Your guide to Mount Gambier’s best caravan parks

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Explore South Australia’s stunning Limestone Coast at an affordable price with these family-friendly caravan park options.

Mount Gambier is the second-biggest city in South Australia, but it (and Mount Gambier’s caravan parks) is widely underrated as a holiday destination. Located on the breathtaking Limestone Coast, the Mount Gambier region is a bucket-list-worthy holiday spot to visit, from taking in the lush scenery and epic sinkholes to the famous Blue Lake.

You won’t be short of activities in this wondrous region, from the numerous national parks surrounding the area to exploring the magical caves that seem otherworldly. Mount Gambier is rich with history, while also fast emerging as an exciting wine and food region, so there really is something for everyone.

If you’re road-tripping and looking for affordable and accessible accommodation in the Mount Gambier region, you’re in luck – the region is home to some well-maintained and high-quality holiday parks, suited for travellers and families of all sizes.

1. Pine Country Caravan Park

Pine Country Caravan Park, Mt Gambier
Opt for luxe glamping at Pine Country Caravan Park. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Be one with nature in the tranquil Pine Country Caravan Park . A five-minute drive from Blue Lake and its surrounds, this caravan park is perfect for those who want to embrace the fresh country air and be surrounded by soothing greenery.

The park also takes sustainability seriously, using solar power, water-saving initiatives and recycling green waste. It’s the perfect place to unwind and escape the stress of everyday life.

Accommodation options: Cabins, glamping, ensuite powered sites, powered sites, unpowered camping.
Address: 2-16 Kilsby Rd, Moorak

2. BIG4 Blue Lake Holiday Park

a huge playground at BIG4 Blue Lake Holiday Park
There is a huge playground for kids. (Image: Zoe Wighton)

Set on 11 hectares of perfectly landscaped gardens, with stunning views of the surrounding valley, the BIG4 Blue Lake park  is located, you guessed it, right on top of the iconic Blue Lake.

Pet-friendly with powered and unpowered sites, the holiday park also features a swimming pool, jumping pillow, tennis court, and basketball court. And golfing fans will love the fact that the holiday park backs onto the local golf course, giving you ample time to go out and have a swing.

Accommodation options: Bungalows (three and two-bedroom options), lakeside villa, cabins, ensuite sites, powered site, unpowered site.
Address:  LOT 100 Bay Rd, Mount Gambier

3. Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park

cabins at Central Caravan Park
Settle in a powered cabin at Central Caravan Park.

Located right in the middle of town, close to Aldi, Coles and the Mount Gambier pubs and cafes, the Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park is less than a five-minute drive to Blue Lake, as well as being a quick drive or leisurely stroll to the Umpherston Sinkhole.

With friendly staff always willing to lend a hand, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s not a park with all the modern bells and whistles, but it’s clean, conveniently located, and known for its competitive rates.

Accommodation options: Cabins (including a three-bedroom superior cabin option), powered site, unpowered site.
Address: 6 Krummel St, Mount Gambier

4. Limestone Coast Tourist Park

Located in a quieter, more rural setting, Limestone Coast Tourist Park  is three kilometres from the centre of Mount Gambier, and within reach of 40 national parks, ancient caves, and surf beaches.

The park provides a fully equipped laundry, undercover BBQs, and a children’s playground. Tourists have touted it favourably, praising the cleanliness and overall affordable price, with all caravan sites also being ensuite sites.

Accommodation options: Deluxe units, family units, and powered sites with an ensuite.
Address: Jubilee Hwy E & Hawkins Rd, Mount Gambier

5. Kalganyi Holiday Park

Situated right at the entrance of Mount Gambier, the park is within a 10-minute drive to the famous Blue Lake and is conveniently located next door to the Mount Gambier Market shopping centre.

The pet-friendly holiday park  also features a solar-heated pool, children’s playground, a fully enclosed camp kitchen, and BBQ facilities, as well as a recreation area with table tennis and air hockey tables. It’s perfect for the whole family and keep an eye out for the friendly possums at night.

Accommodation options: Deluxe cabins, standard cabins, ensuite powered site, and powered site.
Address: Penola Rd & Bishops Road, Mount Gambier

If you’re looking to break up your Mount Gambier stay and try something different, make sure to check out our list of unique accommodation you can only find in Mount Gambier.

8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

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Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

 

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3. The city as a canvas   

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month  to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.