How to Have the Ultimate Wine Weekend in Coonawarra
Opens in a new tab or windowDiscover its best wineries, accommodation, cellar doors and restaurants.
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Little Blue Lake
Mount Gambier
If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference, this geographically unique city is for you. Explore cave networks, volcanoes and sunken gardens on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
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Places to stay
Mount GambierOpens in a new tab or window is the second most populous city in South Australia — so as well as many sights, activities and local characters to discover, there are also many accommodation options. Whether you’re staying in the city, venturing inland or meandering along the Sapphire Coast you’re sure to find something perfect for your stay.
In Mount Gambier city there are many hotels, motels and Airbnbs for every need and budget. For something extra special, book a suite in the iconic Delgattie Estate boutique hotel — a renovated historical residence in the heart of town boasting only three luxurious suites.
If you’re heading to Coonawarra, try out a glamping experience with a bell tent or cabin at Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park or Bellwether Campground, the latter offering glamping tents with all the luxuries and the renowned Bellwether Winery and Cellar door on site.
If you’re embarking on a classic family beach holiday, Discovery Parks Robe has a games room, playground and indoor pool for the kids, all right by the esplanade.
Things to do
Imagine a place where a lush garden grows in a sunken cave in the middle of town. Where volcanic soil produces some of the most delicious produce in the country, and a network of caves awaits you under the city centre. Pack the picnic basket and dust off your dive gear, because there’s so much to tick off in this picturesque region.
The Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul should be first on your list – look down into the limestone cave from a viewing platform, or picnic in the park surrounded by roses.
Dive or snorkel at the world-renowned Kilsby Sinkhole just 20 minutes out of Mount Gambier. Take a tour of the fascinating Englebrecht Cave, or go on a guided dive and explore the network of tunnels under the city.
Embark on a leisurely stroll overlooking the turquoise waters of Blue Lake and marvel from lookouts on the 3.6km Crater Lakes Walk, or through the city on a self-guided tour of heritage buildings. If you’re with the family, Railway Lands is the perfect outdoor space to take kids for nature play, walking tracks, play equipment and art.
To end your day with something special, Little Blue Lake just out of town is a great place for a sunset dip. For even more inspiration, visit the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre or South Australia
Where to go
Take a drive and discover the many secrets of the Limestone Coast. If you have a taste for more geological wonders after exploring the sinkholes, lakes and caves of Mount Gambier, why not venture to Tantaloona CavesOpens in a new tab or window just 20 minutes away, or north to the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves National ParkOpens in a new tab or window, home to no less than 21 megafauna fossil sites dating around 60,000 years old.
Drive 90 minutes south-east from Mount Gambier, and just over the Victorian border you can visit the petrified forest and blowholes of Cape BridgewaterOpens in a new tab or window, also home to a playful fur seal colony.
When it’s time to stop for a bite to eat, you’re never far from a quality meal in this part of the country. With volcanic soil and sea life, the Limestone Coast is the ultimate food bowl – you’ll find farmers’ markets and roadside produce stalls dotted across the fertile region, as well as award-winning producers of cheese, bread, olive oil and wine. Explore the coastline and its proud fishing history with freshly caught lobster and abalone, or discover the wine regions, grass-fed lamb and Wagyu cattle farms all close by.
The Limestone Coast
The popular holiday town of RobeOpens in a new tab or window is around 90 minutes away, and a great place to base yourself or visit for the day. Here you can drive your car directly on to the sand at Long Beach, walk to the Robe Obelisk at Cape Dombey or visit the nearby Little Dip Conservation Park.
For pure white sand and clear waters even closer to the city, the beaches of Beachport and Beachport Conservation ParkOpens in a new tab or window are some of the best in the state.
Visit Surf Beach or Glenn Point Beach, or throw in a line with some fishing at Salmon Hole.
Food & Drink
Drive west along the coast and visit Mayura Station, the largest purebred Wagyu beef station outside Japan and home to some of the best quality meat in Australia. Dine here for the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience, hosted from an open kitchen by the in-house Head Chef. Bookings are essential.
For the wine lovers, there are six wine regions within a short drive including the world-renowned CoonawarraOpens in a new tab or window Visit Cellar Doors such as Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Di Georgio Family Wines and Katnook Estate and sample award-winning aged Cabernet Sauvignon as well as New World Chardonnay, Riesling and Shiraz.
Getting around
From the airport: Mount Gambier Regional AirportOpens in a new tab or window is located a 10-minute drive from the centre of Mount Gambier on the Riddoch Highway. Taxis and private transfer services are available to take you to your accommodation.
Getting around: The best way to explore the Limestone Coast is with a hire car. Several car rental agencies operate from the main terminal building of the airport with options ranging from small economical vehicles to family wagons fit for a family beach expedition.
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