The Perfect 3-Day Mount Gambier Itinerary

As this action-packed three-day itinerary around Mount Gambier shows, there are unlimited experiences to be had in this one location.

Mount Gambier is the sort of place where young adventurers, craggy outdoorsmen, family road trippers and intrepid explorers all have an equally great old time. Residents of the Mount Gambier region have the place wired, which is why our three-day itinerary allows visitors to experience the region as locals do.

Located almost smack-bang between Adelaide and Melbourne on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier has got it all: caves, volcanoes, lakes, ocean, wildlife, quirky accommodation, fantastic food and world-class wineries. We suggest you pick and choose and wander at your own pace.

Admire the seascape at Port MacDonnell. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

Day one

Kickstart your day exploring Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake, before submerging yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Kilsby Sinkhole or Little Blue Lake. The Riddoch Arts Centre will appeal to all culture lovers, and shoppers will adore Charlicks Bazaar and all its hidden treasures. And don’t fret, we’ve got all your Mount Gambier cafe and pub recommendations covered below.

swimming at Little Blue Lake — Take a dip in Little Blue Lake (Image: Trent John Martin)

7am: Brekkie at Bay Blue Espresso Bar

The Bay Blue Espresso Bar is a specialty espresso bar located on the main drag to the Blue Lake. The Scandi-styled space is the perfect place to fuel up on coffee and a toastie dubbed ‘The Mostie’ stuffed with house-crumbed chicken, crispy bacon, tomato, cheese and lettuce.

a hand holding a cup of cafe latte in Bay Blue Espresso Bar, Mount Gambier — Fuel up on coffee at Bay Blue Espresso Bar.

8.30am: Walk around the Blue Lake

Ask one of the friendly lycra-clad locals for the lowdown on the Blue Lake Circuit and they’ll tell you to start the 40-minute 3.6-kilometre hike at Pioneer Memorial and to stop at Rotary Lookout. The wide crater lake turns a brilliant sapphire blue over the warmer months, resembling a precious gem set into the landscape.

an aerial view of Blue Lake, Mount Gambier — Stroll around the sapphire-blue waters of Blue Lake. (Image: Jaxon Foale)

10am: Snorkel at The Kilsby Sinkhole

Continue your exploration of Mount Gambier’s natural attractions at Kilsby Sinkhole . Rated as one of the best sinkhole dive sites in the world, this spectacular hole in the ground welcomes free divers, snorkellers and scuba divers. The crystal-clear waters inspired the creation of Sinkhole Gin, which you can sample in situ, after deep-diving in the limestone-clad chamber.

The Kilsby Sinkhole Mount Gambier — Follow the light down the Kilsby Sinkhole. (Image: Jessie Cripps)

Noon: Explore The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

Loved by arty locals, the architecturally inspired The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre includes a large collection of 20th-century Australian art. Don’t miss the daily screenings of Volcano, The story of Earth, Fire and Water, about how the elements helped shape the Kanawinka region. The art gallery’s shop is also worth a squiz.

a mother and her daughter wandering inside Riddoch Art Gallery, Mount Gambier — Marvel at the art collections inside The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

1pm: Lunch at Presto Eatery

Taste some of the best ingredients the Mount Gambier region has to offer (from the likes of Robe Dairy Labneh; Rise of Robe Sourdough; The Splendid Egg ) at Presto Eatery , housed in a refreshed heritage shopfront in the centre of the city. If you’re here for one of the cult favourites, you will be forced to choose between bacon benedict or avocado smash.

3pm: Drop into Mount Gambier Visitor Centre

One of the star attractions at the family-friendly Mount Gambier Visitor Centre is the life-size replica of the 60-tonne sailing vessel, the Lady Nelson, which was commissioned in 1799 to sail along the coastline of South Australia. In addition to discovering the fate of the tall ship, visitors to the centre learn about local geology and Indigenous history.

4pm: Enjoy a shopping spree

Charlicks Bazaar on Margaret Street is a great place to forage for treasures. The antique store housed in a rustic shed sells everything old, new, and unusual: think vintage platters, ’70s lampshades, kitsch coffee pots and creepy ceramic clowns. On a weekender with the girls? Bounce between the boutiques along Commercial Street East.

Check out these Matryoshka wooden dolls at Charlicks Bazaar.

5pm: Check into Old Mount Gambier Gaol

It’s time to check in: go directly to the Gaol. Pass through the forbidding gates of the Old Mount Gambier Gaol and you will be relieved to find a friendly atmosphere at this former prison. If you don’t want to be confined to a double cell, posh it up at The Cottage where the prison warden once lived. And forget about eating prison slop; the former gaol has its own BBQ facilities and is a short walk from Commercial Street.

6pm: Pub grub at Mount Gambier Hotel

Spot the giant G emblazoned on the side of Mount Gambier Hotel and then follow the lines of locals to the pub that has been a perennial favourite since it was established in 1862. With its warm wooden floors and off-white interiors, the revitalised pub (known as ‘the G’) is an excellent place to sequester yourself for a few hours. Order the wagyu beef schnitzel served with a baked spud and salad.

a table-top view of the set menu at Mount Gambier Hotel — Choose from a wide variety of dishes at Mount Gambier Hotel.

8pm: View the light show at Cave Garden

The air is cooler near the Cave Garden , which is an altogether surreal place that is equally as striking as the Big and Little Blue Lakes, but with a tonal shift toward crayon green on the colour scale. At night, coloured lights make the eerily haunting cave formations shimmer and shift and the cave becomes a flowing narrative about the Indigenous Dreamtime.

Day two

Start the morning with an exercise endorphin boost, before indulging in Mount Gambier’s most famous cinnamon scrolls. Thrill-seekers will love donning a wetsuit to dive in Engelbrecht Cave, while those looking for more subdued activities can hike or bike along the Crater Lakes trail, or enjoy a hit of golf at Mount Gambier Golf Club.

6am: Walk along the Mount Gambier Rail Trail

Join locals jogging and cycling along the Mount Gambier Rail Trail that runs like a parallelogram to the former railway line that slices through the centre of the City of Mount Gambier. Chug along the family-friendly 7.42-kilometre path to the nature play area, wetlands and picnic area.

8am: Roll into ScRoll Queen

After burning off a few calories along the Rail Trail, roll into ScRoll Queen for a Tim Tam Scroll or cream-filled Lamington Scroll. Wash these sticky temptations down with a cup of coffee from Badenochs Deli next door. Those who prefer savoury will lean toward the BBQ salami scroll from ScRoll Queen or the bacon and egg roll from Badenochs.

sweets from ScRoll Queen, Mount Gambier — Pop into ScRoll Queen if you’re obsessed with cinnamon rolls. (Image: Dylan McQueen)

10am: Follow the Sinkhole Trail

Whether you’re donning a wetsuit for a dive in Engelbrecht Cave, leaping in for a swim at the Little Blue Lake, or admiring nature’s vertical gardens clinging to the walls of Umpherston/Balumbul Sinkhole, the subterranean network of lava caves, an array of sinkholes and lakes are a must-see in Mount Gambier. You can also personalise your own tour of these geological wonders.

Admire the lush foliage surrounding Umpherston Sinkhole. (Image: Offroad Images)

Noon: Lunch at Nalou Kitchen

Garlic prawns, pumpkin, BBQ chicken and bacon are among the creative pizza toppings at Nalou Kitchen . The lunch menu is also dominated by burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Our pick: the pulled pork yiros with slow-roasted BBQ pork, slaw, BBQ sauce, and a serving of beer battered chips.

a caramelised beef burger with fries at Nalou Kitchen, Mount Gambier — Grab a huge bite of Nalou Kitchen’s caramelised beef burger. (Image: Nalou Kitchen)

1pm: Bike around Crater Lakes Trail

Hike or bike through spectacular scenery along the rim of the high plateau that peers into the gaping mouths of craters that have been carved out in slow motion by the elements. Trace the curves of the crater in an anti-clockwise direction from Mark’s Lookout, Lions Lookout or Rotary Clubs Lookout along the Crater Lakes Trail . Note: the 4.2-kilometre track is not a defined path and includes steep inclines and stairs. It can take about 1.5 hours to complete.

a couple sitting on a bench with a young girl jogging on the side of Blue Lake, Mount Gambier — Run, walk or bike around the Crater Lakes Trail. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

3pm: Fish at Port MacDonnell

One of the favourite local meditative pastimes in the Mount Gambier region is fishing at Port MacDonnell at the jetty, breakwater or boat ramp. Expect to haul in everything from King George whiting and squid to tommy ruff and silver trevally.

Young adventurers or intrepid explorers can also take a 4WD to Browns Beach, which is another hotspot for fishing right from the beach. Get the heads-up about where to cast a line from the plaid-clad lads at Spot On Fishing in Mount Gambier.

Port MacDonnell, Mount Gambier — Fish off the dramatic coastline of Port MacDonnell. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

6pm: Hit a round of twilight golf

Energetic types might just be able to squeeze in a cheeky round of nine holes before twilight at the Mount Gambier Golf Club or Blue Lakes Public Golf Links , where the only downside is that the scenic surrounds might put you off your putting. The golf courses around Mount Gambier take advantage of the undulating landscape and are challenging for both novices and practised golfers.

8pm: Check into the Commodore on the Park

After checking into your executive spa suite at the Commodore on the Park , you can sashay down to the hotel restaurant that keeps its food miles to a minimum, sourcing most of its produce from the Limestone Coast and wines from the Coonawarra. Before retiring to your room, check out what’s on offer at the hotel’s whisky bar.

a hand holding a spoon to get a piece of cake at Commodore on the Park — You’re in for a treat at Commodore on the Park. (Image: Louise Agnew)

Day three

Start your day right with a big breakfast feast at Metro Bakery, before really treating yourself with a cellar door crawl. The afternoon sun calls for a snorkel at the Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, before unwinding and celebrating your Mount Gambier long weekend with cocktails at Macs Hotel.

8am: Brekkie at Metro Bakery and Cafe

A big day calls for a big breakfast and by big, we mean whopping. The Metro Big Breakfast comes with free-range eggs, bacon, beef sausages, baked lima beans, garlic buttered mushrooms, rosti and sourdough toast. Finish up with great coffee roasted by Melbourne’s Lygon St legend, Giancarlo Giusti at this sleek meeting place.

a breakfast meal at Metro Bakery & Cafe, Mount Gambier — Treat yourself to a hearty brekky at Metro Bakery & Cafe.

9am: Go on a cellar door crawl

There are more than 40 cellar doors to choose from across the broader wine region of the Limestone Coast. Keep it simple and check off Caroline Hills Winery and the appointment-only Herbert Vineyard .

Herbert Vineyard, Mount Gambier — Try the signature wines at Herbert Vineyard.

Noon: Lunch at Foodie Bar

With an array of delicious options, Foodie Bar is one of Mount Gambier’s eating gems. While you can devour a burger, schnitty, or a sandwich, we’d recommend giving their Sri Lankan-style menu a try to really treat the tastebuds. Whether it’s the Sri Lankan hot butter cuttlefish or their signature kottu roti, the only hard part will be making a decision!

3pm: Snorkel at Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park

The locals in Mount Gambier are in tune with the moods of the city’s many sinkholes and lakes and often inaugurate a quick snorkel or swim into their weekend activities. Walk through the coastal wattle and beard heath to get to the Piccaninnie Ponds where you can dive down into the eerie 100m depths of The Chasm and enclosed Cathedral, which has a depth of 35 metres.

diving Piccaninnie Ponds — Swim to the depths of Piccaninnie Ponds. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

6pm: Barbecue dinner at the Valley Lakes

Pop into Five Star Seafood in Port MacDowell to pick up some seafood and a few beers and head to Valley Lakes, which has free gas barbecues and covered shelters. After an easy 1.6-kilometre pre-prandial amble around Leg of Mutton Lake, visit the picturesque conservation park, which features native flora and fauna, before finding a patch of grass for your picnic.

8pm: Cocktails at Macs Hotel

Macs Hotel , which was first licensed in 1864, is the place to go on a Sunday evening for happy chatter underscored by songs from the great Australian songbook. Expect a bit of Cold Chisel and some theatrical percussion from the cocktail shaker when you pull up at the bar and ask for something chilled. Stay overnight so you are right in position for posh pub grub and a cold pint for lunch the next day.

the pub interior of The Macs Hotel, Mount Gambier — Swing by The Macs Hotel for classic pub drinks.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti and updated by Tahlia Pritchard.

Victoria’s ‘mussel capital’ is the source of exceptional shellfish used by top chefs far and wide. Step aboard a beautifully refurbished trawler to see how these plump and juicy bivalves are sustainably cultivated.

A curtain is slowly winched from the placid, teal waters just off Portarlington , like a floating garland beside our boat. The ropes heave with blue mussels, the star attraction of our tour. But as we reach to pluck our own, it’s quickly clear they’re not alone; a mass of weird and wonderful creatures has colonised the ropes, turning them into a living tapestry. ‘Fairy’ oysters, jelly-like sea squirts, and tiny, wriggling skeleton shrimp all inhabit this underwater ecosystem.

We prize our bivalve bounty from the ropes, and minutes later the mussels arrive split on a platter. The plump orange morsels are served raw, ready to be spritzed with wedges of lemon and a lick of chilli as we gaze out over the bay. They’re briny, tender and faintly sweet. “This wasn’t originally part of the tour,” explains Connie Trathen, who doubles as the boat’s cook, deckhand and guide. “But a chef [who came onboard] wanted to taste the mussels raw first, and it’s now become one of the key features.”

A humble trawler turned Hamptons-style dreamboat

inspecting bivalve bounty from the ropes — Inspecting the bounty. (Image: Visit Victoria/Hannyn Shiggins)

It’s a crisp, calm winter’s day, and the sun is pouring down upon Valerie, a restored Huon pine workhorse that was first launched in January 1980. In a previous life she trawled the turbulent Bass Strait. These days she takes jaunts into Port Phillip Bay under the helm of Lance Wiffen, a fourth-generation Bellarine farmer, and the owner of Portarlington Mussel Tours . While Lance has been involved in the fishing industry for 30-plus years, the company’s tour boat only debuted in 2023.

holding Portarlington mussels — See how these plump and juicy bivalves are sustainably cultivated.

It took more than three years to transform the former shark trawler into a dreamy, Hamptons-esque vessel, with little expense spared. Think muted green suede banquettes, white-washed walls, Breton-striped bench cushions, hardwood tables, bouquets of homegrown dahlias, and woollen blankets sourced from Waverley Mills, Australia’s oldest working textile mill. It’s intimate, too, welcoming 12 guests at most. And yet there’s nothing pretentious about the experience – just warm, down-to-earth Aussie hospitality.

As we cruise out, we crack open a bottle of local bubbles and nibble on the most beautifully curated cheese platter, adorned with seashells and grey saltbush picked from the water’s edge that very morning. Australasian gannets soar overhead, and I’m told it’s not uncommon for guests to spot the odd seal, pod of dolphins, or even the occasional little penguin.

The sustainable secret behind Victoria’s best mussels

blue mussels off Portarlington — Blue mussels sourced just off Portarlington.

Connie and Lance both extol the virtues of mussels. They’re delicious. A lean source of protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and zinc. They’re cooked in a flash (Connie steams our fresh harvest with cider and onion jam). And they’re also widely regarded as one of the most sustainable foods in the world.

Portarlington mussels with lemon and chilli — Mussels served with lemon and chilli.

“Aquaculture is [often] seen as destructive, so a lot of our guests are really surprised about how environmentally friendly and sustainable our industry is,” Lance says. “[Our mussels] would filter 1.4 billion litres of water a day,” he adds, explaining how mussels remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus from the water. “And through biomineralisation, we lock carbon into mussel shells.”

a hand holding a Portarlington mussel — Mussels are a sustainable food.

Despite their glowing list of accolades, these molluscs have long been seen as the oysters’ poorer cousins. “It was a really slow start,” explains Lance, who says that in the early days of his career, “you could not sell mussels in Victoria”.

But word has slowly caught on. Chefs as globally acclaimed as Attica’s Ben Shewry and even René Redzepi of Noma, Denmark, have travelled to these very waters just to try the shellfish at the source, sharing only the highest praise, and using Lance’s mussels in their restaurants.

guests sampling Portarlington mussels onboard — Sampling the goods onboard. (Image: Visit Victoria/Hannyn Shiggins)

According to Lance there’s one obvious reason why the cool depths of Portarlington outshine other locations for mussel farming. “The water quality is second to none,” he says, noting how other regions are frequently rocked by harvest closures due to poor water quality. “We grow, without a doubt, some of the best shellfish in the world.” And with Lance’s bold claims backed up by some of the industry’s greatest names, perhaps it won’t be much longer until more Aussies uncover the appeal of Portarlington’s mussels.

The perfect 3-day Mount Gambier itinerary