Driving from Adelaide to Mount Gambier: the glovebox guide

Tahlia Pritchard Tahlia Pritchard
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From historic haunted towns to coastal attractions, get the most out of your road trip from Adelaide to Mount Gambier with this glovebox guide. 

South Australia is a haven for good wine, fine produce, and boasts a stunning landscape from serene beaches to tranquil wilderness and greenery.

One of South Australia’s biggest attractions is its second-biggest city, Mount Gambier. While Adelaide gives off European vibes with its breathtaking churches and architecture, Mount Gambier is a must-visit for those looking to get out of the city and step into a land full of natural wonders and attractions.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, Mount Gambier is famous for its cobalt Blue Lake, volcanic landscape, and is an up-and-coming wine and foodie region.

The drive itself from Adelaide to Mount Gambier is 435 kilometres or just under five hours. Whether you’re stopping along the way for some scenic breaks or want to break up your driving by extending the trip for a few days, we’ve compiled the ultimate glovebox guide to help you along your travels.

The skyline in Adelaide
Leave the city lights behind and head to the Limestone Coast. (Image: Michael Waterhouse Photography)

Hahndorf

Just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide lays the historic town of Hahndorf, a charming village that proudly asserts its German culture. It’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a European town, with quaint shops filled with local produce, historic pubs, and a quiet but friendly atmosphere.

guests outside Beerenberg Family Farm
Head to Beerenberg Family Farm for fresh jams.

Make sure to check out the Beerenberg Family Farm, where you can go strawberry picking and pick up fresh jams, chutneys, and gourmet relishes in the family-run store. For lunch and the authentic German experience, Hahndorf Inn will have you covered – it’s hard to go past their famous Schwienshaxe, otherwise known as their 1-1.2kg crispy pork knuckle, served with traditional potato salad and sauerkraut.

The exterior of Hanhdorf Inn
Arrive with an appetite and order the Schwienshaxe at the Hahndorf Inn. (Image: Michael Waterhouse Photography)

Monarto Safari Park

A 30-minute detour from Hahndorf will lead you to the Monarto Safari Park, a perfect stop if you’re planning to take a couple of days to do the Adelaide to Mount Gambier jaunt, as you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours exploring this animal sanctuary. The park is home to a number of different wildlife and endangered species and gives visitors a chance to explore the habitats in which these animals reside. The park’s mission is to replicate a life for the species within it that is as close to being out in the wild as possible. There are many different animal experiences to undertake at the park, including hand-feeding the majestic giraffes.

Montaro Safari Park giraffes
Get an up-close encounter with giraffes at Monarto Safari Park. (Image: Zoos SA/ Geoff Brooks)

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Old Tailem Town

Stop for a stretch of the legs and a refuel at Old Tailem Town, one of Australia’s largest pioneer villages, with settlers dating back to 1860. The town is also rumoured to be incredibly haunted so if you’re brave enough to stay the night, you can book a ghost tour.

From Old Tailem Town, you can go one of two ways to continue your journey to Mount Gambier – the coastal route or the inland route.

We’ve picked some attractions from each route to help you make up your mind.

Inland Route: Naracoorte

Step back hundreds of thousands of years in time with a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park. The fossils found in the area is exactly why it’s listed as a World Heritage site, with the caves containing skeletons of Australian megafauna dating back 500,000 years. For those feeling adventurous, an Adventure Caving tour will be an experience of a lifetime, as you discover the rich history of the caves, take in some fascinating fossils, and crawl and squeeze your way through parts with an expert guide.

For those just wanting to take in the sights without getting too dirty, the Naracoorte Heritage Trail will allow you to delve deeper into the town’s history, and in the warmer months, a dip in Naracoorte’s Swimming Lake will cool you right down so pack a picnic and enjoy the sun!

Naracoorte Mount Gambier
Naracoorte Caves National Park preserves Australia’s most complete fossil record. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Inland Route: Coonawarra

Wine lovers, this one is for you! Coonawarra is a small area but is renowned when it comes to winemaking and produces world-class wines. Known for its unique red soil, the area is famed for its cabernet sauvignon and is home to more than 30 wineries.

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is one of South Australia’s best regional wine-based events. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

If you want to make the most of the experience, it’s worth staying the night at the charming Royal Oak Penola so you can indulge in all the fine wines on offer. Wynns, Patrick of Coonawarra and Zema Estate are three of the highlights for sampling the region’s sips.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, dinner at the fine-dining restaurant Pipers of Penola will be a mouth-watering experience, and make sure to stop by local favourite Windara Bakery the next morning before you hit the road again.

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Coastal Route: Kingston

Australia loves Big Things – from the Big Merino to the Big Prawn – and stopping at Kingston you’ll get to grab a happy snap with the Big Lobster. Conveniently located near a takeaway shop, you can stop for lunch, get a pic with Larry the Lobster, and take a stroll to check out the Cape Jaffa lighthouse before hitting the road again.

The Big Lobster in Kingston SA
Aussies love a Big Thing and The Big Lobster is no exception. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)

Coastal Route: Robe

A popular South Aussie beach destination, Robe is one of the oldest towns in SA and is fast becoming a popular foodie destination too, known for its delectable seafood (and particularly famous for its crayfish).

Family in Robe at Obelisk Lighthouse
Stretch your legs on a walk to Obelisk Lighthouse in Robe. (Image: Jayme Chapman)

Pay a visit to Robe Town Brewery for a craft beer or if you’re in need of a caffeine hit, Mahalia Coffee will have you covered. It’s worth staying a night, particularly in warmer months, as travellers will adore the 14-kilometre stretch of the pristine, sandy-white Long Beach before cooling off in the turquoise water.

Long Beach in Robe South Australia
Enjoy the aquamarine water and white sand. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick)

Mount Gambier

Once you arrive in Mount Gambier, you’ll want to settle in for a few days. From cute cafes to historic country pubs and emerging wineries, plus the limestone caves, sinkholes, and famous Blue Lake, there’s something for every traveller.

Mount Gambier's Blue Lake
Mount Gambier’s spectacular Blue Lake. (Image: Jaxon Foale)
Make sure to also check out the awe-inspiring activities you can do when visiting Mount Gambier.

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Tahlia Pritchard

Tahlia Pritchard

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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.