scrub Conservation
Park Well maintained tracks and
boardwalk, a popular place for
walking and birdwatching.
Tarpeena Township set amongst
the timber industry. Playground,
free BBQ, picnic and toilet
facilities. Visit Fairytale Park.
Nangwarry Forestry & Logging
Museum The Museum is open
on Sundays & Public Holidays or
by appointment.
page
38
Millicent Visitor Information
Centre Information on local
attractions, maps on 4WD
into the National Parks and a
range of souvenirs. Take in the
history at Millicent National
Trust Living History Museum
which features South Australia’s
largest collection of horse drawn
vehicles.
Naracoorte Caves National
Park South Australia’s only World
Heritage site and a premier visitor
attraction. Guided visits to highly
decorated caves and significant
fossil sites. Adventure tours
are available. Browse through
the Yulgilbar Wood Gallery
specialising in Red Gum Timbers.
Naracoorte The Sheep’s Back
Museum provides an exciting
historical interpretation of the
wool industry and enquire about
information on local attractions
at the Visitor Centre. Overlook
production from the viewing gallery
at Mini Jumbuk. Enjoy the 18 hole
Mini Golf and Tiny Train Park.
Lucindale Limestone Coast
Cheese Factory.
Millicent Gallery The first ‘A’
Class Gallery in regional SA,
features changing exhibitions of
a national standard, as well as
exhibitions featuring local artists.
Visit Ants Redgum Gallery.
Lake McIntyre Reserve View
the birdlife on the walking trails,
boardwalks, viewing platforms
and bird hides. BBQs and toilet
facilities provided.
Canunda National Park
Beautiful sculptured sand
dunes are accessible by 4WD
via Carpenter Rocks, Millicent,
or Southend, where there are
several walking trails. 2WD
access is provided to some areas.
Beachport One of the longest
Woakwine Cutting Off the
Beachport/Robe Road, is a
magnificent man-made Cutting.
Excavated between 1957 and
1960 this cutting drains “The Big
Swamp” into Lake George .
Robe A popular holiday
destination which offers character
and charm. Call at the Robe
Library and Visitor Information
Centre for details of local
attractions, maps and history
of the area.
Little Dip Conservation Park
2WD access into some of the
more popular picnic and fishing
spots, although entry into the
heart of the park is by 4WD
access only.
Return to Mount Gambier via
one of the many routes available,
through Penola, Mount Burr or
Millicent.
Drive 2 - West
Drive to the West and you will
see a Cave, Forests, Parks, and
Coastline
Glencoe Home to The National
Trust Old Glencoe Woolshed.
Burrungule Park Paintball
Games are conducted at the
park on Burrungule Road.
Tantanoola Cave There is no
waiting for a tour, join your host
and experience one of Australia’s
most spectacular small caves.
Only cave with full disabled
access.
Woakwine Range Wind Farms
Drives 1 & 2
Kingston
SA
Naracoorte
Robe
Coonawarra
Penola
Beachport
Millicent
Nangwarry
Tarpeena
Glencoe
v e 1, Ap p ro x 10 5k m
Coonawarra Wine Region
Famous for the full bodied reds
grown in the highly prized terra
rossa soil over limestone. Most
of the cellar door sales outlets
Bool Lagoon A wetland of
international importance where
birds can be observed from
the bird hides. Water levels
and wildlife vary depending on
seasonal conditions. Over 200
species of mounted birds can
be viewed at Bourne’s Bird
Museum.
jetties in South Australia, a
popular fishing and holiday
destination. History, secluded
beaches, spectacular rugged
coastline and Beachport
Conservation Park, information is
available at the Beachport Visitor
Information Centre.
Dri
Penola Conservation Park On
the Penola/Robe Road, provides
walking and bird watching
opportunities.
Huge towers can be seen on the
southern horizon.
m
2 x 170k
ive ro
Dr App
Penola Founded in 1850, is
steeped in history. The PenolaCoonawarra Visitor Centre
provides a guide to the wineries
and general information. Browse
through the John Riddoch
Interpretive Centre. Visit
Galleries, Petticoat Lane, The
Mary MacKillop Interpretive
Centre and Woods MacKillop
School House, Penola Fantasy
Model Railway and Roses
Tearooms. On the Millicent Road
is the magnificent two storey
Victorian mansion of Yallum Park,
built in 1880.
are very close together, gate after
gate along the highway.
Mount Gambier
VIC
short drives
drives
Carpenter Rocks
Drive 3 - South
1. Little Blue Lake One of the
many water filled sinkholes
providing a “window” into the
underground water system. A cool
swim for experienced swimmers.
2. Mount Schank A walk to
the summit provides wonderful
views of the coast and nearby
countryside. Picnic and Toilet
facilities provided. T
3. Germein Reserve Walk
through the remnant native
vegetation or observe bird life.
BBQ, or picnic at Lion’s Park
(with disabled access swing) or
Clarke Park. View interesting
rock formations from the site of
the Old Lighthouse. At dusk get
a glimpse of ‘Little Penguins’
returning to their nesting cove
in the rugged cliffs, near Cape
Northumberland Lighthouse.
Woolwash Interpretive Centre
Outlines the history of the area.
The Woolwash beach is very
popular for swimming, surfing
and wind surfing.
5. Ewens Ponds The
underground water bubbles
upwards through it’s under water
garden. A popular place for
snorkel and diving adventures.
Port MacDonnell Proclaimed
“The Southern Rock Lobster
Capital of Australia”. Something
of interest for all ages with
its history, beaches, fishing,
walking and surfing. Discover
the Port MacDonnell & District
Maritime Museum and view the
Community Mural. T
Drives 3 & 4
4. Adam Lindsay Gordon’s
Cottage Also known as Dingley
Dell, the cottage displays some
of Gordon’s personal belongings
and other mementos. Enjoy the
natural bushland surrounds.
6. Limestone Quarries Situated
just off Benara Road. The
limestone is cut into blocks for
the building industry.
Carpenter Rocks A safe
swimming beach which is also a
haven for the local fishing fleet.
A short drive west to Cape Banks
Lighthouse where a memorial
has been erected in memory of
the 89 lives lost when the trading
vessel Admella came to grief in
1859. The 150th commemoration
of the event was held in August
2009. www.admella.org.au.
7. Canunda National Park
Southern entry point into the
National Park, which is classified
as only 4WD access from this
end.
Pelican Point This rocky point
is popular for discovering the
coastal environment, drive to
Blackfellows Caves, a small
fishing village.
Mount Gambier
Dri
Appve 3
rox
27
km
km
Drive 4, Approx 40
Carpenter Rocks
Drive 4 - South West
Mount Schank
Allendale East
Port MacDonnell
Ask at Visitor Information Centres for
details on towns and attractions:
Penola: 08 8737 2855
Millicent: 08 8733 0904
Robe: 08 8768 2465
Naracoorte: 1800 244 421
Beachport: 08 8735 8029
Port MacDonnell: 08 8738 3000
page
39
s
e
v
i
dr
short drives
Nelson
Drive 5 - North East
Casterton The birthplace of
the Kelpie. Visit the Casterton
Visitor Information Centre for
information on local attractions.
Historic Warrock Homestead
has 33 buildings established in
1843. Bailey’s Rocks in Dergholm
State Park offers walks through
a fascinating outcrop of giant
granite boulders. Wood BBQ,
camping, picnic and toilet
facilities provided.
Lower Glenelg National Park
A range of many recreational
activities which include walking,
bird watching, fishing, boating
and canoeing is available.
Dry Creek Walking Trail Walk
through natural scrubland to the
viewing platform which provides
spectacular views of the Glenelg
River, or choose one of the other
walks. Wombats are known to
frequent on dusk.
Drive 6 - South East
Donovans A small township on
the South Australian section of
the river with fishing, boating,
picnic and BBQ facilities.
Hells Hole Sinkhole Turn into the
pine forest, a viewing platform
provides awesome views into the
water filled sinkhole. This site is
used by cave divers who explore
it’s crystal clear waters.
Piccaninnie Ponds A world
renowned diving sinkhole, for
the cave trained and experienced
diver, with crystal clear water to
110 metres in depth. Enjoy the
walk to the beach.
Penambol Conservation Park
The Caroline Sinkhole is located a
short walk from the car park and
the viewing platform provides a
bird’s eye view of the area which
was once used by aboriginal
people. Two walks, the Wombat
Walk and Butterfly Walk are
provided.
Nelson Visitor Information
Centre & Parks Booking Office
Provides information on all
park and river activities. Cruise
the Glenelg River to Princess
Margaret Rose Cave. Boat or
Canoe hire is available to see the
beautiful meandering Glenelg
River with its limestone cliffs,
natural bushland and abundance
of wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing
day’s fishing (permit required in
Victoria). Picnic or walk in the
Lower Glenelg or Discovery Bay
Coastal Park where day visitors
are welcome at the many camp
sites.
For a round trip return to Mount
Gambier via Penola
Princess Margaret Rose Cave
Experience the beauty of the
decorations within the cave. BBQ
and Picnic facilities are provided.
Cape Bridgewater A popular
place for viewing of the Petrified
Forest, Blowholes, Lakes and
Limestone Caves. The Seal
Colony can be accessed by either
a 2 hour return energetic walk or
by a boat tour. Enjoy the beach.
Portland Has much to offer the
day tripper. Take a tour of the
Maritime Discovery Centre or
Portland Aluminium Smelter,
board the Cable Tram for a
relaxing tour, or wander through
the Portland Powerhouse Motor
& Car Museum.
40
Ask at Visitor
Information
Centres for maps
of the Admella
Discovery Trail and
details on towns
and attractions:
Return to Mount Gambier via
Heywood and Dartmoor.
Casterton: 03 5581 2070
Nelson: 08 8738 4051
Portland: 1800 035 567
Jackass Fern Gully Stop on the
way back to walk through ferns
and scrubland near the Fitzroy
River or visit The Inkpot, a nearby
swamp.
Dergholm
Penola
Nangwarry
Tarpeena
Mount
Gambier
SA
v
Dri
VIC
,
e5
Ap
p
k
70
rox
Casterton
m
Dartmoor
Drive
6
Donovans , App
rox
Nelson
Drives 5 & 6
page
Dartmoor Home to the carved
statues in the Avenue of Honour,
a nursery rhyme tree has been
added. Follow the Heritage Trail.
It is just a short drive to take in
the beauty of nearby Waterfall
Gardens.
10
5
km
Heywood
Portland
night lights drive
drives
Town Hall
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor
& Discovery Centre
Blue Lake Pumping
Station
Start at The Visitor Centre, this
spectacular land mark was built
in 1985, under a Commonwealth
Employment Program with the
guidance of Mick Everlyn.
Drive past the Blue Lake to the
carpark near the tunnel under the
road for an excellent night view
of the building. Also from this
car park Centenary Tower can be
seen sitting like a beacon on the
highest point of Mount Gambier,
city map V16
Umpherston Sinkhole
Drive 2.5 km along Jubilee
Highway East to the beautiful
Sinkhole where possums come
out to feed in the floodlit cave
and gardens. Jubilee Highway
East, city map N25
Potters Point
Drive to the lookout at the top of
Hay Drive to see the City Lights
and another aspect of Centenary
Tower from across the crater.
Lake Terrace West, city map S12
Historic Buildings
View the windows of the new
Main Corner development,
which is transformed, into a giant
lantern every night filled with
exploding volcanoes and peaceful
underwater experiences of the
regions caves and ponds.
Drive in close to The Old Gaol
on Margaret Street city map
P14 to see the floodlit stone
work constructed in 1866. Then
On Lake Terrace, was
constructed in 1904 of dolomite
and limestone and features
gables and breaks in its Gothic
style architecture. The wrought
iron gates were erected in 1884.
Lake Terrace East city map S19
*
Centenary
Tower
RD
OLA
PEN
AD
EET
STR
WE
HL
Old Gaol
IG
HW
AY
H
*
Wehl St
Theatre
EE
BIL
JU
*
**
Valley
Lake
a
lC
ne
n
Tu
Stop and walk down into the Cave
Garden. Every evening, colour
washes and ancient faces rise
from the cave and tell the dream
time stories of local indigenous
people. The rear wall of the Main
Corner comes alive with an array of
photos featuring Mount Gambier’s
European heritage.
During the Festive Season, many
homes and gardens are decorated
with Christmas decorations and
lights. Call at “The Lady Nelson”
for information on the Christmas
Light Drive.
*
KA
VEN
UE
LAK
k
ar
rp
Cave Garden
The Lady
Nelson
C
Cave Garden OM
ME
Fountain
RCI
AL
Town Hall
STR
EET
BAY
Potters Point
*
Convent
of Mercy
View the Fountain which was
presented to the people of Mount
Gambier in 1884 by Captain Robert
Gardiner, the great grandfather
of the late Sir Robert Helpmann.
Commercial Street East, city map
N16
The Christmas Lights Drive
Vansittart
Park Arch
*
Fountain
RO
Sexton’s Cottage
Pumping Station
*
ET
ERR
A
Sexton CE
Cottage
PIC
See the majestic well lit brig,
a full size replica of the H.M.S.
Lady Nelson from which Mount
Gambier was sighted and named
in the year 1800. Jubilee Highway
East, city map L17
past the Wehl Street Theatre
on Wehl Street South city map
O14 continue along Wehl Street
and drive past “The Federation
Arch” located at the entrance of
Vansittart Park. Turn right at the
roundabout onto Jubilee Highway
west, then right at the next
roundabout onto Penola Road
heading towards the city centre,
view the Convent of Mercy, city
map M16 opened in 1908 which
has been beautifully restored.
Drive to Commercial Street East,
turn left, and drive past the floodlit
Old Town Hall, city map N16
constructed of dolomite in 1882.
Umpherston
Sinkhole
*
(Approx 1 ¼ hours)
Blue Lake
page
41
y
r
o
t
his
history
The Booandik’s (People of the Reeds), lived in the region between
Beachport and the Glenelg River. They were the largest group in the
South East.
In Winter the people lived inland but during the summer they moved
to the coast. Seafood was the main component of their diet. Men
were the hunters, women the gatherers. When large animals were
killed for food, they were shared out according to a strict priority.
They constructed “wurlies” with a wooden framework which they
covered with branches and sometimes skins. Others were made of
logs in beehive shape and turfed over. They were taught to make
weapons and tools and also to use them with maximum efficiency.
In 1788, after Governor Phillip arrived with soldiers, convicts and
white settlers, life changed forever for the Aboriginal people.
1800
3rd December Lieutenant James Grant sighted two
peaks from HMS Lady Nelson – named one after Lord
Gambier RN, and the other after Captain Schanck,
designer of the vessel.
1839
Stephen Henty from Portland discovered Mount Gambier
and saw the potential of good farming land and water
from the Blue Lake and Valley Lake.
1847
1860
page
42
Evelyn Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt purchased several
sections of land by auction in Adelaide. The town’s first
Hotel, postal agency and police barracks were built on
this land adjacent the cave. Today’s Jens Hotel was the
original site of the first Hotel license in Mount Gambier.
The First aboriginal people came to
Australia at least 50,000 years ago.
Craitbul, giant ancestor of the Booandik
People, long ago made an oven at Mount
Muirhead to cook for his wife and family.
In hearing the groaning voice of the bird
spirit “Bullin” warning them of the evil
spirit “Tennateona”, they fled to another
site where they built another oven (Mount
Schank). Again they were frightened off
by the threat of the evil spirit and moved
to “Berrin” where they again made their
oven (Mount Gambier). One day, water
rose and the fire went out. They dug other
ovens, but each time water rose putting
out the fires. This occurred four times (the
Valley Lake, Blue Lake, Browne’s Lake and
Leg of Mutton Lake). Finally Craitbul and
his family settled in a cave on the side of
“Berrin’s” Peak.
1865
1869
1900
First Mount Gambier Hospital erected on the northern
edge of the Valley Lake.
Foundation stone for the Centenary Tower was laid 3rd
December to commemorate 100 years since the sighting
of Mount Gambier’s mountain.
The last traditional man of the Booandik people,
Lanky Karna died in Beachport.
Robert Murray Helpman was born in the front bedroom
at 79 Bay Road. He moved to Adelaide with his family
and was later to become Sir Robert Helpmann the world
renowned dancer and actor.
1906
1909
1917
1928
1954
1961
James and Christina Smith established a home for
aboriginal people in Mount Gambier.
1966
1981
Mount Gambier was linked by rail to Portland, Victoria.
First Flights to Adelaide.
December 9 Mount Gambier declared a city.
Queen Elizabeth II visited.
Second Hospital and Nurses Home opened, nurses
home now converted into apartments.
South Australian Hotel built – still operating today –
oldest remaining hotel in city.
The Old Courthouse, the former Post Office, the
Anglican Church and the Mount Gambier Gaol were
constructed from dolomite.
Opening of SES8 the first television station to serve the
South East of SA and Victorian Western District.
Civic Centre opened.
1986
Lakes Plaza now Centro shopping centre opens.
Aquatic Centre opened.
Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre opened.
1997
2000
Third and current hospital opened.
Bicentennial Tower built at Port MacDonnell
commemorating the sighting and naming of
Mount Gambier, and Mount Schank.
Federation Arch built over the entry to Vansittart
Park inspired by an earlier arch that spanned the
Main intersection in 1936.
2005
history
history
Mount Gambier was the first
place named in South Australia
In May 1897 an earthquake
hit the region with the
epicentre at Beachport.
Crosses on two churches
in Mount Gambier fell
to the ground, chimneys
cracked and fell, buildings,
poles and fences swayed.
First University Campus for Mount Gambier
established by University of South Australia.
For Further Information on the History of
Mount Gambier:
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre is committed to
the history of Mount Gambier and District. The Discovery Centre
incorporates high tech interactive displays telling much of Mount
Gambier’s history.
The Centre supports The Mount Gambier History Group in the
promotion of their Heritage Series Books. The History Room, in
O’Halloran Terrace is open Tuesday afternoons or by appointment.
Phone 8725 6617
Historical publications are available for sale at “The Lady Nelson”,
the most popular being Mount Gambier, The City Around a Cave as
produced by local historian the late Mr Les Hill.
A special History Room has been established at The Mount Gambier
Public Library where historical and genealogical records can be
accessed and researched.
43
page
e
r
u
leis
recreation, leisure
& adventure
Bingo
Bulldogs Bingo McDonald Park Club
North Gambier Sportsmans Club
Commercial Street West
Mount Gambier Community RSL Bingo
16 Sturt Street
Croquet
08 8725 5971
08 8725 1341
08 8725 8181
Boating
Boat ramps are provided at Lake Leake, Blackfellows Caves, Port
MacDonnell, The Glenelg River, and The Valley Lake. A Power Boat
Licence is required for all SA Waters (13 13 84) and Victorian Waters
(03 9655 3399). Hired boats are exempt from these requirements.
Nelson Boat & Canoe Hire Nelson Boatshed
08 8738 4048
Bowling
Mount Gambier & District Indoor Bowling Club
Mount Gambier Bowls Club Inc
172 Commercial Street West
Mount Gambier RSL & District Bowling Club Inc
2 Jubilee Highway East
Port MacDonnell and District Bowling Club
08 8725 3627
08 8725 2523
08 8725 9515
08 8738 2023
Bushwalking
Brochures are available at “The Lady Nelson” for the most popular
walks. See page 36 and 37.
Canoeing
Canoe along the Glenelg River to enjoy the beauty of its limestone
cliffs and abundant wildlife. Overnight camp sites require pre-booking
at Parks Victoria. Canoe and River Guide available at “The Lady
Nelson”. Canoes are available for hire.
Nelson Boat & Canoe Hire Nelson Boatshed
08 8738 4048
Paestan Canoe Hire Winnap - Nelson Road, Winnap 03 5528 1481
Mount Gambier Croquet Club
08 8725 7560
Cycling
Maps for the Scenic Bicycle Route, the Bicycle Path Network and
Crater Lakes Mountain Bike Trail are available at The Lady Nelson
Visitor & Discovery Centre. Free bike hire available from the Main
Corner and The Lady Nelson.
Dancing
Allabout Squares
Mount Gambier Old Time Dance Club
Pine City Twirlers Inc, Anglican Church Hall
Ballroom & Ceroc Dancing
Mount Gambier Lake City Rock n Roll Inc
08 8723 4596
08 8725 5249
08 8725 7524
08 8723 3724
0407 258 404
Diving
Cave Diving
See page 34 for regulations on diving in the many caves in the area
Snorkelling
Allendale East Store Allendale East
08 8738 7274
Fishing
Mount Gambier is only 35 minutes from the Glenelg River and the
Southern Coastline,and is the centre for many fishing opportunities.
No permit is required in SA waters. A permit is required in VIC (except
Pensioners and Children U18)
Spot On Fishing Tackle 93 Commercial St East
08 8725 8825
Golf
Blue Lake Public Golf Links Bay Road
Mount Gambier Golf Club Inc Attamurra Road
Port MacDonnell Golf Club Elizabeth Street
08 8725 6198
08 8725 7739
08 8738 2522
Greyhound Racing & Coursing
Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing & Coursing Club Inc
Tara Raceway
08 8725 3053
page
44
recreation, leisure
& adventure
leisure
The Crater Lakes
Gymnastics & Kindergym
Blue Lake Gymnastic Club Inc Malseed Park
Active Playgroup No. 2 Show Hall
Shooting
0419 822 371
0448 766 020
Harness Racing & Trotting
Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club
Greenwald Paceway
0407 609 206
Horse Racing
Mount Gambier Racing Club Inc Regular meetings throughout the
year with the Annual 2 day Gold Cup Carnival held in May.
Glenburnie Racecourse
08 8725 4466
Indoor Sporting & Fitness Centres
Active8 Health & Sport Centre 99 Penola Road
Blue Lake Sports Medicine Centre 15b Sturt Street
Mount Gambier Basketball Stadium
Commercial Street West
Squashbrook Fitness & Leisure
Commercial Street West
08 8723 0288
08 8723 0432
08 8723 2050
08 8725 5351
Motor Cycling
Mount Gambier Junior Motocross Club
McNamara Park Road
08 8725 4920
Mount Gambier Motorcycle and Light Car Club Inc
McNamara Park
08 8725 0163
Mount Gambier Karting Club
Princes Highway
08 8725 7591
Night Clubs
Shadows Entertainment Complex 5 Penola Road
08 8723 9777
Paintball
Burrungule Park Paintball All games by appointment
Paintball in The Bush, Burrungule Road
0428 873 122
Mount Gambier Gun Club Inc Gladigau Road
Mount Gambier Pistol Club Pine Hall Road
Mount Gambier Rifle Club Caveton, Nelson Road
Port MacDonnell Pistol & Shooting Club
Elizabeth Street
South East Field & Game Assoc Burrungule
08 8725 4217
08 8725 4281
08 8725 3890
08 8738 5304
08 8733 3144
Snorkelling
The beauty of the underground water system can be discovered by
snorkelling some of the ponds and sinkholes. Some require permits.
See page 34 for further information.
Speedway
Borderline Speedway Considered to be one of the best tracks in
Australia it hosts several major titles. Princes Highway08 8725 5513
Swimming
Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre Margaret St
Squashbrook Fitness & Leisure
297 Commercial Street West
‘Swimskool Mount Gambier’
(Lap Swim only Mon-Fri 6am-9am) Keegan Street
08 8723 1283
08 8725 5351
08 8723 2460
Ten Pin Bowling
Gambier City Bowl Commercial Street West
08 8723 2442
Theatres
Oatmill Cinema Complex 7 Percy Street
08 8724 9150
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre Seating 528, the theatre is
professionally equipped and regularly used for performing
arts, presentations, conferences and seminars.
Located within the Civic Centre
08 8723 8741
Wehl Street Theatre, Wehl Street South
08 8725 3725
Water Skiing
Water skiing is a popular activity at the Valley Lake and with several
designated zones on The Glenelg River – River Guide available at
“The Lady Nelson”.
45
page
t
r
o
p
s
tran
tours, cruises
& transport
City Bus
Coach Charter
Four routes service the city Monday to Friday including stops
near the major city attractions.
Bus Schedules including school route maps and bus route maps
are available from “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre or the office of
The City of Mount Gambier. Operated by McCormick’s Bus Service.
08 8724 9978 www.mccormicksbus.com.au
Getting Here and Around
By Coach to and from Adelaide
Premier Stateliner Inland and coastal services to and from
Adelaide daily.
08 8415 5555
Arrivals and Departures: Carpark at “The Lady Nelson”
Visitor & Discovery Centre, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier.
For bookings and further information contact “The Lady Nelson”
Visitor & Discovery Centre.
1800 087 187
By Coach to and from Melbourne
VLine Daily Coach/Rail service to and from Melbourne via
Warrnambool or Ballarat.
1800 800 007
Arrivals and Departures: Carpark at “The Lady Nelson” Visitor &
Discovery Centre, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier. For bookings
and further information contact “The Lady Nelson”
1800 087 187
Check with your local coach company or travel agent for the
details of special coach tours to Mount Gambier
By Air
Regular return flights are available between Mount Gambier
and Adelaide and Mount Gambier and Melbourne.
Mount Gambier and District Airport 08 8725 1112
B & P Travel (Rex Airlines)
08 8725 7888
Rex Airlines 131 713
Travel O’Connor 23 Penola Road, Mount Gambier
08 8725 5332
De Bruin Air Air charter service from all major airports for 5, 10 or 15
passengers. Contact the exclusive booking agent, Travel O’Connor on
08 8725 5332
Hire Car/Coach
Avis Mount Gambier Airport 08 8723 4300
Budget Car Rental Airport
08 8725 4340
Franks Mini Bus Hire & Vears Hire Car
08 8725 0666
Hertz Airport 08 8723 0870
Thrifty Airport
08 8723 2488, 0418 838 732
Lake City Corporate Cars
0408 239 068
Leroy’s Mini Bus Hire
0438 249 240, 0407 719 495
Mount Gambier Mini Bus Hire 12 or 14 seaters
08 8725 5094
Scooters
Scooters 2 Go
08 8723 3156
Taxi
Lake City Taxis
Vears Taxis
page
46
131 008 or 08 8723 0000
08 8725 0666
Gambier Coachlines
13, 24, 48 & 50 seater coach
08 8723 6000, 0418 849Nelson
446
Lake City Tours 21 and 10 seaters
08 8723 2991, 0412 838 765
McCormicks Bus Service 28 and 57 seaters
08 8724 9978
Mount Gambier Mini Bus Hire 14 and 22 seaters
08 8725 5094
Southern Coachlines 22, 28, 30 and 46 seaters
08 8724 9988, 0418 853 714
Tours & Cruises
Lakes, Caves, Sinkholes, Heritage, Forest,
Limestone, Coast, River
Lake City Corporate Cars A
Tour the city or region in the comfort of chauffeur driven Hire Cars
or Limousine. Choose from a range of tours tailored to your needs.
0408 239 068
Jupiter Limousines
Offering winery tours and personalised tours for up to 10 people.
0419 827 473
Top Hat Tours
Personalised winery tours in chauffeured Vintage Cars
0438 816 621 or 08 8726 8071
Lake City Tours A
Enjoy a relaxing tour of the most popular city attractions.
Morning tours commence at 9.00am. 0412 838 765
Franks Mini Bus Hire & Vears Hire Car
A range of personalised tours for various size groups. 0438 398 246
Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters
Enjoy a great days fishing on JayMarStar, a 43 ft Randell.
All fishing rods and tackle supplied. 6 person min, 12 person max.
www.portmacfishing.com.au
0428 382 483
Southerly Marine Tours & Fishing Charters
Offering Marine Tours and Fishing Charters on board the fully seated
52ft vessel. Marine tours 10 person max, fishing tours 7 person max.
www.southerlymarinetours.com.au
0427 387 370 or 0407 975 619
Remarkable Fishing Charters An enjoyable day of reef, deep sea,
tuna, or shark fishing, or just relax and enjoy other highlights including
sightseeing and birdwatching. Light lunch provided. 08 8738 2496 or 0427 555 595
Glenelg River Cruises Relax on the Nelson Explorer, Nelson Endeavour
or Pompei’s Pride and take in the beauty of the Glenelg River, visiting
Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Various cruises available. Charter cruises
with meals tailored for group bookings.
08 8738 4191
De Bruin Air Offers scenic flights to suit your needs. Choose from 5
set routes, or design your own. Take in Mount Gambier & Lakes area,
Little Blue Lake, Mount Schank, Port MacDonnell, South East Pasture
Lands, Discovery Bay, Nelson, Carpenter Rocks, Robe, Lake Bonney
and Wind Farms. Contact the exclusive booking agent Travel O’Connor
on 08 8725 5332 or travel@traveloconnor.com.au
NAIDOC Week
Rotary Careers Expo
Reserve Forces Day
Mount Gambier Eisteddfod
August
Limestone Coast Showcase
TAFE SA Hairdressing Competition
Mount Gambier Horse Trials
September
Off Road Pines Enduro
October
calendar of
annual events
events
July
Masters of Mac Park – Motorcycle Racing
Annual Mil Lel Show
Mount Gambier A & H Society Show
Rotary Book Fair
November
February 2013
Fishing & Outdoor Expo – Port MacDonnell
Swap Meet Valentines Rod Run
BMX South Australia State Titles
Karaoke in the Cave
March
Clean up Australia Day
Borderline Speedway -National Streetstock Championships
South East Dressage Association Championships
EH Holden State Run Car Club Rally
Mount Gambier Greyhound Races – Gold Cup
SE Field Days
April
Mount Gambier & District Community Bank Family Fun Day
Hoo Hoo International Convention
SA Race Walking Event
Motorcycling SA State Motocross
Baseball Masters Tournament
ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Street March
Easter
Blue Lake Golf Club Easter Golf Tournament
Easter Show Jumping Festival
McNamara Park Easter Racing
Borderline Speedway – Easter Sprint Car Classic
Easter Champion Dog Show
Donovans Easter Market
Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb
Mount Gambier Annual Christmas Parade
Blue Lake Brass Band Festival
Mount Gambier Junior Basketball Tournament
Alex Roberts 100 Mile Classic
Limestone Coast Tattoo
RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride (Starting point)
Mount Gambier Gift –Athletics Meet
December
Boral Blue Lake Fun Run
Blue Lake Y Swim Club National Meet
Blue Lake Carols
Borderline Speedway –World Series Sprint Cars
Mount Gambier Racing Club Christmas Meet
New Years Eve Celebrations
January 2014
Port MacDonnell Bay Side Festival
Mount Gambier Show Jumping Festival
Mount Gambier Racing Club – Holcim Summer Cup
Mount Gambier Rodeo
Mount Gambier Junior Tennis Tournament
Borderline Speedway Kings Sprint Car Challenge
Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Car Rally
Australia Day Breakfast
Mount Gambier Autofest Show and Shine
Blue Lake Archers Annual Tournament
May
Generations in Jazz
Mount Gambier Gold Cup Carnival 130th Anniversary
Mount Gambier Ladies Day Racing Cup Carnival
Reconciliation Week
June
SA VS Vic BMX Club Championships
South East National Highland Dancing Championships
Swinging with the Stars
Australian Welsh Male Choir
The HD/ HR Holden Nationals Show and Shine
For further information visit the online Events Calendar:
www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
page
47
s
e
c
i
serv
community &
health services
Mount Gambier Public Library
Banks
A.N.Z 8 Commercial West Bank SA 1 Commercial St East Bendigo Bank 16 James St
Commonwealth Bank 4 Bay Road National Bank 1 Commercial St West RaboBank 15a Sturt Street Police Credit Union 42 Helen Street People’s Choice Credit Union
7-13 Compton Street Westpac Bank 43 Commercial St West Newsagents
08 8721 0500
08 8726 2600
08 8726 3200
08 8724 4720
08 8726 3300
08 8726 2500
08 8724 8222
08 8723 8300
08 8721 0666
Chapmans Newsagency 11 Commercial St West
Fosters Newsagency Newspower
79 Commercial St East
Hewetts Newsagency 53 Commercial St East
News @ the Mall Centro, Helen Street
Lifeline Cnr Gray St & Railway Tce
Saint Vincent De Paul Society 2 Crouch St South
Salvation Army Thrift Shop Boandik Terrace
The Salvo’s Store Caldwell Street
Photographic Supplies
Lifeline S.E. Book Nook Cnr Gray St & Railway Tce 08 8725 5699
Mount Gambier Book Exchange
Shop 1, 80 Commercial Street West 08 8725 9141
Photoquick Camera House 11a James Street
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce
Mount Gambier & District Saleyards
08 8725 3300
08 8725 6155
Dog and Cat Facilities
South East Animal Welfare League of SA Inc
Riddoch Highway
08 8723 9133
Shiralea Pet Resort 109 Kingsley Rd, Allendale East 08 8738 7287
Tollner Road Boarding Kennels 86 Tollner Road
08 8725 9797
Internet Services
Mount Gambier Library
Civic Centre Precinct, Watson Terrace
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre
08 8721 2540
08 8724 9750
Laundromats
Banque Laundrette 6 Krummel Street
08 8725 4427
Conroe Soap & Suds Splish’n & Splash’n
0427 684 740
Just Bubbles Laundromat Shop 6/50 Boandik Tce 08 8725 5419
Rose’s Laundrette Self Serve & Service Laundromat
115 Commercial Street West
08 8725 7929
Sharp & Shiny Laundromat 174 Jubilee Hwy West 0417 853 953
Washday Laundry 144 Penola Road
08 8723 0100
White Zephyr Laundrette 193 Commercial St West 0415 315 256
Library
Mount Gambier Library
Civic Centre Precinct, Watson Terrace page
48
08 8725 4140
08 8724 9965
08 8725 0811
Op Shops
Books – Second Hand
Commerce
08 8725 3300
08 8725 5699
08 8724 9322
08 8725 6042
08 8725 4271
08 8725 4010
Post Offices
Mount Gambier Post Office, 30 Helen Street
Mount Gambier East Post Office
226 Commercial St East
Mount Gambier West Post Office
230a Commercial St West
13 1318
08 8725 2049
08 8725 2922
Real Estate Agents
Complete Real Estate 14 Watson Terrace
08 8723 5111
Elders Real Estate 9 Bay Road
08 8723 0633
Gebhardt Real Estate Suite 2/14 Helen Street
08 8725 5766
Herbert Real Estate 7 Helen Street
08 8725 0500
L J Hooker 55 Commercial St East
08 8723 2121
Frank Kaiser Property Management Pty Ltd
2a Mitchell Street
08 8723 9299
Landmark Real Estate 389 Commercial St West
08 8724 7590
Malseeds.com.au 1 Wehl Street South
08 8724 9999
Miller, Whan and John Pty Ltd 68 Commercial St East 08 8723 1066
Ray White Keatley 16a James St
08 8724 8966
O’Connor & Graney 2 Railway Terrace
08 8725 0700
P&L Real Estate 32 Bay Road
08 8723 3416
First National Fimmells Mount Gambier
13 Penola Road 08 8725 4011
S.A.L. Real Estate 23 Gray Street
08 8725 6666
Vicki Quinn Real Estate 10 Commercial St West
08 8725 4225
Rural Transaction Centres
08 8721 2540
Carpenter Rocks RTC Hercules Street
Port MacDonnell RTC 5 Charles Street
Tarpeena RTC Morphett Terrace
08 8738 0020
08 8738 3000
08 8739 6220
Health Services
Aged/Disability Care & Villages
Abbeyfield Society Inc 15 Francis Street
08 8725 1718
Boandik Extended Support Services
101 Lake Terrace East
08 8724 1251
Boandik Lodge Crouch Street Hostel
08 8725 4911
Boandik Lodge St Marys Age Care Facility 71 Boandik Tce08 8724 1200
Hallmont Estate 20 Woodlands Drive
08 8721 8600
Lambert Village 87 Gray Street
08 8725 3209
Mount Gambier Retirement Village 1-3 Gilmore Close 08 8725 1794
Oaks Aged Care Facility, The Ruwoldt Road, Yahl
08 8725 6111
Woodlands Grove Retirement Estate
15 Woodlands Drive
08 8726 2300
Chemists Extended Hours (please ring to confirm opening times)
Chemist King 170 Jubilee Highway West
08 8795 9579
Gambier City Chemmart Pharmacies
Centro Shopping Centre, 21 Helen Street
08 8725 8700
Gambier Village Pharmacy Cnr Penola Rd & Buronga Ave 08 8723 1118
Chemists Normal Trading Hours
East Gambier Pharmacy 3/145 Commercial St East
Gambier City Chemmart Pharmacies
15 Sturt Street
2a Wehl Street North
Murray T Martin Pharmacy 23-25 Commercial St West
UFS Chemist 51 Commercial St East
Service Stations
Ampol
Fuels K & S
141-147 Jubilee Hwy West
Allendale East
BP One Stop
163 Commercial St East
Nelson Roadhouse
Caltex
29 Penola Road
141 Commercial St West 24 hr
Coles Express
100 Commercial St West
Mobil
Crouch Street 24 hour
195 Commercial St West
82 Jubilee Highway West
26 Pick Ave
Glencoe
Carpenter Rocks
MOGAS Regional
Nangwarry
Shell
32 Bay Road
190 Jubilee Highway East
144 Penola Road
Kongorong
Woolworths Petrol Plus
108 – 110 Commercial St East
08 8721 1778
08 8738 7274
08 8723 1744
08 8738 4142
08 8725 4420
08 8725 8233
08 8725 5037
08 8725 4200
08 8723 2033
08 8725 1092
08 8725 5730
08 8739 4320
08 8738 0044
08 8734 4177
08 8725 2595
08 8723 1900
08 8723 0669
08 8738 9220
08 8723 4975
Supermarkets
Andami IGA Supermarkets
16 Swallow Drive
80 Jubilee Highway West
75 Suttontown Rd (Montebello)
Coles
James Street
Conroe Heights Foodworks
125 North Terrace
Lennon Food Market- IGA Grocer
34 Lake Terrace East
Woolworths (SA) Ltd
Commercial Street East
08 8723 0333
08 8724 9888
08 8723 5294
08 8725 6655
08 8724 9033
08 8725 1608
08 8725 8088
08 8725 1086
08 8725 8201
08 8723 2919
08 8725 8244
08 8723 0277
Chiropractors
Bond Chiropractic Centre 145 Penola Rd
08 8725 2077
Dr Ben Atkins Compton Memorial Hall
0447 230 981
Liana’s Chiropractic Centre 258 Commercial St West 08 8725 2306
Mt Gambier Chiropractic Centre 6 Crouch Street North 08 8725 0644
South Coast Chiropractic Centre 74 Gray Street
08 8724 7872
The Chiropractic Domain 56 Bay Road
08 8725 3755
Clinics - Medical
Ferrers Medical Clinic 2-4 Wehl Street North
After Hours
Hawkins Medical Centre 30 Sturt Street
After Hours
Morningside Family Practice 33 Helen Street
Village Medical Centre Cnr Penola Rd & Buronga Ave
08 8725 4261
0417 863 508
08 8725 5266
0418 838 466
08 8723 1155
08 8723 3286
Clinics - Alternative
Mount Gambier Chinese Medical Centre
20 Sturt Street
Mount Gambier Natural Therapy Clinic
Shop 3/31 Canavan Rd
08 8725 7188
08 8725 7206
Community Health Service
South East Regional Community Health Service
- Mount Gambier 276-300 Wehl Street North
08 8721 1460
Dental Surgeons
Ferrers Dental Surgery 26 Ferrers Street
Oleschenko Orthodontics 1 Davison Street
Confident Smile Dental Clinic 10 Wehl Street North Hawkins Centre Dental Practice 30 Sturt Street
After hours
Helen Street Dental Clinic 31 Helen Street
After hours
S A Dental Service Mount Gambier Hospital
08 8723 0230
08 8725 6612
08 8725 6899
08 8725 5266
0417 812 488
08 8725 2441
08 8723 2195
08 8721 1633
Hospital
Mount Gambier Hospital 276-300 Wehl St North
08 8721 1200
Optometrists
A.L. Bolton Optometrist 40a Sturt Street
08 8725 1303
Kevin Paisley Fashion Eyewear 27 Commercial St West 08 8725 7088
OPSM Centro Shopping Centre, Helen St
08 8725 7222
Specsavers 40 Commercial Street West
08 8723 0274
Physiotherapists
Blue Lake Sports Medicine 15b Sturt Street
Northcare Physiotherapy Mount Gambier 43 Helen St
Therapy For Life 2/1 Compton Street
1 Stop Paediatric Services 1 Eleanor Street
08 8723 0432
08 8725 2423
08 8724 8114
08 8725 5383
y
r
t
s
indu
industry
Mount Gambier is the centre of Australia’s
most developed softwood forestry region.
In 1876 the first Pinus Radiata trees
were planted in Mount Gambier.
Industry
Due to the plentiful supply of underground water, good rainfall, fertile
soil, temperate climate and flat land, Mount Gambier and the whole
of the Limestone Coast region is suitable for primary industry, the
largest being the timber industry, based entirely on plantations, no
native forests are harvested.
Consisting mainly of softwood plantings, with some more recent
eucalypt plantings. The industry is supported by milling operations,
particle board and pulp and paper manufacturing.
While the dairy industry is prominent, most of the milk is sent
interstate for processing.
Katnook Gas Well 60 km north of Mount Gambier was the first natural
gas field discovered in the area and opened in 1991.
Mount Gambier is the centre for a large transport industry, developed
as a result of our location halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne
and because our many industries rely on freight services.
Weather
Mount Gambier enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate.
Summers are warm to hot with mostly dry conditions, with day time
temperatures varying from 15 degrees to 40 degrees. However
nights can be still be cool, warm clothing or a jacket are still needed.
In Autumn warm to hot days and cool nights are common. Winters
are crisp and wet. Our annual average rainfall ranges from 450mm
- 820mm a year, day time temperatures vary from 5 degrees to 20
degrees, warm clothing is needed. Spring is changeable with fine to
warm days, and cooler, windy, wet days.
Prime lamb and beef production as well as the wool industry are
important export industries.
Potatoes are widely grown, as well as onions, lettuce, and herbs,
carrots, apples, berries, flowers and seed production.
With free draining spoils over limestone our area is world renowned
for grape production and excellent wine.
Mount Gambier Limestone has been quarried locally for the building
industry since 1860. The limestone is also crushed and dried for use
in the manufacturing of glass bottles, water treatment, stock feed and
other agricultural applications. Dolomite, another form of limestone, is
the beautiful pink stone used in many of our historic buildings.
Port Mac Donnell just south of Mount Gambier is the home of the
largest rock lobster fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere; many
other fleets are dotted along the coast and export mainly to South
East Asia and Japan.
page
50
The highest temperature
recorded in Mount Gambier
was 43.6oC on 16th February
1983 (Ash Wednesday).
The lowest temperature
was -3oC on 20th June
1950 & 2nd July 1960.
facts and figures
facts
Population
The City of Mount Gambier supports an immediate population of
over 32,000. 25,000 within the City boundary.
Time
Mount Gambier maintains Central Standard Time. (1/2 hour behind
Victoria) Clocks are advanced by one hour between 1st Sunday in
October and the 1st Sunday in April for Daylight Saving.
Altitude
The City averages 40 to 75m above sea level. The crater rim is
190m and the Blue Lake 12m above sea level.
Newspaper
The Border Watch publishes each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday 08 8724 1555.
Radio Frequencies
ABC Classic FM
ABC Radio National
ABC South East
Radio 5SE Star FM
Radio 5GTR
Lime FM
Radio JJJ
FM 104.1
FM 103.3
1476 & 1161 AM
963 AM
FM 96.1
FM 100.1
FM 104.9
FM 102.5
Television Frequencies
WIN SA Channel 8 (7)
WIN 9
WIN Ten
SBS 1 & 2
ABC 1, 2 & 3, News 24 & Australia Network
Emergency Services
Emergency 000
SA Ambulance Service
Fire Ban Hotline
Fire Service – City / Country
Fire Service - SA Metropolitan
Mount Gambier
Fire Service - Country
Hospital Poison Information Centre Police RAA Emergency Service State Emergency Service 1300 136 272
1300 362 361
000
08 8725 0634
08 8762 2311
08 8721 1200
13 1126
08 8735 1020 / 13 14 44
08 8725 4101 or 13 11 11
08 8723 0563
Distance and time
to major towns & cities
South Australia (By sealed roads, legal speed 110kph)
To
Distance (km)
Time
Adelaide via Riddoch Hwy
436
5 hrs
Adelaide via Princes Hwy
450
51/2 hrs
Barossa Valley
490
6 hrs
Bordertown
182
2 hrs
Cape Jervis
513
61/2 hrs
Pinnaroo
316
31/2 hrs
Renmark
461
51/2 hrs
Tailem Bend
338
4 hrs
Victor Harbor
451
51/2 hrs
Victoria (By sealed roads, legal speed 100kph)
To
Distance (km)
Apollo Bay
370
Halls Gap
240
Melbourne via GOR
550
Melbourne via Princes Hwy
441
Melbourne via Glenelg Hwy
426 Mildura
575
Port Fairy via Nelson
176
Port Fairy via Dartmoor
156
Twelve Apostles
280
Warrnambool
205
Time
41/4 hrs
21/2 hrs
71/2 hrs
5 hrs
5 hrs
6 hrs
11/2 hrs
11/4 hrs
3 hrs
2 hrs
In 1929 The Mount Gambier
Fire Brigade received their first
motorised fire truck. On the way
to its first fire the firefighters
forgot they had to refill the
petrol tank and ran out of petrol
- the house burnt down.
page
51
- city and surrounds
s
d
n
u
o
r
r
u
s
city
eating guide
L
D
KM
7 Days
L
D
KM
L
D
KM
T
140
100
100
7 Days
7 Days
B
KM
L
D
B BR KM
L
D
B Sat, Sun
7 days
Bistro
L
140
Bistro, beer garden
L
75
L
D
KM
7 Days
Counter meals
A-la-carte, daily specials
L
100
B
L
D
KM
7 Days
50
D
L Fri & Sun
D Wed-Sat
L
50-80 L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Counter meals,
daily specials,
bistro, a-la-carte
L
120
L
D
KM
7 Days
Counter meals,
fish, daily specials
L
60
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Counter meals, daily
specials, bistro, fish,
grills, regional cuisine/
produce, salad bar
A-la-carte,grills, light
meals, pasta, salad bar,
snacks
L
100
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
L
200
260
L
D
KM
7 Days
Open
Days/ Hours
100
Best Western Southgate Motel
city map N20
175 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1175
Comfort Inn Silver Birch city map N20
Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5122
Commodore on the Park city map K16
1 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 8724 6400
Country Comfort International
city map K1
300 Jubilee Hwy West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 9699
Econo Lodge Limestone Coast city map N21
96 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4311 Fax: 08 8724 9659
www.econolodgelimestonecoast.com.au
Lakes Resort city map T13
17 Lake Terrace West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5755
Quality Inn Presidential city map K9
Jubilee Highway West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9966
Kids Menu/Takeaway
7 Days
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner/
Booking Required
52
KM
T
Seating Capacity
page
L
D
- city & surrounds
Licensed/ Byo
Western Tavern Hotel city map K8
178 Jubilee Highway West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1200
120
motel
restaurants
Style & Speciality
Seafood café, grills,
lobster in season
Bistro, fish, grills, salad,
daily specials
Opening Days/ Hours
1862 Wine Bar & Grill
as above
Park Hotel city map N13
163 Commercial Street West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2430
Mount Gambier Community R.S.L.
city map O17
16 Sturt Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 8181
South Australian Hotel city map N17
78 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2404
South Eastern Hotel, The city map N22
235 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9090
Counter meals, snacks,
L
fish, grills, afternoon tea,
salad bar
Bistro, irish, fish, A-laL
carte, grills, salad bar, daily
specials, kids play area
A-la-carte, fish, daily
L
specials, bistro, salad bar
Kids Menu/Takeaway
Regional cuisine/produce, L
light meals, salad bar,
playground
Counter meals, bistro
L
Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner/
Booking Required
Bellum Hotel dist map Q8
Riddoch Highway, Mount Schank
Ph: 08 8738 5269
Commercial Hotel city map N14
Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3006
Federal Hotel/Motel city map N18
112 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1099
Flanagans Irish Pub city map O16
6 Ferrers Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 1671.
Jens Hotel city map N16
40 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0188
Linksview Bar & Bistro city map Y12
Blue Lake Golf Links
Grant Avenue, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 6198
Macs Hotel city map O16
21 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2402
Mount Gambier Hotel city map N16
2 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0611
Seating Capacity
- city & surrounds
Licensed/BYO
Style & Speciality
hotels, taverns
& clubs
A-la-carte, regional
cuisine/produce
L
80-100 B
D
KM
Mon-Sat
A-la-carte, restaurant,
fish, grills, regional
cuisine
A-la-carte, regional
cuisine/produce
L
50-80 B
D
KM
Daily
L
200
KM
7 Days
A-la-carte regional
cuisine/ produce,
modern australia
L
280
B
L
D
B
D
KM
Mon-Sat
A-la-carte, daily
specials, regional
cuisine
L
50-80 B
D
KM
7 Days
A-la-carte, restaurant
L
130
B
D
KM
7 Days
80-100 B
D
KM
7 Days
A-la-carte, daily specials, L
regional cuisine
Golden Chopsticks Restaurant
city map N17
95 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3935
Gourmet India Restaurant city map N17
99 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 8725 1800
Ken’s Place city map N15
Harrold Street, Mt Gambier
Laughton Park Gardens
dist map 804 L12
Brim Brim Road, Yahl
Ph: 08 8725 0479
Malaysia House Restaurant city map N15
83 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5005
Mandarin Restaurant city map N14
68 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 2100
Molten Chocolate Cafe city map N15
39 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5955
Niks Carvery n Grill city map B16
Shop 10 Marketplace
182 Penola Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0025
Niks Carvery n Grill city map O14
Shop 40 Centro
Helen Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3331
Noodle Sushi Bar city map N14
34 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2888
Plants on Sturt Cafe city map N18
34 Sturt Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 8725 2236
Sage & Muntries Café Restaurant
city map N15
78 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 8400
BYO
30
L
L
D
KM
T
Tue-Sun
L
80BYO 100
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Cafe, snacks, burgers
sandwiches, cakes
20-50 L
D
KM
T
Mon-Sat
Regional Cuisine, beef and L
seafood
100120
KM
7 Days
Light meals, sandwiches,
cakes
20-50 L
Regional cuisine/produce,
grills, daily specials
L
200
BYO
B
D
7 Days
L
D
KM
7 Days
42
L
B
KM
T
Mon-Fri
150
L
D
T
7 Days
20-50 L
KM
T
Mon-Fri
Café, homemade, alfresco, L
gluten free
50
B
L
KM
T
7 Days
Pizzeria & pasta
40
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Vintage style tearoom,
homemade cupcakes, tea,
coffee. Gluten/dairy/sugar
free available
Healthy, gluten free, dairy
free, vegetarian, vegan
20
T
Mon-Sat
Cafe, light meals,
homemade cakes, gelati,
alfresco
Café, homemade lunches
& light snacks, pizza,
sandwiches, hamburgers,
cakes
A-la-carte restaurant,
L
chinese, thai, asian,
malaysian, crayfish
seasonal
Tandoori and northern
L
Indian dishes, fish, chicken,
icecream
Hot & cold food, fish,
snacks, pies, pasties, cakes
Afternoon tea, devonshire
tea
10-20 B
L
T
48
B
L
Café mediterranean
home made, light meals,
grills, sandwiches
Café mediterranean
alfresco
L
80
L
Mon-Sat
7 Days
Mon-Fri
L
D
KM
T
L Thu-Fri
D Tue-Sun
50-80 L
D
KM
T
7 Days
20-50 B
L
20-50 LBR
T
Daily
KM
Fri-Mon
Pub & Sch
Hols
A-la-carte malaysian &
chinese, asian
L
50
BYO
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Chinese a-la-carte
L
80100
L
D
T
7 Days
Artisan quality hand made
chocolates, fine patisserie,
cakes, gourmet ice cream.
Roast, stuffed spuds, yiros,
mega burgers, seafood
50
B
L
T
Mon-Sat
50
B
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Roast, stuffed spuds, yiros,
mega burgers, seafood
50
B
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Restaurant, malaysian,
chinese, sushi
20-50 L
D
T
7 Days
L
KM
Mon-Sat
50-80 D
KM
T
Mon-Sat
Café, homemade cakes,
light meals
Local produce, burgers,
steaks, seafood, Italian.
Crayfish all year round
L
L
100
BYO
Snacks, cheese platters
L
L
BYO
8-10
Café, light meals, snacks,
rolls, sandwiches
Café, devonshire tea, rolls,
sandwiches, cakes
OK Pie Shop city map N15
Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2909
Pick Avenue Deli & Bakery city map P22
34 Pick Avenue, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2405
Sugar ‘n’ Spice city map O15
Shop 2, 145 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0709
Top One Hot Bread city map N15
20 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 3367
Wehl Street Homestyle Bakery city map P14
19-21 Wehl Street South, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7341
TA
7 Days
Wed-Sun
7 Days
50-80 B
L
D
T
KM
T
Wed-Mon
50-80 L
D
KM
T
7 Days
10-20 L
T
Mon-Sat
L
T
KM
7 Days
L
50-80 L
BYO
D
T
KM
Mon-Fri
Lunch
7 days
Dinner
L
B
L
bakeries
Bakers Delight city map N14
30 James Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0886
Bakers Delight city map N19
147 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9935
Metro Bakery Café city map N16
13 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 3179
7 Days
T
Café, traditional english
sweets, giftware and
specialty teas
Wild Ginger city map N15
A-la-carte restaurant,
17 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier thai, asian
Ph: 08 8723 6264
KM
T
20-50 L
Homemade snacks, rolls,
sandwiches, daily specials
Modern european cuisine,
all day menu, cafe
B
L
D
L
D
- city & surrounds
T
100
Café, alfresco, pizza/
pasta, snacks, asian,
mediteranean
Indian Cuisine
Opening Days/ Hours
Earth Café city map B16
Marketplace, 182 Penola Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 6848
Engelbrecht Cave Cafe city map K13
26 Chute Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5552
Hideaway Café city map O14
32a Helen St, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 6200
7 Days
Sorrentos Café city map N15
6 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0900
The Blue Lake Curry Club city map N18
20 Anthony Street Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 8448
The Old Apple Farm Blue Water Wines
dist map N12
Clarke Rd, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8726 8302
To Go Gourmet Sandwich & Expresso
Bar city map N16
7 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 8300
Treehouse Play Café, The
city map 16
25b Bay Road (enter via Herriot St),
Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 2045
Vanilla Bean city map N14
82 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5321
Yoey’s Traditional Fine Food
city map N14
32 James Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7710
Whistling Cat, The city map N15
97 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9088
Style & Speciality
Homemade light snacks,
sandwiches, meals, cakes
20-50 L
Opening Days/Hours
Caleb’s Cafe city map N17
7a Ferrers Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9433
Collars & Cuffs Licensed Cafe
city map O15
1/14 Helen Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0465
Cosmopolitan Pizza Bar city map N17
77 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3197
Cupkates city map N16
54 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph 8725 8988
Thai, Chinese, Malay,
Philippine, Japanese,
Indonesia
Thai, a-la-carte, buffet
Kids Menu/Takeaway
Café, homemade snacks
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner/
Booking Required
Aquifer Tours city map U17
John Watson Drive, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1199
Bahn Kubo city map N19
2-94 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3580
Banana Tree Café city map M15
53 Gray Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9393
Bandsaw Bistro city map N11
193 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 0466 045 406
Barn Steak House dist map O11
Nelson Rd, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8726 9999
Bookmark Cafe
10 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9472
Bullfrogs Café Bar & Grill city map N16
Oatmill Complex 7 Percy Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 3933
Café Melzar city map N15
Shop 7 Engelbrecht Lane, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1760
Caffé Belgiorno city map N16
Percy St, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4455
Seating Capacity
- city & surrounds
Licensed/BYO
Style & Speciality
restaurants
& cafes
Bakery, bread, snacks, cakes, baked
goods
7 Days
Bakery, bread, snacks, cakes, baked
goods
7 Days
Dine in or takeaway, bakery, bread,
pastries, pasties, pies, baguettes, rolls,
cakes and coffee
7 days
Pastries, pies, pasties, cakes, baked
goods
Mon-Sat
Pastries, cakes rolls & sandwiches
7 Days
Cheesecakes, cakes, toasted sandwiches, 7 Days
slices, hot doughnuts
Breads, pastries, slices, cakes
7 Days
Bakery, pastries, pies, pasties, cakes,
baked goods, salad, sandwiches
Mon-Sat
page
53
7 Days
Donuts, Cakes, Icecream, Pies
7 Days
Italian, pizza, salads, steak, chicken,
icecream, cakes
7 Days
Fast food, hamburgers
7 Days
Fast food, snacks, burgers, chickens
7 Days
McDonald’s Family Restaurant city map K15
45 Penola Rd, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0644
Fast food, pastries, cakes hamburgers,
salad menu
24 Hours
Noodle Canteen city map O15
3/18 Helen Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 9497
Paradise Pizzas city map N15
205 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9588
Red Rooster city map M19
76 Jubilee Highway, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 6366
Noodle & rice
7 Days
Pizza, chips, wedges
7 Days
Restaurant, takeaway, chicken, fish,
7 Days
baguettes, wraps, burgers, healthy options
Subway city map N16
57 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 4411
Fast food, rolls, sandwiches
7 Days
Subway Centro city map O15
Shop 45 Centro, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 4433
Wendy’s city map 015
Shop 46, Centro, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4677
Fast food, rolls, sandwiches
7 Days
eating guide
s
d
n
u
o
r
r
- city
and
surrounds
u
s
city
Fast food, ice cream, hot dogs, smoothies 7 Days
page
54
- city & surrounds
Andami IGA city map F10
Montebello Drive, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5294
Australian Fish Market city map N15
85 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2637
Badenoch’s Deli dist map K10
Bay Road, Moorak
Ph: 08 8725 4356
Chicken Boss map N17
98 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3324
Chick n Drive city map E16
3 Buronga Avenue, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2007
Conroe Heights Foodworks city map K22
125 North Terrace, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9033
Crams Deli city map Q15
45 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
08 8725 5345
East Gambier Fish Shop city map M18
129 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 6182
Fish & Chip Takeaway (FACT) city map N15
125a Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2240
Foxies Delicatessen city map N17
127 Commercial St East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3395
Gambier West Deli city map N6
326 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3204
Grantville Court Fish Shop city map R20
Shop 1/50 Boandik Tce, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2254
Highway Super Deli city map F16
144 Penola Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5480
Kapela Fish Shop city map N17
84 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 9083
Killara Food Centre city map K8
174 Jubilee Hwy West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0952
Lennon Food Market – IGA Grocer city map S17
34 Lake Terrace East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 1608
Mobil Service Station city map N26
Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1900
Rosaville General Store city map N10
236 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2705
Shepherdson Road Grocery & Delicatessen
city map Q12
28b Shepherdson Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3701
Valley Lake Pizza’s city map N17
94 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5551
Vansittart Deli city map N14
137 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0155
Westend Deli city map N10
252a Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9511
Takeaway
Opening Days/ Hours
Pizza, chicken pieces, garlic bread, ice
cream
takeaway &
delicatessens
Style & Speciality
- city & surrounds
Domino’s Pizza city map N18
Woolworth’s Petrol Plus
Cnr Commercial St East & Crouch St, Mount Gambier
Ph: 13 18 88
Donut King city map B16
Shop 13, Marketplace
182 Penola Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 2699
Fasta Pasta city map N14
102 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0011
Hungry Jacks city map L16
Penola Road, Mount Gambier
PH: 08 8723 1166
Kentucky Fried Chicken city map M16
Penola Rd, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7302
Opening Days/ Hours
Style & Speciality
franchised
restaurants
& takeaway
7 Days
Fish & chips, takeaway yiros, hamburgers Wed-Mon
Fast food, takeaway
7 Days
Takeaway, free range chicken, seafood,
salad, coffee
Tues-Sun
Fast food, takeaway yiros, snacks, salads, 7 Days
hamburgers, chickens
Takeaway
7 Days
Light snacks, ice creams
Mon-Sat
Fish & chips, yiros, takeaway
Wed-Mon
Fast food, takeaway, fish and chips,
grills, salads
Tues-Sun
Takeaway
Mon-Sat
Takeaway
Mon-Fri
Takeaway, fish, grills, yiros, snacks,
hamburgers
Tue-Sun
Takeaway
7 Days
Fish & chips
Wed-Sun
Takeaway
7 Days
Takeaway
7 Days
Fast food
7 Days
Takeaway
7 Days
Takeaway
Mon-Sat
Pizza, grills, icecream
7 days
Takeaway
7 Days
Takeaway
7 Days
Port MacDonnell Football Club
dist map Y7
Elizabeth Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2664
Rocks Tavern dist map U29
1Government Road, Carpenter Rocks
Ph: 08 8738 0031
Tantanoola Tiger Hotel dist map S30
Railway Terrace, Tantanoola
Ph: 08 8734 4066
Victoria Hotel dist map Y7
40 Meylin Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2213
KM
T
7 Days
L
60
KM
T
Wed-Sun
Counter meals, salad bar,
regional cuisine/produce,
grills, seafood, crayfish, cakes
A-la-carte restaruant, counter
meals
L
80-100 L
D
KM
T
7 Days
L
20-50
L
D
KM
T
Counter meals
L
150
D
T
L WedSat
D MonSun
Sat
Counter meals, a-la-carte,
seafood, pizza, pasta, snacks,
salad bar
Counter meals, fish, grills,
salad bar, snacks
L
100
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
L
20-50
L
D
KM
7 Days
Bistro meals, salad bar,
seasonal lobster, fish, grills,
chickens, daily specials
L
100
L
D
KM
7 Days
Opening Days/ Hours
7 Days
Fast food, light meals,
BYO 20-50
fish & chips, grills, sandwiches
B
L
D
KM
T
7 Days
Cafe, light meals & snacks,
seafood, seasonal lobster,
pizza/pasta, cakes
Takeaway
B
L
D
B
L
D
T
KM
7 Days
T
7 Days
B
L
D
KM
T
L
50-80
12
7 Days
takeaway
& delicatessens
- district
Opening Days/
Hours
T
Style & Speciality
B
L
D
Fast food
28
Kids Menu/ Takeaway
Light meals & snacks
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner/
Booking Required
Carpenter Rocks Shop & Foreshore
Cafe dist map U29
Hercules Street, Carpenter Rocks
Ph: 08 8738 0044
Gill & Phin Cafe
dist map W33
Main Road, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4142
Periwinkles Café & Deli dist map Y7
63 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2943
SAFF Nangwarry Roadhouse
dist map Q32
Penola Road, Nangwarry
Ph: 08 8739 7311
SAFF Tantanoola Roadhouse
dist map S30
Princes Highway, Tantanoola
Ph: 08 8734 4177
Seating Capacity
- district
Licensed/ BYO
Style & Speciality
restaurants
& cafes
eating guide
A-la-carte
B
L
D
D
- district
50-80
district
L
Opening Days/ Hours
Counter meals, grills,
hamburgers, sandwiches
Kids Menu/ Takeaway
Dartmoor Hotel/Motel dist map U34
4 Lindsay Rd, Dartmoor
Ph: 03 5528 1240
Kalangadoo Hotel dist map Q31
14 John Street, Kalangadoo
Ph: 08 8739 3214
Nelson Hotel dist map W33
Kellet Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4011
Pines Hotel, The dist map R32
Penola Road, Tarpeena
Ph: 08 8739 6287
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner/
Booking Required
Seating Capacity
- district
Licensed/ BYO
Style & Speciality
hotels, taverns
& clubs
Allendale General Store dist map U7
50 Bay Road, Allendale
Ph: 8738 7274
Takeaway, fish & chips, hamburgers,
rolls/sandwiches, snacks
7 Days
Breakwater Café, The dist map Y7
49 Sea Parade, Port Mac Donnell
Ph: 08 8738 2389
Nangwarry Serv-Wel dist map Q32
Riddoch Hwy, Nangwarry
Ph: 8739 7272
Nelson Kiosk, The dist map W33
Kellet Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4061
Parade Fish Shop, The dist map Y7
54 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2239
Tarpeena Deli, Post Office &
Transaction Centre dist map R32
Riddoch Highway
Ph: 08 8739 6220
Café, fish & chips, seasonal lobster,
yiros, snacks, hamburgers, rolls/
sandwiches, ice cream, takeaway
Takeaway
7 Days
7 Days
Takeaway
7 Days
Takeaway, bakery, pastries, yiros, cakes/ Tue-Sun
baked goods, fish & chips, pizza
Takeaway
Mon-Fri
page
55
128-195 BFC R
RS
PF
S
1A
130
24 R
70-90
IW
CT
SP
IW
CT SP
IW
BFC R
RS
BFC CF
26
27
PF
28
Constellation
choice
Welcome
Golden
Chain
Choice
Golden
Chain
BFC R
RS
IW
CT
SP
PF
S
B
55 R
135-169 BFC R
RS
CF
IW
CT
SP
PF
S
57 R
95-190
BFC R
RS
IW
CT
SP
PF
S
43 R
98-148
BFC R
IW ID
CT, IHM
SP
PF
4R
83-88
BFC
23 R
85-90
BFC
34 R
90-165
80-150
BFC R
RS
ID IW
PF
IW
CT
SP
PF
IW ID
IHM
SP
PF
S
18 R
98-130
BFC RS
CF
CT
IW
PF
B
4A
190-270 BFC CF
IW
2A
170-210 BFC CF
32 R
93-148
BFC RS
R
CT
IW
ID IW
CT
SP
PF
S
PF
S
PF
S
13 R
60-85
BC
CF
19 R
98-165
BFC RS
camping, caravan
and holiday parks
35
115-199 BFC R
RS
109-139 BFC R
RS
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol city map P14
Margaret Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0032 Fax: 08 8723 2477
www.hmgetaway.com.au
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Self
Contained Unit As Above
- city and surrounds
40 R
53 R
- city and surrounds
30
36
30
R
BS
13 R
45-65
BC
TCF
R
CT
BS
BP
23 R
70-90
BFC
TCF
R
CT
BP
10
55-65
BC
TCF
R
W
BS
15 R
140
TCF
R
CT
BP
S
3R
140
TCF
CF
R
IW
IHM
BP
17 R
26-140 BS
TCF
CF
1A
140
CF
38
Limestone Coast Tourist Park city map M29
Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 2469 or 1800 623 511
Fax: 08 8725 5109
www.limestonecoasttp.com
Mount Gambier Showgrounds city map P22
Gratwick Drive Entrance, Pick Avenue,
Mt Gambier. Ph: 0408 492 182
39
40
Big 4
Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
city map N18
6 Krummel Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4427 Fax: 08 8725 4427
www.mountgambiercentralcaravanpark.com.au
Backpacker
As Above
Kalganyi Holiday Park city map B16
Cnr Penola/ Bishop Roads, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0220 or 1800 651 746
Fax: 08 8723 0218
www.kalganyi.com.au
PF
S
PF
Blue Lake Holiday Park city map W15
Bay Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 9856 or 1800 676 028
Fax: 08 8725 1711
www.bluelakeholidaypark.com.au
Lakes Retreats
As Above
37
PF
IW
ID
CT
SP
IW
IHM
4R
BP
RR
Also see Backpacker listings under Motels and Hotels
PF
charge
back to
restaurants
backpacker/hostel
BS
Pine Country Caravan Park dist map K10
Cnr Bay and Kilsby Roads, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 1899 or 1300 720 115
www.pinecountry.com.au
Top Tourist
Top Tourist
OZ Park
100 UP
150 PS
25 C
15 U
27-30
L
32-36
89-109
108-186
5
163-203
17 UP
43 PS
23 C
22
28
52-150
2U
kiosk/bbq/camp kitchen
Budget
41 R
R
lounge/recreation room
Choice
bathroom
private/shared/spa
52 R
25
BF
C
playground/recreation
room/pool/tennis court/
internet/wireless/dial up
56
PF
S
B
40-70
internet wireless/
dial-up/cable tv
page
IW
CT
8R
dump point
21
135-185 BFC R
RS
CF
internet access /
wireless/ dial-up/cable
tv/in house movies
20
31R
24
BP
laundry
19
PF
TCF
R
tea & coffee facilities/
meals/cooking facilities
18
CT
tea & coffee/ cooking
facilities/ restaurant
17
CF
BC
site/cabin $ from double
16
160-240
PF
65
bathroom private/shared
15
4R
BFC
3
$ from single/tdouble/twin
13
65-95
23
Breakfast/
full/continental
12
PF
S
20 R
IW ID
CT
SP
IW
CT
SP
$ from double
11
165-182 BFC CF
Bellum Hotel reg map Q8
Riddoch Highway, Mt Schank
Ph: 08 8738 5269 Fax: 08 8738 5289
www.bellumhotel.com.au
Commercial Hotel city map N15
76 Commercial Street West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 3006 Fax: 08 8725 2831
www.commersh.com.au
Backpacker Dorm
As Above
Federal Hotel/Motel city map N18
112 Commercial Street East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1099 Fax: 08 8723 1076
www.thefederalhotel.com.au
Jens Town Hall Hotel city map N16
40 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0188 Fax: 08 8723 9016
Macs Hotel city map 016
21 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2402 www.themacshotel.com.au
Mount Gambier Hotel city map N16
2 Commercial Street West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0611 Fax: 08 8723 1070
www.matthewshotels.com.au
Park Hotel city map N13
163 Commercial Street West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 2430 Fax: 08 8723 0206
www.parkhotel.net.au
no. of unpowered/
powered sites/cabins/
units
10
8A
22
AAA star rating/chain
9
PF
S
no. of rooms
8
Commodore on the Park city map K16
1 Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 6400 or 1800 088 196
Fax: 08 8725 8772
www.commodoreonthepark.com.au
Country Comfort Mount Gambier
International city map K1
300 Jubilee Highway West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4811 or 1800 088 877
Fax: 08 8723 3143
www.countrycomforthotels.com.au
Econo Lodge Limestone Coast city map N21
96 Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 4311 Fax: 08 8724 9659
Gambier Lodge-In Motel city map H16
92 Penola Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 1579
Grand Central Motel city map O15
6 Helen Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 8844 Fax: 08 8725 8501
www.grandcentralmotel.com.au
Jubilee Motor Inn city map N26
180 Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7444 Fax: 08 8723 0355
www.jubileemotorinn.com
Lakes Resort Motel city map S14
17 Lakes Terrace West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5755 Fax: 08 8723 2710
www.lakesresort.com.au
Mid City Motel city map O15
15 Helen Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7277 or 1800 807 277
Fax: 08 8724 9650
www.midcitymotel.com
Anderson St Apartments city map O13
As Above
Sturt St Apartments city map O18
As Above
Motel Mount Gambier city map H15
115 Penola Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5800 Fax: 08 8725 8540
www.motelmg.com.au
Mount View Motel city map L19
14 Davison Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 8478 Fax: 08 8725 6226
Quality Inn Presidential city map K9
154 Jubilee Highway West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9966 Fax: 08 8724 9975
www.qualityinnpresidential.com
Tower Motor Inn city map K10
140 Jubilee Highway West, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8724 9411 or 1800 826 894
Fax: 08 8724 9973 www.towermotorinn.com.au
IW ID
CT
SP
AAA star rating/chain
7
124-171 BFC
- city and surrounds
no. of rooms
6
20 R
hotels
AAA star rating/chain
5
Best
Western
private facilities/spa/bath
4
internet/wireless/dial-up
cable tv/in house movies
swimming pool
3
Budget
restaurant/room service/
cooking facilities
Avalon Motel city map L15
93 Gray Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 7200 Fax: 08 8725 9491
www.avalonmotel.com.au
Avalon Apartment
As Above
The Barn Accommodation dist map 011
Nelson Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8726 9999 Fax: 08 8726 8097
www.barn.com.au
Best Western Southgate Motel city map N20
175 Commercial Street East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1175 or 1800 088 835
Fax: 08 8723 1151
www.southgatemotel.com.au
Blue Lake Motel city map M22
Kennedy Avenue, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5211 Fax: 08 8725 5410
www.bluelakemotel.com.au
Comfort Inn Silver Birch city map N20
Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5122 Fax: 08 8724 9843
www.silverbirchmotel.com.au
2
Golden
Chain
breakfast full/continental
Arkana Motor Inn city map N21
201 Commercial Street East, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 5433 or 1800 801 858
Fax: 08 8725 6080
www.arkanamotorinn.com.au
The Terraces city map N22
As Above
1
$ from double
- city and surrounds
no. of rooms/apartments
AAA star rating/chain
motels
DP PG
RR
SP
TC
IW
K
BBQ
CK
L
DP PG
RR
ID
K
BBQ
CK
30-35
L
PG
RR
10 UP
27 PS
6C
34 U
25
30
50-160
50-160
L
PG
RR
SP
TC
IW
K
BBQ
CH
K
BBQ
CK
36 PS
49 U
28-36
65-140
L
DP PG
RR
IW
9 PS
20
30 UPS
35 PS
20 C
20-25
30-40
55-92
K
BBQ
CK
DP
L
DP PG
TC
BBQ
CK
SCAx3 2 BR
1Q
2D
1S
SCAx1 3BR
1K
1Q
2D
SCH 2 BR
2Q
1D
200-400
B
G
A
S
E
A
150-220
SB BPC
G
AC
SCCx2 2 BR
1Q&
2S
1D
3 BR
SCH 3 BR
1D
1D
1Q
SCCx4 1 BR
1Q
1 BR
1Q
1 BR
1K1Q1D
2 BR
1Q1D3S
B&BT 5 BR
1K
3Q
1S
SCH 4 BR
3Q
2S
110
B
W
120
170-180
B
B
PBC
W
G
A
150
E
BPC
A
190
S
BPC
200
S
BPC
215
125-250
S
E
S
B
BPC
BSF
A
W
A
W
A
W
W
G
E
130-150
B
BFC
G
W
49 Away at Victoria Villa city map L13
21 Victoria Tce, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0448 828 075
www.awayatvictoriavilla.com
50 Bush Haven Cottage dist map A10
Grundy’s Lane, Mingbool
Ph: 08 8739 6394 or 0417 878 068
51 Claraville House city map 012
36 Bertha Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 0606 or 0409 250 608
52 Clarendon Chalets dist map N11
Clarke Road, O.B. Flat
Ph: 08 8726 8306 or 0418 838 926
www.clarendonchalets.com
53 Colhurst House city map M15
3 Colhurst Place, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 1309 Fax: 08 8723 1238
www.colhursthouse.com.au
54 Colwyn House city map R16
70 Bay Road, Mount Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 5751
www.colwynhouse.com.au
55 Eliza Cottage city map O14
30 Wehl Street South, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 6666
www.elizacottagebnb.com
SCC
1 BR
1Q
120-165
S
BPF
A
G
56 Garden Retreat B & B city map Q30
25 Dohle Road, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0428 254 611 or Fax: 08 8725 4700
www.amblein.com.au
SCA
1 BR
1Q
155-160
E
BPC
A
57 Just A Bed Lodge dist map I7
Cafpirco Road, Compton
0427 884 729
www.justabedlodge.com.au
58 Lemon Gum B & B dist map D12
Peweena Rd, Mil Lel
Ph: 08 8725 0010 or 0438 085 299
Fax: 08 8725 0010
www.lemongum.com.au
6R
12 S
6 BR
30-38
B
SC
1 BR
1Q
1D
1S
140
E
59 Macburn Self Contained Cottages
dist map H13
17 Kavanagh Rd, Glenburnie
Ph: 08 8725 1743 Fax: 08 8723 4738
www.macburncottages.com
60 Mackenzie’s on Jardine city map L16
9 Jardine Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0409 420 864
www.mackenziesonjardine.com.au
SCCx2 1 BR
1Q
2 BR
1Q
1D 1S
130-150
SCC
2 BR
1K
1Q
200
62 Mount Gambier Accommodation
Palace, The city map O19
51 Sturt Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0409 838 599
www.mountgambieraccommodation.com.au
63 Domain city map O19
45 Sturt St, Mt Gambier
As Above
SCH
3 BR
2Q
1S
160-220
2 BR
2Q
180-220
B
BPC
G
A
64 Apartment Domain city map O19
1&2 /45 Sturt St Mount Gambier
As Above
SCAx2 2 BR
2Q
2 BR
200-280
E
B
BPC
G
A
65 Frewville Apartments city map J16
7-7A Frewville Place Mount Gambier
As Above
SCAx2 2 Q
2BR
2Q
180-240
E
SCA
S
E
BPF
BPF
150-170
E
S
BPFC
B
BPC
A
E
E
A
G
E
A
b&b, traditional
or self contained
houses and
cottages
- city and surrounds
Mount Gambier Serviced Apartments
Ph: 0409 250 577
www.mountgambierapartments.com.au
65 Braxton House city map G24
1 Braxton Close, Mt Gambier
As Above
66 mg deluxe apartment city map L19
4 /19 Davison St, Mt Gambier
As Above
67 Starline city map F17
7 Starline Place, Mt Gambier
As Above & 0409 838 599
68 Netley Cottage city map N12
216 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Ph: 0418 801 601
www.netleycottage.com.au
69 Poppy’s Cottage dist map L9
Tarrant Road, Moorak
Ph: 08 8726 8159 or 1800 227 677
or 0417 805 969
70 Precinct on Jardine city map M16
Jardine Street, Mount Gambier
Ph: 0438 224 626
G
A
72 Talbot Hill Farm B&B dist map K10
152 Bay Road, Moorak
Ph: 08 8723 1670 or 0427 603 283
www.talbothillfarm.com.au
73 Triune House Bed & Breakfast
city map L15
9 Wyatt Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8723 0479
www.triunehouse.com
A
G
SCH
SCA
4 BR
2Q
1D 1S
SCH
3 BR
3Q
2D
4S
SCC
3 BR
1Q
1D
2S
SCC
2 BR
1Q
1D
2S
SCAx2 3BR
1K
2Q
2BR
1K
1Q
SCC
2 BR
B&B 1D
2S
SCA
SCH
74 Walija Cottage dist map N11
103 Hill Road, O.B.Flat
Ph: 08 8726 8068 or 0437 278 081
www.walijacottage.com.au
3 BR
3Q
SCC
wood/open/gas fire/gas/
electric heat/ air conditioning
G
A
s
B
breakfast served
full or continental breakfast
provisions full or continental
180-225
180-300 E
B
BPC
G
A
200-350 E
B
BPC
G
A
300-450 E
B
BPC
G
A
170
W
E
A
130
BPF
W
A
350-500 E
BPC
E
A
G
115-125
BPFC
W
E
BPC
G
BPFC
W
A
2 BR
150-190 E
1Q&
S
2S
B
2 BR
1Q 1D
1S
4 BR
1KS
1D 4S
2 BR
160-200
1Q
2S
All information and tariffs provided by a third party and to our knowledge
were correct at time of printing. All tariffs include GST. Tariffs are to be
used as a guide only - seasonal rates may apply.
ensuite/spa/bath
2 BR
2Q
$ from double
SCH
no. of bedrooms
king/queen/double/single
47 Anzac 12 Self Contained Accommodation
city map R17
12 Anzac Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0408 838 688
www.mtgambieraccommodation.net.au
48 Apartments on Tolmie city map G16
27A Tolmie Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 08 8725 1429 or 0418 816 876
Fax: 08 8725 1852
www.apartmentsontolmie.com.au
b&b traditional self contained
house/cottage apartment
175-180
AAA star rating/chain
2 BR
1Q
3S
accommodation
A
E
SCC
- city and surrounds
wood/ open/gas fire/gas/
electric heat/air conditioning
BPC
46 Amble In Bungalow city map M19
7 Davison Street, Mt Gambier
Ph: 0428 254 611 Fax: 08 8725 4700
www.amblein.com.au
d
city-surroun
breakfast served
full or continental breakfast
provisions full or continental
ensuite/spa/bath
$ from double
no. of bedrooms
king/queen/double/single
b&b traditional/self contained
house/cottage/apartment
- city and surrounds
AAA star rating/chain
b&b, traditional
or self contained
houses and cottages
page
57
t
c
i
r
dist
accommodation
- district
PF
Pinehaven Motel reg map W33
Main Road, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4041 Fax: 8738 4239
Pinehaven Cottages
As Above
8
60
BFC
R
CF
PF
3A
130
BFC
CF
PF
40-65
bathroom
private/shared/spa
11
internet access wireless/
dial-up/cable tv/
In house movies
58
50
tea & coffee facilities/
cooking facilities/restaurant
page
7
breakfast
full/continental
Pines Hotel reg map R32
Penola Road, Tarpeena
Ph: 08 8739 6287 Fax: 08 8739 6287
Victoria Hotel reg map Y7
40 Meylin Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2213 Fax: 08 8738 2048
$ from double
Kalangadoo Hotel reg map Q31
14 John Street, Kalangadoo
Ph: 08 8739 3214 Fax: 08 8739 3444
Nelson Hotel reg map W33
Kellett Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4011 Fax: 08 8738 4255
www.nelsonhotel.com.au
Nelson Hotel Kegs Cottage
As Above
Studio Rooms
As Above
no. of rooms
- district
AAA star rating/chain
hotels
R
BS
BC
TCF
R
BP
BS
SCCx1 90-120
2 BR
SCx2 110
1 BR
1Q
3
55
BC
CF
BP
CF
BP
BC
R
BP
7
BC
TCF
R
BS
55-66
wood/open gas fire/gas/ electric
heat/air conditioning
R
breakfast served/full or
continental/breakfast
provisions/full or continental
BFC
1BR
1Q
120-130
BPC
A
Amble In Cottage dist map X18
6774 Portland - Nelson Rd, Nelson
Ph: 0428 254 611 Fax: 08 8725 4700
www.amblein.com.au
SCC
2 BR
2Q
185-190 E
B
BPC
W
E
Bayside Holiday Cottages dist map Y7
57 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 0400 391 712 Fax: 08 8725 7952
www.geocities.com/baysideholidays/limstonecoast.htm/
Break-A-Way Accommodation dist map Y7
6 Feast Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2340 or 0438 382 340
Catalina Cottage dist map Y7
5 Pierce Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 0428 268 021
www.catalinacottage.net.au
Choppy Waters dist map Y7
9 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 7240 or 0417 850 899
Fax: 08 8738 7297
Corbell Cottage B & B dist map Y7
30 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2432 or 0438 089 533
SCC x2 2 BR
1Q
4S
65-75
SCH
2 BR
1D
2S
3 BR
1Q
1D
2S
3 BR
2Q
4S
75
B&BT
1 BR
1Q
110-125 E
BPC
W
E
Corner Shack, The dist map V29
1 Hammer Parade, Blackfellows Cave
Ph: 0438 966 280 or 08 8726 6280
SCC
2 BR
1Q
3S
60-70
60-70
G
“Drift In” Holiday House dist map W33
4 Acacia Street, Nelson
Ph: 03 5523 2679 or 0408 300 586
Fax: 03 5523 1393
SCH
3 BR
2Q
2S
100
B
G
E
Fishermans Lodge dist map Y7
5 Springs Road, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461
www.mgpm.com.au
SCH
3BR
2Q
3S
180
E
B
W
A
Jaymar House dist map Y7
74 Maylin Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 0400 382 483
SCH
3 BR
5 DB
3S
120
B
W
Makylan’s Getaway dist map Y11
Lot 2 Eight Mile Creek Road, Eight Mile Creek
Ph: 0407 382 206
SCH
3 BR
1Q
4S
140
B
Morica Cottage dist map Y7
24 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 0428 323 985
SCH
3 BR
2Q
2S
150
Nelson Cottage Guest House Bed & Breakfast
dist map Y19
Cnr Kellet & Sturt Streets, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4161 www.nelsoncottage.com.au
B&BT
6 BR
2Q
3D
1S
50-90
Nelson Self Contained Accommodation
dist map Y19
Neil Black Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4262 or 0428 384 262
SCH
220
Ocean Views dist map Y7
145 Lighthouse Rd, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461
SCH
3 BR
2Q
4S
1 BR
1Q
1S
3 BR
2Q
2D
2S
180
S
Shiralea B & B dist map V30
109 Kingsley Road, Allendale East
Ph: 08 8738 7287 or 0417 387 287
Fax: 08 8738 7118
SCA
1 BR
2D
115
E
SCC
2 BR
1Q
4S
130-150 B
G
E
SCH
3 BR
1Q
1D
6S
100
W
The Dairy Cottage
As above
SCH
1 BR
2D
65
The Customs House dist map Y7
3 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 0409 671 999
www.thecustomshouse.com.au
SCH
B&B
A
5 BR
3K
1Q
5S
240-260 S
B
BPFC
W
G
E
Wrens on Glenelg dist map Y19
5 Acacia Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4341 or 0408 199 056
www.wrensonglenelg.com.au
SC
1BR
1Q
160-165 E
S
BPC
A
E
Springs Cottage dist map Y7
Springs Road Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2141 or 0428 849 407
www.springscottage.com.au
Sun Valley Eco Farm dist map W34
6289 Portland Road, Nelson
Ph: 08 8725 4729 or 0408 254 729
www.seol.net.au/stanwb
SCA
no pets
ensuite/spa/bath
70-75
SCH
SCH
$ from double
6
Aberdeen Retreat dist map J13
8 Evans Road, Glenburnie
Ph: 0400 069 101
SCH
no. of bedrooms
king/queen/double/single
Dartmoor Hotel/Motel reg map U34
4 Lindsay Ave, Dartmoor
Ph: 03 5528 1240
b&b traditional/self contained
house/cottage/apartment
private facilities/
spa/bath
Internet/wireless/dial-up cable tv/
inhouse movies
restaurant/room service/
cooking facilities
breakfast
full/ continental
$ from double
no. of rooms/apartments
- district
AAA star rating/chain
motels
AAA star rating/chain
bed & breakfast
traditional or self
contained, houses
& cottages - district
G
E
B
75-125
125
100
G
G
B
E
BPFC
E
A
E
BSC
E
W
E
BPFC
180
G
BPC
B
E
W
BBQ
CK
accommodation
L
K
BBQ
CK
bbq/camp
kitchen/
15
22
60-65
P
playground/ recreation
room/ pool/tennis court
8 UPS
8 PS
5C
DP
All information and tariffs provided by a third
party and to our knowledge were correct at
time of printing. All tariffs include GST. Tariffs
are to be used as a guide only - seasonal rates
may apply.
RR
parks
L
BP
BS
- national parks
21
24-28
60-90
BBQ
CK
8R-A48 20
15RA80
1R-A8
bathroom/private/shared/
25 UP
125 PS
3U
P
D
C
C
$ from per person
L
Karnkendi Campsite reg map W33
Wade Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4133 Fax: 08 8738 4177
www.karnkendi.pcsa.org.au
no of rooms/
accommodates
no of people
20
25
65-100
- district
dormitory/cabin/unit
90UPS
60 PS
11 C
BBQ
AAA star rating/ chain
L
group
accommodation
kiosk/bbq/camp kitchen
85-160
playground/
recreation room/pool/
tennis court/internet
10 C
6C
effluent dump point
laundry
Casuarina Cabins reg map W33
99 North Nelson Rd, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4105
www.casuarinacabins.com.au
Nelson Kywong Caravan Park reg map W33
North Nelson Road, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4174 Fax: 08 8738 4174
www.kywongcp.com
Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park
reg map Y9
Eight Mile Creek Road, Port MacDonnell
Ph: 08 8738 2095 Fax: 08 8738 2094
www.woolwash.com.au
“River Vu” Park reg map W33
31 Kellet Street, Nelson
Ph: 08 8738 4123
www.rivervupark.com.au
Site/cabin/unit
$ from double
- district
no. of powered/
unpowered sites
cabins/units
AAA star rating/chain
camping, caravan
& holiday parks
BBQ
GAS FIRES ONLY DURING THE FIRE SEASON – NO FIRES ON DAYS OF TOTAL FIRE BAN
South Australian
National Park Camping
Code
Map
Ref.
Reg Map
642
P27
Camping
Site Type
No
of
sites
Amenities
Three Mile Bend
Fees Apply
6
Toilet
Reg Map
536
L31
Bool Lagoon Camping Area
Fees Apply
Canunda National Park
Via Carpenter Rocks,
Millicent and South End
Ph: 08 8735 6053
Fax: 08 8735 6151
Little Dip Conservation Park
Via Robe
Ph: 08 8768 2543
Fax: 08 8768 2403
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Off Riddoch Highway
Ph: 08 8762 2340 Fax: 08 8762 1231
Reg Map
632
Q28
Nalawort
Kotgee
Geltwood Beach
Number Two Rocks
Cape Banks
Stony Rise
The Gums
Long Gully
Old Man Lake
Naracoorte Caves
Camping Area
Fees Apply
Fees Apply
30
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
Off Nelson Road
Ph: 08 8735 1114 Fax: 08 8735 1135
Dist Map
820
Y17
Piccaninnie Ponds
Camping Area
Fees Apply
6
Beachport Conservation Park
Via Beachport
Ph: 08 8735 6053
Fax: 08 8735 6151
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Off Riddoch Highway
Ph: 08 8762 3412
Fax: 08 8762 1231
Reg Map
650
M25
Reg Map
544
K32
7
6
5
5
5
Fees Apply
Drinking
Water
Fires
Access
Toilet
BYO
Gas fires only
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet
Toilet,
hot shower
Supplied
Supplied
BYO
BYO
BYO
BYO
BYO wood
for all sites
Supplied
Gas fires only
during fire season
Toilet
in ponds car
park area
BYO wood
Gas BBQ only
2WD, small to medium
caravan
2WD,
caravan
2WD, c/van
2WD, c/van
4WD only
4WD only
2WD only
2WD only
2WD
2WD
2WD
2WD, caravan
Facilities
BBQ
Laund, washing
machine,BBQ
2WD, caravan
T
WATER & TOILETS ARE PROVIDED AT ALL CAMP SITES
Victorian National
Park Camping
Discovery Bay Coastal Park
Bookings & Permits at Nelson
Visitor Information Centre
Ph: 08 8738 4051
Lower Glenelg National Park
Bookings & permits at Nelson
Visitor Information Centre & Parks
Booking Office
Ph: 08 8738 4051
Fax: 08 8738 4356
Princess Margaret Rose Cave
Ph: 08 8738 4171
Fax: 08 8738 4282
Code
Map
Ref.
Reg Map
826
X34
824
V33
Dist Map
910
V33
Accom
Type
Site Type
Permit
No
Cost from
of
sites
10
$12.50
Lake Monibeong
Per pers
site
6 per site
Day
Fires
visitor
facilities
F/place
Swan Lake
Permit
8
$12.50
6 per site
F/place
2 WD
North River
Lasletts
Hutchessons
Permit
Permit
1
2
$3.60
$12.50
20
6
F/place
F/place
Canoe
2 WD
Landing
McLennans Punt
Permit
3
$12.50
6
Yes
F/place
2WD
Bowds
Wilson Hall
Permit
Permit
1
12
$3.60
$12.50
20
6
Canoe
2WD
Landing
Landing
Yes
F/place
F/place
Forest Camp North
Red Gum Landing
Permit
Permit
1
2
$3.60
$12.50
20
6
F/place
F/place
Canoe
2 WD
George’s Rest
South River
Patterson Canoe Camp
Permit
1
$3.60
20
F/place
Canoe
Landing
Landing
Permit
1
$3.60
20
F/place
Canoe only
Landing
Forest Camp South
Permit
4
$12.50
6
Yes
F/place
2 WD
Landing
Battersbys
Permit
2
$12.50
6
Yes
F/place
2 WD
Landing
Skipworth Springs
Permit
1
$3.60
20
F/place
Canoe
Landing
Pritchards
Permit
20
$12.50
6
Yes
F/place
2 WD C/van
Boat ramp, landing
Wild Dog Bend
Permit
2
$12.50
6
Yes
F/place
2 WD
Landing
Moleside
Permit
1
$3.60
20
Yes
F/place
2WD
Landing
Pines Landing
Permit
1
$3.60
20
F/place
Canoe
Cabins
Permit
3
4
Landing
Fridge, 2 bunk beds, mattress, full cooking facilities,
Unpowered camping area
Unpowered caravan Sites
Permit
Permit
9
5
$55
BYO linen
$15.00
$15.00
4
4
Yes
Access
Amenities/facilities
2 WD
F/place, BYO wood 2WD
Landing
Boat ramp, landing
Landing
Hot showers, kiosk, BBQ, landing,
t
i
s
vi
‘the lady nelson’visitor
and discovery centre
“The Lady Nelson” Visitor and Discovery Centre is one of the largest information centres in South Australia,
acting as a gateway for South Australia and Victoria, our trained staff can help you with a comprehensive range
of visitor services including:
• Local, Regional, South Australian and Victorian tourist information
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Local Produce
• Maps and local history books
• The Lady Nelson Discovery Centre Interpretive Display
• Agent selling V-Line and Premier Stateliner Bus Tickets
• Departure point for South Australian and Victorian passenger transport services
• Conference and Events Support
• Meeting Room
Ph 1800 087 187
www.mountgambiertourism.com.au
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Production: The Mount Gambier Visitor Guide is published by the City of Mount Gambier. All editorial and layout has been
produced by “The Lady Nelson” with help of various local groups and organisations. Some artwork has been produced by
“The Lady Nelson” and Council’s Engineering Department.
Graphic Design and Maps www.relishdesign.com.au Print Management www.genesiscreative.com.au
Photography South Australian Tourism Commission, Spring Studio, www.koonara.com, Anna Vincent
The information in this publication is to be used as a guide only. Whilst it has been prepared to the best of our knowledge,
distance and times are estimations only and other information has been based on that provided by local operators.
Sixteenth Edition, Updated January 2013
It would be appreciated if any suggestions, amendments or discrepancies are referred to “The Lady Nelson” Visitor
& Discovery Centre so that changes for the next print run can be considered.
© Copying of all or part of this booklet in any form is prohibited without the permission of “The Lady Nelson” Visitor
& Discovery Centre and/or the City of Mount Gambier. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Centre for
suitable material in the promotion of Mount Gambier and District.