11 Awe-Inspiring Things To Do In Mount Gambier

Lakes, caves, volcanoes, and sinkholes – Mount Gambier is a little city with a lot to offer.

Despite being the second-most populous city in South Australia, this Limestone Coast destination tends to slip under the radar – a great shame given the natural wonders and cultural attractions it has to offer, many of which are free to visit. Here are some of the top things to do in Mount Gambier.

1. Blue Lake

Prepare to be floored by Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. This sizable body of water, situated within a dormant volcanic crater, transforms from an otherwise pedestrian navy blue into a startling milky turquoise between November and March.

Blue Lake in Mount Gambier South Australia

Visit Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake between November and March to see its transformation. (Image: Jaxon Foale/South Australia Tourism Commission)

While you can’t swim in it, you can walk (or drive) around the lake’s rim, which measures some 3.6 kilometres, taking around 45 minutes to complete on foot. Or visit with Aquifer Tours, which takes visitors in a glass-panelled lift down the original dolomite well shaft, through a tunnel to see the Blue Lake in close proximity. You’ll also hear yarns about local folklore and Aboriginal legend, as well as the lake’s history and European settlement.

2. Little Blue Lake

A volcanic sinkhole located in the middle of a paddock, about a 17-kilometre drive south of Mount Gambier, off an otherwise nondescript country road, Little Blue Lake has that wonderful air of chancing upon a secret local spot.

Woman swimming in Little Blue Lake Mount Gambier

The Little Blue Lake is a volcanic sinkhole located in the middle of a paddock. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos/South Australia Tourism Commission)

Walk down the stairs, cut into the side of the sinkhole’s cliff, and jump off the floating pontoon into the cool waters, which reach a depth of around 47 metres. Cave divers with a CDAA Deep Cavern grade certification can even dive here.

Jump off the floating pontoon in Little Blue Lake. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos)

3. Umpherston Sinkhole

Positively dripping with greenery, this vast sunken garden is arguably Mount Gambier’s landmark attraction. Lying just on the edge of town, this sinkhole was first transformed into a garden in 1886, when local farmer and politician James Umpherston took it upon himself to plant a garden in the former cave.

Umpherston Sinkhole is arguably Mount Gambier’s landmark attraction. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Whether you’re looking down into it or taking a wide-angle picture from the floor of the 20-metre-deep, 50-metre-wide natural wonder, the views are something special. Follow the public park’s walking paths, admire the lush foliage from its viewing platforms and benches, and mosey past its sculptures and fountains. It’s the perfect place for a picnic. Umpherston Sinkhole is also home to a colony of common brushtail possums, which make an appearance every evening at dusk to feed.

4. Cave Garden/Thugi

Much like its Mount Gambier cousin, the Umpherston Sinkhole, Cave Garden is an impossibly scenic spot, alive with greenery and tucked away right in the heart of the city.

A much smaller wedge of a sinkhole, you can’t descend to the base of Cave Garden: instead, exploit the viewing platforms and peer down into the chasm. And if you visit during, or shortly after wet weather, you can even admire a waterfall pouring into it. It’s believed that this sinkhole was in fact the original water source for early settlers in the area.

Refusing to be beaten on nighttime draws by the Umpherston Sinkhole, Cave Garden also has its own after-dark attraction – a nightly light show that tells Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

The Cave Gardens illuminated as part of a winter light festival. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

5. Mount Gambier caves

It’s estimated that there are a whopping 800 caves littered throughout the Limestone Coast region like honeycomb. Here are some of the must-sees.

Engelbrecht Cave

Experienced divers come from all over to take to the waters of Engelbrecht Cave, in the centre of Mount Gambier, with its secret, water-filled tunnels. But you don’t need to brandish a certificate just to gain entry to the cave: guided tours of two of Engelbrecht’s caverns are available, lasting around 40 minutes long. There’s also a cafe at the site if you’d like to sit and enjoy cake and coffee after your visit.

Engelbrecht Cave is a geological wonderland. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/ Take Us With You)

Naracoorte Caves National Park

It’s a one-hour drive north of Mount Gambier to South Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Naracoorte Caves National Park. Recognised for its extensive fossil record, which covers several ice ages and the arrival of humans in the area, it’s part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range. Four caves are open to the public, and visitors can choose from a self-guided, guided or adventure caving tour, wandering through the warren of passages, festooned with stalactites and stalagmites.

Wander through the warren of passages, festooned with stalactites and stalagmites inside Naracoorte Caves National Park. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park

Unlike many other caves in the region – or, in fact, many other caves in Australia – Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park is wheelchair-accessible. Just a 20-minute drive northwest of Mount Gambier, these vast, beautiful caverns are decorated with speleothems. Before your stroll freely through the subterranean wonder, each visit starts with an introduction from a guide, who will tell you the history and geology of the caves and explain how their formations have developed over thousands of years.

6. Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

The largest regional gallery in South Australia, the Riddoch plays host to a large collection of early 20th-century Aboriginal art, interactive displays, free guided tours, and a daily screening of the documentary film Volcano, which chronicles Mount Gambier’s geological history and the Aboriginal Dreamtime story of the giant ancestor Craitbul.

The Riddoch is the largest regional gallery in South Australia. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

7. Mount Gambier Farmer’s Markets

Every Saturday from 9am to 12pm, the Mount Gambier Farmer’s Markets are an easy, cheap and cheerful family-friendly experience. Grab a tasty takeaway breakfast from one of the stalls, shop fresh produce, and enjoy the stunning Cave Gardens where the markets are located.

Honey stall at Mount Gambier Farmer's Markets

Find all kinds of edible treats at the markets. (Image: Luna Socials & Design)

Foodies will be in heaven, with a wide array of seasonal fruit and vegetables, locally grown fish, pork, beef, honey, eggs and olive oil, and baked goods, and green thumbs will also find a whole lot of plants and seedlings on offer. A visit to the markets will make for a wholesome morning out.

Fresh produce Mount Gambier Farmer's Markets

Stock up on fresh produce. (Image: Luna Socials & Design)

8. Echo Farm, Mount Gambier

Reconnect with nature and get the ultimate serotonin boost by hanging out and interacting with the animals at Mount Gambier’s Echo Farm. The charming farm has an assortment of historic displays as well as an opportunity to feed the animals, explore the outbuildings, and chat with the farmers who live on-site, making it a perfect activity for singles, couples, and families alike.

Feed the animals at the charming Echo Farm.

You can take a self-guided tour on Sundays to Fridays, and stroll around at your own pace taking in all the sights – the farm itself suggests allowing at least an hour for your visit. There’s also a range of snacks and souvenirs along with some delightful homemade scones. You can also book a guided tour most mornings.

9. Explore Mount Gambier’s best wineries

Did you know Mount Gambier is an up-and-coming wine region? The wineries may be young, but they’re producing prized wines, with the region best known for its pinot noir. Due to the climate and rich volcanic soils, Mount Gambier is home to a handful of must-see emerging wineries from family-run businesses to boutique vineyards. From the well-known Herbert Vineyard, renowned for its silky smooth pinot noir, to the hidden gem that is Noski Wines, located on the slopes of the Blue Lake, you won’t be short of places to visit for a tipple.

10. Kilsby Sinkhole

Kilsby sinkhole’s crystal clear water makes it one of the best diving and snorkelling locations in Australia. Book a 50-minute guided tour to learn the history and geology of this naturally occurring karst sinkhole and/or enjoy the tranquillity of the water by booking a snorkel tour.

Dive into the clear waters. (Image: Adam Stern)

11. Centenary Tower

To enjoy beautiful views of the volcanic, lake-dotted countryside, head 190 metres above sea level to the Centenary Tower. The medieval-looking tower opened in 1904 and was built to commemorate 100 years since Mt Gambier was first sighted by Europeans.

Original article written by Chloe Cann with updates by Tahlia Pritchard and Rachael Thompson.

For more travel tips, read our guide to planning your ultimate Mount Gambier holiday.

From a scene-stealing country steakhouse to a fine dining eatery, these are the Mount Gambier restaurants worth visiting.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, this Limestone Coast city has plenty of awe-inspiring geological draws to its name, not to mention world-renowned wine regions right on its doorstep.

The coast’s once volcanic landscape is blessed with incredibly fertile soils, too, and as a result, it’s home to a bounty of fresh produce. Whether you’re in town for an extended sojourn or you’re just stopping by on a road trip, these are the best restaurants in Mount Gambier.

1. Elementary by Soul Co

The kitchen at Elementary Dining in Mount Gambier

The dark interiors of Elementary Dining set the mood. (Image: Alex Window)

Those looking for an elevated dining experience should head to Elementary by Soul Co. Helmed by chef Kirby Shearing, the modern Australian menu spans gnocchi with confit duck, mushrooms, and broth, baked egg tart with muntrie compote, burnt sugar and spiced brioche with vanilla parfait, chocolate cream, and hazelnuts. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu, expertly paired with a range of wines or sakes. If you’re around on a Thursday or Friday, duck in for the express lunch where you’ll get an entree, main course and a side all for just $45.

The intimate space seats just 23 guests and is swathed in moody charcoal tones and dark timber furniture for a cosy dining experience.

Address: 12 Margaret St, Mount Gambier

2. The Barn Steakhouse

wine bottles on the shelf at The Barn Steakhouse

Take your pick from an array of wines at The Barn Steakhouse. (Image: The Barn/South Australian Tourism Commission)

This local heavyweight is the reigning champion when it comes to perfectly cooked steak. And its owners, the Cleves family, go one step further than most steakhouses, breeding their very own Hereford cattle on properties in the region, and ageing all the cuts in-house for a minimum of eight days too.

Beyond its steak credentials, The Barn also takes a holistic view of the veggies and herbs that accompany its dishes, which are house-grown, preservative- and pesticide-free in the rich volcanic soils that surround the restaurant, and plucked fresh daily.

Why not kick off the evening’s proceedings with a glass of something sparkling from The Barn’s award-winning 750-wine-label-strong cellar, with the vast majority of the restaurant’s drops sourced from the surrounding Limestone Coast wineries.

Then tuck into some house-made pâté, served with hot toast and quince glaze, and perhaps some seared scallops with prosciutto before moving onto the main event – a rump, porterhouse, or eye fillet, served alongside a continental salad and a sour cream and spring onion topped baked potato.

The Barn Steakhouse is located amid lush farmland, just a 10-minute drive south of the city.

Address: 747 Glenelg River Rd, Mount Gambier

3. Thyme at The Lakes

a close-up shot of a prawn dish at Thyme at the Lakes, Mount Gambier

Savour the flavourful meals at Thyme at the Lakes.

Perched right on top of the city, Thyme at The Lakes boasts an incredible view of Mount Gambier, with food presented as spectacularly as the city below you. With attentive service to top it all off, Thyme at The Lakes showcases the best of local produce in an exciting and elegant dining experience, with the modern menu taking inspiration from both Australian and international cuisine.

From the mouth-watering Spanish-inspired grilled paella to the melt-in-your-mouth lamb rack, Thyme also boasts a vegetarian and vegan menu for those who aren’t meat lovers. Hot tip: Do not skip their dessert menu. The restaurant boasts MasterChef-worthy dishes like the Strawberry & White Chocolate Sphere, or the Hazelnut Affogato makes the perfect palate cleanser.

Address: 17 Lake Terrace W, Mount Gambier

4. Wild Ginger Thai

Authentic classic Pad Thai with shrimps. Thai shrimp satay with sweet chili sauce. Tom Yum soup with coconut milk (Tom Khaa). Spicy shrimp salad. Flat lay top-down composition on concrete background.

Wild Ginger Thai’s dishes pack a punch of flavour.

When Wild Ginger first opened its doors, it was the new kid on the block. Since then, head chef and owner Bee Ketphong and her team have established a reputation for fine Thai cuisine that has made Wild Ginger one of Mount Gambier’s most popular eating destinations for both lunch and dinner.

From the flavour-packed fish cakes to the range of stir-fries, curries and noodle dishes infused with all those powerful Thai flavours of chilli, lemongrass, basil or satay, Wild Ginger is all about Thai cooking.

Bee is focused on using fresh, local produce to create fine Thai dishes, ranging from mild dishes to those that are packed with spicy flavours. And all of Wild Ginger’s menu items are available for takeaway as well.

Address: 17 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

5. Natural Born Grillers

Close up image of a freshly flame grilled vegetarian halloumi cheeseburger on a wooden counter at an outdoor food market. This burger is loaded with a vegetarian burger meat substitute, fresh salad, melted halloumi cheese and spanish onion and tomato. The burger is sandwiched between glazed buns.

Natural Born Grillers has an entirely meat-free menu for the vegos and vegans among us.

When only a burger will do, make a beeline for Mount Gambier’s Natural Born Grillers. Whether you’re after fried chicken, pulled pork, beef patties, or even something veggie-friendly (there’s a dedicated meat-free menu), NBG delivers.

There’s a multitude of indulgent, deep-fried sides on offer too: potato gems, loaded fries, onion rings, popcorn chicken, and mozzarella sticks. While this burger joint has Mount Gambier’s fast-food market cornered, Natural Born Grillers’ rather spartan interior means it’s not exactly the place to go if you’re after an evening of ambience.

Address: Shop C, 3 Compton Street, Mount Gambier

6. Bahn Kubo

The decor at this pan-Asian eatery is nothing to write home about (hello bright white lights, plastic-backed chairs, loud lime and orange colour scheme, and wipe-clean plastic tables). But thanks to its friendly and fast service, super reasonable prices and moreish dishes, Bahn Kubo does something of a roaring trade. The barbecue pork (char siu) and Thai roast duck receive rave reviews.

Address: 139 Commercial St W, Mount Gambier

7. Southern Thai Cafe

a dining table with a variety of dishes at Southern Thai Cafe, Mount Gambier

Dine on authentic Thai cuisine.

Adding to Mount Gambier’s amazing Thai offering, Southern Thai Cafe brings a fresh look to the cuisine with a focus on the authentic tastes of Southern Thai food and an emphasis on value and service.

Southern Thai Cafe is the dream of Wilawan Churueangsuk (Jieb), who came to Mount Gambier from Southern Thailand 17 years ago. Now an Australian Citizen living here with her husband, David and their children, Jaime and Emily, Jieb’s Southern Thai Cafe is also about family.

Address: 53 Gray Street, Mount Gambier

Looking for breakfast? Start your day at the best Mount Gambier cafes.

Written by Chloe Cann with updates by Tahlia Pritchard and Rachael Thompson.

11 awe-inspiring things to do in Mount Gambier