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.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.