Mt Gambier

The city of Mt Gambier lies in the centre of the limestone region of South Australia. It lies between Melbourne and Adelaide and is a popular tourist destination for travellers coming from the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. It is a scenically unique district with volcanic lakes, Limestone Caves, Sinkholes and Craters. The local limestone deposits have been weathered over the years and the huge underground fresh water body has formed a beautiful cave system over the millennia. There are local tours to take you through them. The Blue Lake is one of MT Gambier’s most popular attractions. It supplies the city’s water needs and is a major tourist attraction as well. The water level scarcely changes due to the size of the underground aquifer. Mt Gambier is the largest regional city in South Australia with a population of around 30000.

Mt Gambier is surrounded by beautiful regions that are popular tourist destinations in their own right. The Barossa and Clare Valley wine growing districts lie just to the north and the Limestone Coast region itself also has a thriving wine growing industry. To the north west lies “The Coorong” and Kangaroo Island which are both regions rich in wildlife and sensational coastal scenery. Kangaroo Island can be reached from the mainland by ferry that departs from the Fleurieu Peninsular to the north west of Mt Gambier.

Mt Gambier is a popular inland scuba diving destination. Cave divers come here to explore the cave system that exists under the streets of the city. Diving tours into the depths of the Engelbrecht Cave are available on a daily basis. The waters in the cave are crystal clear. Mt Gambier was the location for the last active volcanoes in Australia. Although activity ceased many decades ago the craters and blowholes still remain. The Mt Gambier crater lakes that now fill the old volcanic system are a very popular tourist destination. Another popular attraction is the old sailing ship Lady Nelson, that was once engaged in mapping the Australian coastline and is now on display in the city.

Mt Gambier is a great place to stay and there is plenty of accommodation to choose from. Motels and hotels are the most popular and there are also plenty of caravan parks and bed and breakfasts. If you want to see one of South Australia’s most popular holiday and tourist destinations then come and visit MT Gambier.