Mount Gambier - AWS

visitor guideLimestone Coast | South Australia

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Mount Gambier

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welcomeMount Gambier is famous for its ‘Blue Lake’ which changes colour dramatically each year. The Blue Lake is just one of the lakes within the three craters of the volcano. The city also boasts beautiful parks and gardens, caves and sinkholes. An interesting mix of galleries, museums and markets provides an insight into the culture and arts of the town. With fresh local food and wines available at many cafes and restaurants everyone’s tastes are catered for.

Destination or Drive through?Mount Gambier’s location half way between Adelaide and Melbourne makes it an ideal stopover for travellers to and from Kangaroo Island, The Great Ocean Road or the Grampians, it is also a perfect destination for longer stays to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the surrounding region, the caves and sinkholes, coastline, rivers, lakes and wineries.

Mount Gambier is perfectly positioned to host events and conferences. With many conference and meeting facilities as well as outstanding sporting and recreational facilities it is an ideal location for conferences, sporting events, trade shows and conventions. Accommodation includes 19 Motels, 7 Hotels, 6 Caravan Parks as well as many Bed & Breakfasts.

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Mount Gambier is the major service centre for the Limestone Coast. A thriving progressive community, residents enjoy a quality lifestyle, with city facilities and services, many attractions, a wide range of accommodation, shopping and entertainment are surrounded by volcanic craters, lakes, limestone and underground aquifers.

ContentsUnique Attractions .............................................................................. 4Blue Lake .......................................................................................5 – 7Mount Gambier Public Library ............................................................ 8The Main Corner ................................................................................. 9Arts Drive .......................................................................................... 10Events ............................................................................................... 11Family Fun .................................................................................12 – 13“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre .........................14 – 15Mount Gambier’s Heritage ........................................................16 – 17Arts, Crafts, Galleries, Souvenirs, Markets ....................................... 18Food & Wine ..................................................................................... 19Parks & Gardens ........................................................................20 – 21Crater Lakes Walks ....................................................................22 – 23National Parks & Reserves (SA & VIC) ......................................24 – 25Geology .....................................................................................26 – 29Maps: City, District & Regional .................................................30 – 33Caves & Sinkholes ............................................................................ 34Kanawinka Global Geopark ............................................................... 35Nature Walks .............................................................................36 – 37Short Drives ...............................................................................38 – 41History .......................................................................................42 – 43Recreation, Leisure & Adventure ..............................................44 – 45Tours, Cruises & Transport ............................................................... 46Calendar of Annual Events ............................................................... 47Community & Health Services ..................................................48 – 49Industry ............................................................................................. 50Facts & Figures ................................................................................. 51Eating Out ..................................................................................52 – 55Accommodation ........................................................................56 – 59

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Comprising of three craters, the Blue Lake Crater, the Valley Lake Crater and the Leg of Mutton Lake Crater, this area is a significant site within the Kanawinka Geopark. See page 35

Valley LakeThe Valley Lake is very popular all year round with excellent playground and recreational areas. With well kept picnic areas, 16 free gas barbecues, covered shelters, large grassed areas, it can cater for many families. Nearby is Browne’s Lake which is again suffering from a fall in the water level as it did in 1841. Free of charge entry. Davison Drive, city map U14

The Wildlife Park The Park presents indigenous species of flora and fauna in an environment very similar to that which would have originally been found in the area. With lookouts, nature walks at the Valley Lake, the area is an ideal place for families to spend many hours of pleasure. Free of charge entry A Valley Lake area, city map V13

The Leg of Mutton LakeSituated in its own smaller crater, surrounded by many varieties of deciduous trees it is popular for its walking trails. This lake has had a history of varying water levels and was recorded as being dry as early as 1859.

Nearby is the Adam Lindsay Gordon Monument, erected in 1887 to commemorate the scene where Gordon on horseback, daringly leapt over a fence, and landed on a narrow ledge above a 70 metre sheer drop to the Blue Lake. Bay Rd, city map U16

The Crater Lakes

Umpherston SinkholeOnce a cave, formed through the dissolution of the limestone, this sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber fell to the floor of the cave, creating the perfect environment for its ‘sunken’ garden. See pages 21 & 28

Originally beautified by James Umpherston around 1886, it is open at all times and from dusk each evening the area comes alive with possums as they venture into the floodlit gardens to feed. A large undercover shelter with group seating and free BBQ is provided. Free of charge entry. Jubilee Hwy East, city map N25

Engelbrecht Cave TourThis huge complex of limestone caves under the city was first explored around 1884. Cave divers, who have undertaken intense training, regularly explore this site and have provided maps showing the extent of this underground cave system. See page 28

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Nearby is the redeveloped City Hall which provides excellent facilities for public functions and conferences. Watson Terrace, city map N16

Centenary TowerFrom the car park, walk to Centenary Tower, 190 metres above sea level for spectacular views of the lakes, the City and the beautiful countryside. Opened in 1904, a small fee provides entry to the tower which includes an extensive display of early photographs of the Crater Lakes area and a volcanic audio visual. Souvenirs and refreshments are also available. Binoculars are supplied. The tower is open when the flag is flying.

The foundation stone for the tower was laid on December 3rd, 1900, to commemorate the 100 years since Mount Gambier was sighted and named by Lt. James Grant aboard “The Lady Nelson”. Illuminated at night, the tower can be seen from many points in the City and surrounding district. WA Mitchell Walk, city map V11 08 8723 9224, 0438 239 224

Guided tours take visitors down into two of the chambers where divers enter the water to dive under the city. Learn how caves are formed and how the underground water filters through the limestone, making its way to the Blue Lake. Souvenirs, light meals & refreshments available. Jubilee Hwy West, city map K12 8723 5552

Cave Garden - State Heritage AreaThis sinkhole was the original source of water for the early settlers. Famous for its roses, the Cave Garden is a great place for a picnic. Walk down into the cave and venture out onto the suspended viewing platforms for an awesome view into the cave.

During winter, storm water run-off makes its way to the cave forming a spectacular waterfall. It eventually enters the underground water system which possibly feeds into the Blue Lake.

With its spectacular lighting, Cave Garden is well worth a visit at night. See pages 20 & 21 Parks and Gardens for more information. Free of charge entry.

Paul Krummel was the first curator of the Cave Garden from the 1880’s to 1920. He initiated the first community plantings and rose garden.

Umpherston Sinkhole

The Blue Lake is the drinking water for the citySituated in one of three extinct volcanic craters, the Blue Lake exposes the crystal clear water that has filtered underground through the limestone, passing slowly beneath the city.

Each year in November the lake starts its colour change from winter steel blue to brilliant turquoise blue and then in March changes back to steel blue. Many theories have been advanced about this mystery. See page 7

With average depths of 70 metres, the lake contains 36,000 million litres (ML). It is the source of water to the city 3,500 ML is pumped annually from the lake into holding tanks which gravity feed water to the city and surrounds. No swimming or diving is permitted.

The Blue Lake and the Crater Lakes area is a significant site within the Kanawinka Geopark and is a State Heritage Area. See page 35

The Blue Lake Reception Centre provides public facilities and a comprehensive interpretation of the volcanic area.

Tours down into the crater of the Blue Lake operate from the Reception Centre. T

The 3.6 km road and walking track around the circumference of the lake provides access to many viewing points. The underpass between the Blue Lake and the Leg of Mutton Lake offers great views of both areas. John Watson Drive, city map W17

Aquifer ToursExperience this fascinating 45 minute tour which takes visitors in a glass paneled lift down the original dolomite well shaft, from which water was originally extracted. Walk through a tunnel to see the Blue Lake at close proximity. Learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier’s water supply and the aquifer system. Hear the interesting stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and aboriginal legend. Souvenirs, local crafts and refreshments available. John Watson Drive, city map U17 08 8723 1199

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The Blue Lake is 500 metres across and 70 metres deep

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Why Blue?Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake is unique. There are lots of blue lakes in the world, but no other lake changes colour so dramatically every year.

Is Blue Lake blue?Sunlight enters the lake, and a small proportion comes back out again. The proportion, and colour of the light that comes back out is controlled by processes called scattering and absorption (described in diagram 1, opposite page).

In summer, the light coming out of the lake contains a range of colours, but the dominant colour is blue. In winter there is far less light (and when looked at in detail it contains more green colour). Yes - Blue Lake is blue.

Why is Blue Lake blue?Is it blue dye? A bunyip? A range of explanations have been proposed over the last century. It was also proposed that the blue colour was caused by fluorescence of dissolved organic matter which builds up seasonally in the upper layers of the lake. Another theory was that the blue colour was caused by absorption

calcite. The calcite, with humic substances attached, falls to the floor of the lake. So during summer, the surface waters have the humic substances removed and hence the natural blue colour of the water is more evident.

Management issuesHuman activities are likely to influence the colour of Blue Lake, therefore, an understanding of the colour change processes is needed so the lake and its environments can be managed to preserve the annual colour change. Important factors that might affect the colour of the lake if they are altered are the inflowing groundwater chemistry; the lake water chemistry; and the water depth in the lake.

Scattering of light in waterWater, gases and small particles (i.e. less than 0.0000005m diameter) scatter light in all directions (see diagram 2) due to density fluctuation scattering. Blue light is scattered more strongly than red light, and therefore more blue light is backscattered toward the surface of the lake than red light. Particles much larger than the wavelength of light (>0.000005m) scatter light in the forward direction.

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No other lake changes colour so dramatically every year

of all incident visible radiation except blue by finely crystalline calcite in the surface of the lake.

However, the natural colour of water is blue, and for the same reasons that the sky is blue. Therefore, Blue Lake (and all lakes) should be blue.

The question to answer is therefore: Why does Blue Lake become less blue in winter?

Why does Blue Lake change colour?The colour change is due to the removal of humic substances (eg tannins) from the upper part of the lake by calcite precipitation. The humic substances are yellow in colour, because they absorb blue light. The humic substances come from dead algae and land vegetation. Calcite precipitates when the lake water warms during summer.

The lake water flows into the lake through limestone rocks, and the water contains lots of dissolved limestone. When the lake water warms up in summer, the limestone precipitates out of the water. As it happens, the humic substances are chemically attracted to the calcite crystals and co-precipitate with the

Absorption of light in water It is absorption that plays the major role in affecting the colour of the emergent light. All light absorption that takes place in water is attributable to 4 components. Water absorbs only weakly in the blue and green regions of the spectrum but is significant in the red end. Soluble humic substances (eg tannins) strongly absorb blue light. Particulate matter does not absorb light strongly. Algae absorbs blue and red. (see diagram 3)

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The amount and colour of the light coming out of Blue Lake in summer and winter

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Winter - AugustIn winter, the lake is green-grey. It is thoroughly stirred up with dead algae which are mixed into the top of the lake. The amount of light entering and therefore coming out of the lake is at its lowest. The lake appears less blue due to absorption of blue light by humic substances in the near-surface water. Low rates of calcite precipitation are insufficient to remove the humic substances from the water column hence the water clarity is poor.

1. Scattering and absorption 3. Absorption of light in water

2. Scattering of light in water

Autumn - MayAs the top layer of water cools in autumn the calcite production slows dramatically but the mass flux of organic material continues.

The concentrations of algae in the near surface water increases and the colour returns to aqua. New and old humic substances are mixed into the surface water from below, which is the probable cause of the colour change. The addition of humic substances to the water increases the absorbency of light in the blue end of the spectrum.

Spring - NovemberThe lake commences stratification in spring forming a thin layer of warm water which cuts off deep circulation in the lake. Degassing of CO2 modifies the pH of the surface water promoting precipitation of calcite. An abundance of white calcite forms near the surface of the lake, making the water appear brighter blue. The calcite comes from the groundwater inflow from the adjacent limestone and dolomite aquifer. The high rate of calcite production removes the humic acids from the water column. The spring colour change results principally from the introduction of significant quantities of finely crystalline calcite.

Summer - FebruaryIn summer, the calcite continues to form. The calcite continues to strip the humic substances (which come mostly from dead algae in the lake) from the water (through a chemical reaction) in the top of the lake, and the calcite and humic substances settle to the bottom of the lake. As more and more humic substances are removed through summer, the lake becomes deeper and deeper blue. (The humic substances being produced by algae deeper in the lake don’t get into the water near the top of the lake because the lake stratification in summer prevents mixing of the two water layers).

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Prepared by Andrew Telfer & Kylie Hyde, Australian Water Environments Pty LtdPO Box 171 Kent Town 5071

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This vibrant dynamic space is for people of all ages to connect, play, learn, socialise or sit, read and enjoy. Organised into six “rooms” or zones that group together related materials featuring multimedia resources, 18 public access computers, many events, authors visits, musical performances, and a fantasy world of caves and underwater adventures for children to explore.

Check out the Bookmark Cafe, a great meeting place with the best view in Mount Gambier over the Cave Gardens.

Light bright and airy you will find the library bold, interactive and entertaining. Sit and enjoy, listen to music, play interactive computer games, watch TV, surf the net.

Hailed as “the best smaller city public library in the world”, a must for all visitors to Mount Gambier.

Mount Gambier Public LibraryUnder 5’s story time and craft sessions are held every Tuesday and Friday, 10.30am during school term. Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions are every Tuesday at 2.15pm during the school term. Sessions are free and no bookings are required. Special School holiday programs are also available at varying times.

For those interested in local history, family history and genealogy the Library has the Les Hill Historical collection featuring: Mount Gambier and regional local history books, Mount Gambier records dating back to 1876, a large variety of newspapers dating back to 1861, online cemetery records, births deaths marriages for South Australia, Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and Queensland. To aid your research a computer, microfilm reader, microfiche, and scanner are also available.

Also available to access is a collection of over 16,000 historical photos dating back to 1850.

Free City Bike Hire

Library Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturday: 10.00am – 2.00pm, Sunday: 11.00am - 3.00pmPublic Holidays: 12.00pm - 3.00pm, Closed: Christmas, New Years Day, Easter Friday & Anzac Day (am)

Riddoch Art Gallery:Riddoch Art Gallery is South Australia’s premier regional art gallery.

The Foyer Light Show:Moving images of molten lava and flowing water are projected onto glass windows, while the cave feature wall at the entrance to the Main Corner precinct is washed in a deep blue light reflecting the colour transformation of the Blue Lake.

Sound & Light Show AT THE CAVE GARDEN:A spectacular sound and light show which tells our Indigenous Dreamtime stories. Best viewed down in the cave. Nightly - times vary to season and daylight savings.

The King’s Floor:Multi-touch discovery light tables and illuminated displays detail Mount Gambier’s pioneering history, famous persons, forestry and timber industry, pastoral heritage, indigenous culture, geography and recent history.

A Wyrie Swamp Diorama:Tells the story of how the world’s oldest known boomerang was unearthed.

Deep Cave Engravings:More than 30,000 years old have been replicated in a cave constructed by local artist Kelvin Smibert.

Free City Bike Hire

The Main Corner project connects the existing buildings via multi-purpose spaces and a striking new entrance foyer. The City Hall terrace now flows through to Bay Road at ground level, while a glass atrium provides access to the rejuvenated Riddoch Art Gallery and upper floor spaces.

The completion of this project brings the Garden Square vision to life, with the Cave Garden, Civic Centre, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier Library, 1884 marble fountain and the former site of the Town Baths included in this precinct.

OPENING HOURS:Monday to Friday 10.00am-5.00pm Weekends/Public Holidays 10.00am - 3.00pmClosed: Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter Friday, Anzac Day (am)

When the first white settlers arrived in the district in 1841 in search of new grazing land, they discovered a valuable secret which local Aboriginals had shared since the dream time: a cave containing fresh, sweet water in plentiful supply.

The water became the foundation and lifeblood of a community, and today, the Cave Garden remains at the heart of our City pulsing with life and promise.

But every heart needs a soul and that soul is the Main Corner precinct.

~ Earth Fire Water ~ Features:The Living Green Wall:Creates continuity of the Cave Garden landscape as well as providing a natural shading device for the glass atrium wall.

The Balcony:Offers spectacular view across the City. This is the perfect spot for functions, weddings, exhibitions and displays, with direct access to the King’s Floor and the Dress Circle theatrette.

The Dress Circle:Free screenings of “Volcano” The Story of Earth Fire and Water.A 112 seat venue available for concerts, drama productions, film screenings, lectures, private functions.

Haigh’s Chocolates:Haigh’s Chocolates actually started in Mount Gambier. Their shop was located inside the King’s Theatre (now the Riddoch Art Gallery). South Australia’s iconic store has now returned.

The Main Corner Mount Gambier

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Within the city centre start with our earliest piece of public art the Fountain in the Cave Gardens, presented to the town by Captain Gardiner in 1884 the grandfather of Sir Robert Helpmann.

Also view the wind impelled sculpture “ Peformance” by Adelaide artist Max Lyle.

In the Library forecourt you will find the sculpture “Memories in a Suitcase” by acclaimed sculptor Silvio Aponyi, recognising the importance of migration to our local community.

Ceramic and Mural Redgum seats are featured at four sites within the city; one in front of the Border Watch office in Commercial St East; another in front of Plants on Sturt in Sturt St; opposite the Post Office in Helen St; and one in the front of the Mount Gambier Hotel Bottle Shop on Penola Rd.

At the Umpherston Sinkhole “Cenotes and other Encounters” was created by local artist Ivo Tadic, he was inspired by the geological process which created the region’s sinkholes and caves.

Mount Gambier has many public art pieces some of which are the legacy of the National Limestone Sculpture Symposium held biannually in Mount Gambier.

Memories in a Suitcase

The symposium celebrates the Limestone which underpins our whole region; a walk around the city centre can take in some of these pieces whilst a drive around the wider city area allows the visitor to view many more.

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is the home of the Symposium and three of the pieces are located there: Verisimilar by local artist Ivo Tadic which explores the notion of likeness to the real things. “A Wonderful Life” by Tony Bishop of Adelaide is based on a lotus seed pod from the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide and Fast Food by James Darling

Two sculptures can also be viewed at the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre, “Vessel” by Siv Grave and John Turpie is a metaphor for a vessel and the importance of historic voyages made to the Limestone Coast; “Accident with a Ute” by Alexander Sexton explores water and how we conserve it.

One art work can be viewed at Tenison College, “I’m all Ears” by Graham Wilson near the main entrance to the school off Sheperdson Rd. Another two are on adjacent White Avenue, Admella 150 by Greg Johns and Jamie Willis commemorates the wreck of the SS Admella which sank in 1859 near Carpenter Rocks; and Sea Grasses by Silvio Apponyi was created to compliment the adjacent Admella 150.

Two sculptures including “Presence” by Stephen Schubert can be viewed at the Mount Gambier Bowling Club, Commercial St West as well as “The Pod” by Pam Procter is designed with simplicity in mind to show the beauty of the ancient materials. Directly behind the Bowling Club in Vansittart Park is a mural on the water tank by local artists Robert and Anne Miles.

Flinders University Rural medical Clinic in Vivienne Ave is home to “In your Heart” by Murray Haines and “Shadows” by Pam Procter.

“Quite Victory” can be viewed at the Centenary Tower car Park by Craig Mesdon the shape of the boulder inspired the wing form.

Single sculptures can also be viewed at Melaleuca Park School on Pick Ave “Looking Local” by Tianee Hurst, and at Mount Gambier Child Care Centre Derrington St is “Bowl of Tears” by Birgit Grapentin in which the artist responds to the impact of the Victorian Bushfires in 2009.

National Limestone Sculpture Symposium

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Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is a thriving city set in an ancient landscape of volcanic craters, lakes and underground water ways. It provides many unique experiences for a memorable event.

As the Limestone Coasts Regional Centre and the Largest City in Regional South Australia, Mount Gambier boasts many attractions including the world famous Blue Lake.

First Class conference and event facilities catering for up to 1200 people with extended services for much larger groups.

A multitude of cafes, restaurants and accommodation options, Mount Gambier delivers excellence within a relaxed regional setting.

Event organisers also enjoy the support of the Mount Gambier City Council through the Event

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Mount Gambier - Perfect Event Destination

Mount Gambier is a 4.5 hour drive from both Melbourne and Adelaide with daily one hour flights to and from both cities.

Support Division located at “The Lady Nelson” Visitor and Discovery Centre.

The Support Team assist with the following:

• Local Knowledge

• Venue Selection & Advice

• Accommodation requirements

• Itinerary Planning

• Funding Advice & Assistance

• Catering Selection & Advice

• Promotion & Marketing

• Administrative Support

• Event Timing

• Tourist Information Packs (pre event mail outs or at your Event)

• Image Gallery of motivational images of the region

Contact “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre

Phone: 08 8724 9750 Tollfree: 1800 087 187 Fax: 08 8723 2833 Email: [email protected] www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

See page 47 for ‘Calendar of Annual Events’ or visit the online Events Calendar at www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

Don’t miss “The Lady Nelson” Discovery CentreLearn about the limestone and how it was formed from millions of shells, bones and fossils; wander through The Wetlands to see the animals that were here before we were; meet Christina Smith as she changes into a ghostly figure and tells us about working in the 1800s; walk on the exciting glass floor of The Cave Walk, make the volcano erupt in The Geology Room.

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Wildlife Park Wander through the Valley Lake crater to see indigenous species of flora and fauna in a free-range environment. With lookouts and nature walks it’s an ideal place for families to enjoy many hours of fun and discovery. Valley Lake area, city map V13

Umpherston Sinkhole Visit during the day to see the beauty of its terraced gardens, or at night to see possums venture into the floodlit sinkhole and gardens to feed. Jubilee Highway East, city map N25

The Treehouse Play CaféEnjoy a coffee or snack, while the children burn off some energy, playing, exploring and learning in our unique indoor adventure playground environment, which includes two inflatable jumping castles. Best suited for children 0 – 12 years. Catering for birthday parties. Bay Road (enter via Heriot Street) city map O16 08 8723 2045

Ten Pin Bowling Choose from a wide range of recreational activities for children of all ages. Commercial Street West, city map N14 08 8723 2442

Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre Choose from the various heated outdoor pools. Margaret Street, city map P15 08 8723 1283

Centro Mount Gambier Shopping CentreOpen 7 days a week with over 40 retailers, food court and free parking. Helen Street, city map O15 08 8725 2661

Oatmill Cinema ComplexA wide range of the latest release movies. Percy Street, city map M17 08 8724 9150

Bike RidingFree Bike Hire available from The Main Corner, The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre & The Library.

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Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre

Be sure to spend time in the two outstanding playgrounds one in the Valley Lakes Recreation Area, the other at Vansittart Park.

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BeachesSoak in the beauty of one of the many beaches within 30 minutes drive of the city.

Little Blue LakeFor the older and more adventurous, swim in the cool depths of the lake. Mount Salt Road, district map P6

CanoeTake a canoe trip along the Glenelg River where camping sites provide facilities for day visitors.

BushlandWalk to see wombats, kangaroos, emus and many species of birds. See page 36

Mount SchankTake the exhilarating walk to the top of the volcano crater, for wonderful views of the surrounding area. Follow the trail around a section of the rim to the steep track to the bottom of the crater. See Page 36. Post Office Road, district map Q9

FishingEnjoy at one of the peaceful landings along the Glenelg River or from the jetty or breakwater at Port MacDonnell. page 13

The Valley Lakes Recreation Area

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re “The Lady Nelson” Visitor CentreWhen visiting Mount Gambier, make your first stop at “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre. Our friendly staff will help you get the most out of your stay in Mount Gambier. Offering up to date information about all of the local attractions and accommodation for the Mount Gambier area.

A wide range of souvenirs and local products are on offer, featuring gourmet food products, lavender, pottery, olive oils, handmade chocolates, exclusive range of local jewellery and much more.

The Centre serves an average of 80,000 visitors annually, and provides a personalised information service on Mount Gambier and The Limestone Coast. Ask for free copies of the Mount Gambier Visitor Guide, district and regional maps. A wide range of information is provided for all South Australian and Victorian regions.

TheatretteAdmission to our Theatrette is free and you can watch a variety of locally produced films.

“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre

35 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier Phone: 08 8724 9750 Tollfree: 1800 087 187 Fax: 08 8723 2833 Email: [email protected] www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

Open 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (SA Time) Monday - Friday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays. Closed Christmas Day. Extended hours during periods of seasonal demand.

“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre is a division of The City of Mount Gambier.

The Centre serves an average of 80,000 visitors annually, and provides a personalised information service on Mount Gambier and The Limestone Coast

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discover‘the lady nelson’discovery centre

“The Lady Nelson” Discovery CentreTake a tour of “The Lady Nelson” Discovery Centre - see ancient fossils and learn about our history and geology…

The Under-Sea World Step back in time, through The Under-Sea World of fish, see the birds and animals which contributed to the making of our limestone geology 40 million years ago.

The Wetlands Wander through The Wetlands. Learn the history of aboriginal middens.

See the South East Region through the eyes of the early settlers when they first discovered and settled the district. Interact with the exhibits and share some of the experiences of the explorers and the local aboriginals. Walk through time to our country as it is today unfolding some of the mysteries of our history and geology.

Christina Smith Relax in front of the fascinating 3D Spectravision and meet Christina Smith as her ghostly figure steps down from the photograph to tell of her experiences in the 1800s.

Learn how the pastoral, forestry and tourism industries evolved. Discover some of the fascinating features and interesting characters who fashioned the Mount Gambier District of today.

“The Lady Nelson” Discovery Centre

A World of Fascination not to be Missed

Self Guided Tours from 9.00 am - 4.15 pm Mon - Fri, 10.00 am - 3.15 pm Sat - Sun (SA Time)

Prices including GST Adult $4.00Concession $2.00Family (2+4) $10.00

The Geology Room Venture into The Geology Room to see and hear the neon volcano explode. As you approach the neon volcano, it suddenly bursts into volcanic activity, rumbling and erupting with steam, smoke and lights. Learn about the fascinating geological activity of the area. Watch the video of diving in the famous Blue Lake.

HMS Lady NelsonView the full size replica HMS Lady Nelson, originally weighing 60 tons, it was designed by Captain John Schanck to map and chart shallow waters. Lieutenant James Grant, at the age of 28, was commissioned to sail HMS Lady Nelson to Sydney.

It was the first vessel to sail eastward through Bass Strait. Sailing on latitude 38o south, at 8.00am on December 3rd, 1800, the first Australian land was sighted.

The first mountain was named after Captain Schanck (Mount Schank) and the second mountain after Lord Gambier R.N. (Mount Gambier). Cape Northumberland and Cape Banks were also named. Learn about the voyage of discovery in the year 1800 and of life on this early sailing ship.

Free City Bike Hire

The Cave Walk

Walk on the exciting glass floor in The Cave Walk to see illuminated fossil rocks strewn with kangaroo and other bones to represent a typical cave floor of the area. See 40,000 year old fossils and examples of aboriginal art as featured on the walls. Look out for the “Cave Explorer”

Museums & Heritage SitesThe Gaol Built in 1866, the former Mount Gambier Gaol was operational up to 1995. Today it is available for budget accommodation with a difference. See Page 56. Margaret Street, city map P14 08 8723 0032

The Glencoe Woolshed Glencoe Station was subdivided for closer settlement in 1903. The town of Glencoe grew around the Woolshed, which has been restored to its original splendor by the National Trust. The Woolshed, built in 1863 by Leake Bros, features cathedral like arched Blackwood beams and roof timbers marked with Roman numerals. 38 blade shearers operated in the shed at any time and it was never mechanized. Main Rd, Glencoe, district map S30 08 8739 4320 (Glencoe General Store)

Mount Gambier Community RSLThe collection of Military Memorabilia, housed at the clubrooms in Sturt Street, is considered one of Australasia’s best RSL collections. It includes artifacts, items and photographs from 1815 to the Vietnam War. Sturt Street, city map 016 08 8725 8181

Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum A small museum with a large display covering 30 ships that were wrecked on the coast. View a collection of maritime artifacts and discover the early history of Port MacDonnell and information on the current local fishing industry. Charles Street, Port MacDonnell, district map Y7 08 8738 7259

Nangwarry Forestry & Logging Museum The Museum presents the history of forestry through the ages. Riddoch Hwy, Nangwarry, district map Q32 0422 958 005

Dingley Dell, Adam Lindsay Gordon’s Cottage Home of Adam Lindsay Gordon from 1864-67. See some of the works and personal effects of Adam Lindsay Gordon, Australia’s first poet and horseman extraordinaire. Take a short walk through Dingley Dell Conservation Park to see an abundance of wildlife. Dingley Dell Road, district map Y7 08 8738 2221

Feast’s Private Classic Car Collection & MemorabiliaTake a walk down memory lane. Open when signs are out or phone for viewing. Lower Nelson Road, Port MacDonnell 0429 368 342

National Trust Old Court House A limestone and dolomite building with original courtroom furniture. Take time out and sit in the jury box, view the judge’s chambers and inspect the cells. This fascinating 1865 Court House incorporates local history, past law records and photographic representations of past events. Mock Trials are available by appointment only and are popular with coach and school groups. Bay Road, city map Q15 08 8725 7011

Admella Discovery TrailA heritage and nature based touring route of 130 kms, in and around Mount Gambier. The trail passes through Robe, Beachport, Millicent, Carpenter Rocks, Port MacDonnell, Mount Gambier, Nelson and Portland. It follows 21 maritime themed interpretive trail markers which emotively recount the tale of the Wreck of The Admella. Ask at Visitor Information Centers for a full map of the Trail.

Antiques & CollectablesBlue Lake Furniture Buying and selling second hand furniture, household goods, collectables and knick knacks. Elizabeth Street, city map N15 08 8723 6181

Cash City Clearance CentreBuys and sells second hand collectables and an assortment of furniture and household goods. Commercial St East, city map N17 08 8724 7673

Charlicks BazaarLocated in an old galvanized iron warehouse on the old railway station site. Charm awaits those who enter, with a stunning array of antiques, collectables, rustic and secondhand furniture. Front and rear access available. 6 Margaret Street, city map P15 08 8723 9704

Goods and Chattels Antiques, bric-a-brac and furniture, collectables, china, glassware, ornaments, books, records, CD’s, are bought and sold. Crouch Street, city map P18 08 8725 9765

Nell’s CollectablesSelling small furniture, antique and unusual collectables. 6/68 Gray Street, city map N15 08 8723 5255

Pioneer Country FurnitureSelling antiques and second hand furniture, reproduction brass handles, bric a brac, specialising in custom made furniture using a variety of solid timbers. Allan Drive city map N7 08 8723 6340

Take in the beauty of Mount Gambier’s Heritage Buildings constructed from local limestone and the unique pink to orange dolomite which is cut from local quarries. Stroll around the Old Town Hall precinct, with its old world charm and the re-developed modern City Hall which overlooks the Cave Gardens.

Town Hall

CemeteriesThe Lake Terrace CemeteryThe Lake Terrace Cemetery provides the history of some of the early settlers and a cross section of the community who have been interred since 1868. The historical wrought iron gates of the cemetery were erected in 1884 and the Gothic style Sexton’s Cottage was built in 1904. City map S18

Pioneer ParkThe site of Mount Gambier’s first official cemetery which was used for interments from 1854 to 1913. City map U17

Lutheran Cemetery, Meischel ParkA plaque acknowledges the 76 burials between 1864-1907. Some original headstones from this site have been relocated to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church grounds. City map Q18

Mount Gambier Gaol The site of the three unmarked graves of murderers. City map P14

Carinya Gardens Cemetery and CrematoriumSet in approximately 7ha of gardens, has been used since 1966. City map W8

Further information on burials can be obtained from the Mount Gambier Public Library and “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre.

A free comprehensive guide to the historical sites of Mount Gambier is available from “The Lady Nelson”.

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Heritage Walks & DrivesChurch Hill Walk Includes Mount Gambier’s earliest places of worship and many historic buildings.

Templar Terrace Walk Covers a triangular section of the city encompassing the area between Bay Road, Lake Terrace West and O’Halloran Terrace. Highlights include the Helpmann Home, the birthplace of Sir Robert Helpmann and also the Old and New Courthouses.

City Centre Heritage Walk Takes you through the city centre and its historic buildings, a brochure is available. Information and images are located on red gum bollards at the front of each building.

Vansittart Park Walk Includes Mia Mia the home of Dr Wehl, one of the town’s first public schools, some commercial buildings including the first Commercial Bank of South Australia.

North & South Drive Covers a more extensive area than the walks, for those wanting to drive the historical areas.

An information booklet or a map of these walks is available for purchase from “The Lady Nelson”.

For local or family history research and cemetery enquiries contact: Mount Gambier History Group Inc PO Box 252, Mount Gambier 5290

Christina Smith’s book “The Booandik Tribe of South Australian Aborigines” has been copied and is also available for sale. page 17

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol was opened on April 4th 1866 and continued operating until 1995. It was built from pink and grey Dolomite brought in by bullock wagon from Tantanoola.

Arts, Crafts, Galleries & SouvenirsThe Riddoch Art GalleryAccessed via the Main Corner, the Gallery is located in what was once the Kings Theatre. The Gallery incorporates three exhibition spaces, and is one of the state’s finest regional public galleries.

Offering a broad range of art works and national touring exhibitions, the Riddoch houses a permanent collection of 19th and 20th Century paintings, sculptures, Aboriginal Art from Central Australia as well as a research library. Free Admission. Commercial St East, city map N16 08 8723 9566

Little Goat GalleryLittle Goat Gallery is an exhibition and studio space that provides an innovative platform for contemporary art. Artwork from both local and interstate artists. Hosts art classes for small groups. Place to find a unique gift. 50 Sturt Street, city map 018 0422 846 698

Echo FarmPioneer Farm offering insight into agriculture and ordinary farm life in Australia from1900-1950, items for sale include traditional toys, personal care products, kitchen linen, confectionary, leather products, stationery, heritage items, mostly Australian made. Lot 899 Tollner Road, city map N1 08 8725 1482

Cold Store Country GalleryFrom apple shed to local art hang, Blue Water Wine and sparkling apple ciders: tasting available, special events, function centre. Clarke Road O.B. Flat, district map N12 08 8726 8302

The Jolly Swagman Souvenirs & Sporting MemorabiliaA range of pottery made by local artist Trevor Pitt. Select from a wide range of souvenirs and AFL licensed merchandise. 7 Commercial Street East, city map N16 08 8725 0751

Blue Lake Print Gallery Extensive range of photographic prints and souvenirs by local photographer Kelvin Ruge, featuring the Limestone Coast and surrounding areas. Personalised souvenirs and gifts using your own photo or choose one of ours. Commercial St West, city map N14 08 8725 9198

Umpherston Tours and SouvenirsGuided tours of the sinkhole are available, souvenirs and refreshments available, enquire at the kiosk. Jubilee Highway East, city map N26 0439 432 653

MarketsMount Gambier Rotary Community Market Home baked cakes, fruit and vegetables, potted plants, freshly cut flowers, hand crafted local products, clothing, bric-a-brac, canteen and BBQ. Operated every Saturday by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier. Ample parking. Free entry. Jubilee Highway East, city map M22 0403 410 527

Molony’s Market and Arts CentreVariety of stalls including locally produced crafts, woodwork, lead lighting, painting, toys, plants, local produce, fish, clothing and garden ornaments. Hot and cold food available. Open Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, parking available at rear via hotel car park. 155 Commercial Street West, city map N13 0438 800 475

Limestone Coast Food Group Farmers MarketProduce direct from growers and makers of food in the Limestone Coast Region. Organic fruit, vegetables, juices, herbs, honey, cake, bread, chocolates, native bush foods, seafood, meats, preserves and coffee. BBQ and tasting available. Free admission and parking. Market held at various locations within Limestone Coast Region 08 8766 0028

Nangula MarketHeld on the 2nd Sunday morning of every month from February to December. Stalls selling craft, clothes, vegetables, bric-a-brac and home cooked fares. Light luncheon available. Princes Highway, regional map R28 08 8724 7332

arts Shopping is easy in Mount Gambier

with most major outlets in easy walking distance of the city centre. Parking is free; take the time to explore the many antique shops, galleries and markets plus numerous speciality shops, major retailers and supermarkets. Late night shopping is available Thursday evenings, and many of the major retailers are open extended hours seven days a week.

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Premium grapes have been grown in the region for more than a century.

See pages 52 - 55 for the wide selection of eating houses in Mount Gambier & District.

1. Yoey’s Traditional Fine FoodsSpecialising in gift baskets offering a full range of Australian and imported cheeses, gourmet foods, chocolates, confectionary and local produce, cheese available for tasting. James Street, city map N14 08 8725 7710

2. The Old Apple Farm Blue Water Wines An extensive range of boutique cool climate red and white wine. Nestled amongst vines and apple orchard. The cellar doors offers wine, cheeses and local coffee. An onsite gallery offers local art works, imported jewellery and antiques. 77 Clarke Road, district map N1108 8726 8302

3. Caroline Hills VineyardBoutique vineyard establishing a reputation for excellent Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Vineyard and winery open by appointment. Cellar door sales. Norman Road, district map 014 08 8725 8857

4. Whispehring Vines Wine Sales OutletPurchase cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon directly from the grower. Open by appointment. Childs Road, district map N9 08 8726 8008

5. Haig VineyardsOpen for cellar door sales, producing Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and early and late harvest Chardonnay, all grown on the rich soil surrounding the extinct volcanic crater of Mount Gambier. Square Mile Rd, district map K11 08 8725 5414

6. Bimbimbi CherriesVisit during the cherry season for cherries, home made jams and sauces. See first hand the growing, picking and grading operations. Open mid December to mid January. Glencoe, regional map R31 08 8739 4066

7. Herbert VineyardMini winery with cellar door sales overlooking a hedge maze. Appointments for wine sales welcome. Bishop Rd, district map G12 0458 849 090

Succulent seafood, fresh herbs, meat and game, fruit, berries, boutique cheeses, indigenous spices there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes, our rich, fertile volcanic soil provides food rich in intensity and flavour. Fine dining to casual eateries, gourmet food shops and markets with local homemade goodies you’ll find it all in Mount Gambier.

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Cave Garden Early pioneers settled around this area to access the ample supply of fresh water. Today it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is most famous for its roses. Picnic and toilet facilities are provided. The sculptures in the park, “Performance”, were created by Max Lyle. Watson Tce, city map N16

Aberfoyle Garden 2 ha of spacious lawns, rose arbours, 700 roses, a variety of shrubs, annual bulbs, perennials, water features, plant nursery, old tool collection, weddings, groups and coaches welcome. School Road, Kongorong, district map P2 08 8738 9269

Laughton Park Gardens and Tearooms 1.5 ha of garden and water features, enjoy a Devonshire tea in the large secluded tea rooms with views of the lake. Enquiries for groups, weddings and coaches most welcome.

A Brim Brim Road, Yahl, district map M12 08 8725 0479

Clarke Park The small sheltered public enjoyment area is situated on the outskirts of Port MacDonnell, it is one of the entrances into the Germein Reserve, and makes an ideal place for picnics. Here, the underground water bubbles up as a natural spring. Toilet facilities and wood BBQ’s provided. Springs Road, Port MacDonnell, district map Y6 08 8738 2380

Lions ParkProvides the other entrance to Germein Reserve. An ideal place for picnics with BBQ facilities and Liberty swing. A Springs Road, Port MacDonnell, district map Y6 08 8738 2380

Germein Reserve See native flora and birdlife whilst strolling on the boardwalk, just a short drive from Port MacDonnell, entrance via Clarke Park or Lions Park. Springs Road, Port MacDonnell, district map Y6 08 8738 2380

Waterfall Gardens Nestled beside the bank of the Glenelg River, half an hour drive from Mount Gambier, the three tiered gardens combine natural spring fed spillways and waterfalls cascading through a fern gully of tree ferns, stags, elks and native orchids. Wanwin Road, Dartmoor, regional map U34 03 5528 1253

Rosebrook Gardens Features English and native trees set in 3 acre garden with ponds and roses. Morning and afternoon tea available, and produce for sale. Antiques, old furniture and china available. Millicent Road, Compton, district map E7 08 8739 9336

Vansittart Park Beautifully manicured gardens, bowling green, sports arena and large playground with sheltered areas, popular with families. The memorial, erected in the centre of the gardens, was unveiled in October 1922 to commemorate those men from the district who died in the Great War.

The gates at the entrance were erected in May 1959 as a memorial to the fallen of the Second World War. A garden for the blind and a biblical garden are recent additions. In 1991 a new rotunda was completed to house the Krupp field gun which was captured during the Great War. The Federation Arch at the entry of Vansittart Park Oval draws its inspiration from a similar arch that spanned the main intersection in the city in 1936. Wehl St North, city map M13

Conboy’s NurseriesStocking a wide range of popular indoor and outdoor plants, specialising in roses, fruit trees, pots, water features and outdoor living. Open 7 days. Princes Highway, district map K3 08 8725 3301

Gardenarium & The Pot ShopSpecialising in perennials, cottage plants, topiary and self grown roses. Wander through the roses in spring and summer or choose from a wide range of pots, water and garden features. Bay Road/cnr Florence Street, district map K11 08 8723 1325

Plants on SturtRelax over coffee and cake or browse through the range of pots, plants, water features, giftware and unique statuary Open 7 days. Sturt Street, city map O17 08 8725 2236

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gardentsIn 1884 James Umpherston set out to create “a pleasant resort in the heat of summer” by constructing terraces, rock walkways and planting ferns, shrubs and trees. There was a lake in the bottom on which a small hut was constructed.

Umpherston Sinkholeparks and gardensReferred to as “the sunken garden”, it was originally beautified in 1886 by James Umpherston. Today it is one of Mount Gambier’s most popular attractions. In daylight, the beauty of its landscaped gardens can be enjoyed, at night, the floodlit gardens turn into a natural noctarium as possums descend from the cave wall to feed. A popular spot for family BBQs and picnics with its covered shelter and display of early logging transport. The limestone sculpture was inspired by the geological processes that have created the sinkholes in the region. Jubilee Hwy East, city map N25.

page 21Umpherston Sinkhole

Bike Trackcommences

Walk 1Blue Lake Circuit

Walk 2Mountain Trail

Walk 3Leg of Mutton Lake walk

Walk 4Rook Walk & Pepperpot trail

Walk 5Wildlife Park & Boardwalk

Blue Gum Trail

Mountain Bike Track (one way)

Walk 1 - Blue Lake circuitA 3.6 km walk around the circumference of the Blue Lake. Toilets are available at the Blue Lake Reception Centre.

Start at the Pioneer Memorial parking area to the right of Bay Road. Walk in a clockwise direction, past the entrance to Aquifer Tours, up the track to Apex Lookout for views of the lake.

Left is the broadcasting studio of WIN Television.

Further along the path dips closely towards the fence with views of The Tower and The Pumping Station.

On the left the is P.J. Browne Reserve, then on to the Rotary Lookout, Mount Schank can be seen to the south.

1 Adam Lindsay Gordon Lookout2 Blue Lake Lookout3 Rook Walk Lookout4 Stephen Henty Lookout5 Apex Lookout6 Rotary Lookout7 Cactus Garden Lookout8 Leg of Mutton Lake Lookout

Lookout legend:9 Hoo Hoo Lookout10 Rotary Clubs Lookout11 RSL Lookout12 Centenary Tower Lookout13 Lions Lookout14 Marks Lookout

Walk 2 - Mountain TrailBegin this 4.2 km walk at Mark’s Lookout Car Park. Start in an anti-clockwise direction along the trail between the Valley and Leg of Mutton Lake Crater, viewing both craters from The Saddle, then past the car park and “Old Hospital” providing spectacular views of The Valley Lake and the City.

Potter’s Point, the lookout built by Mount Gambier’s three Rotary Clubs and the City Council, marks the centenary of Rotary International in 2006. An optional walk leads to the RSL Lookout.

Continue along the exposed ridge called the Sugarloaf overlooking the city.

At the fork, choose between The Blue Gum Trail, the easier walk to the right or The Mountain Trail which continues up to Centenary Tower. Continue to the car park and Lions Lookout and Devil’s

Centenary Tower is 190m above sea level, 170m above the Blue Lake, 85m above the car park, and 150m above Commercial Street.

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Continue to the Cactus Garden near the car park, a viewing area is provided with wheelchair access.

Past the roundabout is the Adam Lindsay Gordon Monument, marking the place where Gordon leapt on horseback, over an old guard fence onto a narrow ledge on the side of the Blue Lake.

Walk down the steps near the tunnel under the road for a different view of the lake and the dolomite Pumping Station or through the tunnel to The Leg of Mutton Lake Lookout.

Do not cross the road, but rejoin the walk via the tunnel closest to the lake to appreciate the significance of Rook Wall which was constructed in one day by 800 men in 1918.

Punch Bowl, one of several blowholes in the area, back to the start of the walk.

Walk 3 - Leg of Mutton Lake walkStart this 1.6 km walk at the car park near the tunnel under the road. Walk down the access road to the lake past the area once used as a tree nursery.

Follow the track around the circumference of the now dry lake bed. It was nearly dry in 1859, but levels rose again and the lake regained the leg of mutton shape from which it has been named.

Rejoin the access road to return to the car park.

Bike Trackcommences

Walk 1Blue Lake Circuit

Walk 2Mountain Trail

Walk 3Leg of Mutton Lake walk

Walk 4Rook Walk & Pepperpot trail

Walk 5Wildlife Park & Boardwalk

Blue Gum Trail

Mountain Bike Track (one way)

Walk 4 - Rook walk/Pepperpot trail - 1.7 kmStart the 1.7 km walk at the car park near the tunnel under the road. Up the steps to the stone “rest house” then continue up the steps behind the Rook Walk, past the surge tank and The Stephen Henty Lookout on to the Hoo Hoo Lookout.

Follow the markers past the car park, around the eastern side of the ground tank and down the hill towards Keegan Drive.

Walking parallel to Keegan Drive, cross the lawns to meet the road at the water tower then follow the direction markers through the park, down onto the track to the lowest point of The Saddle. Continue along the top of The Saddle to Mark’s Lookout, The Leg of Mutton Lookout, returning back to the start.

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Other Short WalksThere are many short walks in the area including:

Valley Lake Walk Blue Gum Walk The Oaks Walk

For further information on all walks including a comprehensive guide to all interest points, the flora, fauna and history, a booklet has been produced by The Mount Gambier History Group.

Walk 5 - The wildlife park & boardwalk - 1.2 kmBegin the 1.2 km walk at the boat ramp at the edge of the Valley Lake, enter the Wildlife Park through the main gates.

Follow the track to the left which leads onto the boardwalk over the lake surface. Water birds and animals can be seen at various times of the year.

Walk back into the heart of the park. Take the track to the left for views from higher ground or to the right which leads up into the bushland area. Walk quietly in this area as many animals including Koalas may be present. Birdlife can be seen from the raised boardwalk which provides a closer look at the bushland canopy and views over the park. Follow this track down the hill, over the swamp back to the start of the walk.

The final volcanic activity in the Mount Gambier area were steam ejections from Blow Holes. The Devil’s Punchbowl is the most notable and perfectly shaped example.

Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park Situated within a dolomite cliff of what was believed to be ancient coastline. The walking trail up and along the cliff face provides excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The cave situated in this park was thought to be “opened up” by the constant pounding of the shallow seas. Continuing dissolution has resulted in this beautiful highly decorated chamber which is open daily.

Entry into forest areas is prohibited on days of total fire ban

Penola Conservation Park Discover and enjoy the diversity which provides a natural refuge all year round. Walk to the winter swampland where birds and frogs are prolific. In spring, see honeyeaters flock to wildflowers and echidnas shuffling under the low vegetation. In summer, large red gums provide welcome shade, and in autumn, parrots can be seen feeding.

Bool Lagoon Game Reserve Open at all times. Walk along Tea-Tree Boardwalk to the heart of the lagoon where, during the breeding season, ibis, spoonbills and other birds can be observed from the bird hides with the use of binoculars. Walk to the inlet channel or across the boardwalk to Hack’s Island. The Lagoon has traditionally been a Game Reserve.

Naracoorte Caves National Park - World Heritage Area Naracoorte Caves National Park is situated on an ancient coastline, over 100 kms inland from the present day coast. The park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994, recognising the universal value of the incredible fossil deposits found in the caves. BBQ and picnic facilities, a café and camp ground complement the tours that offer something of interest to everyone.

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Alexandra Cave/Wet CaveEnjoy the guided tour in the beautifully decorated Alexandra Cave and the self guided tour through Wet Cave.

Victoria Fossil CaveView the remains of marsupials and other long extinct animals at the largest deposit of fossils yet found in this World Heritage Site.

Bat Cave/Blanche Cave Discover the amazing lives of Bent Winged Bats by visiting the Bat Cave Teleview Centre and Blanche Cave. In summer, take a night tour to witness 35,000 bats exit the cave to feed on insects.

Wonambi Fossil Centre/Wet Cave walk at your leisure through a simulated forest of a bygone era to experience animals that we have learnt about through their fossil remains. Then, enjoy the solitude of a self guided walk through Wet Cave.

Adventure ToursEnjoy the excitement of the wild cave experience by donning overalls and hard hat to explore, squeeze and crawl – minimum 4 persons required for these tours.

Other Parks And ReservesThere are many Parks and Reserves in the Mount Gambier area, some providing walking trails, picnic spots and BBQ and toilet facilities.

The location of Mount Gambier means that many National Parks on both sides of the South Australian and Victorian border are only an hours drive from the city. Some of the smaller parks preserve particular flora and fauna species. Others have been designated for the protection of the natural environment whilst offering visitor use and enjoyment.

Inland Parks & Reserves

Naracoorte Caves National Park

Discovery Bay Coastal Park Known for its lakes, dune areas and long sandy beaches. Vehicle access is provided at several points - driving on the dunes and beach is prohibited. The full length of the park is included in the Great South West Walk. See page 37. Camping areas are provided. See page 59.

Mt Richmond National Park Features spectacular coastal views from the lookout tower and with its walking tracks, picnic and barbecue sites is a place to enjoy the natural surroundings or abundant wildlife and spring wildflowers.

Cape Nelson Coastal Park Enjoy many walks, Petrified Forest, Blowhole and Cape Nelson Lighthouse.

Cape BridgewaterOnce a volcanic island, is renowned for its wide sandy beach and the scenic boat tour or walk to the seal colony that inhabits the remnant lava tubes in the now coastal cliff.

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Lower Glenelg National Park Stretches from the mouth of the Glenelg River inland, encompassing 27,000 ha of bushland and winding river flanked by spectacular limestone cliffs. Princess Margaret Rose Cave is set in natural bushland with walking trails to the river and cliff edge with breathtaking views over the river gorge. Tours of the cave to see the delicate formations through multiple chambers are offered daily. The river area provides opportunities for a wide range of activities. See cruises page 46, canoeing, boating, fishing page 44.

From the Victorian Border to Cape Bridgewater there are several major National Parks and Reserves offering a range of experiences from walking, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, canoeing and river cruises.

Coastal Parks & ReservesFrom the Victorian Border to The Coorong north of Kingston, large areas of the fragile coastal environment are protected as National Parks and Reserves.

All host an abundance of wildlife including endangered species of migratory birds such as the Orange-bellied parrot and Hooded Plover. Many contain “middens”, formed over thousands of years when local Aboriginal people feasted on shellfish.

It is an offence to drive a vehicle off the marked tracks, as the small shrubby vegetation is very fragile and easily destroyed by off-road vehicles. If damaged, sands begin to drift, eventually creating stabilisation difficulties, allowing strong winds to erode large swales in the dune system.

Driving on beaches should be undertaken with caution and with tyres deflated. It is unwise to venture into these areas without an accompanying vehicle to help out in case the vehicle gets bogged in the soft sand of the dunes or beach.

Between Port MacDonnell and the Victorian Border, there are numerous places where the underground water emerges to the surface making its way to the ocean via ponds, springs, creeks or bubbling up through the sand on the beach or at low water level mark.

Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park The crystal clear water makes its way to the surface after filtering slowly underground through the limestone. A world renowned cave diving site, but due to safety aspects associated with cave diving, permits are available to certified cave divers only. See page 34 for further information.

Ewens Ponds Conservation Park A small bushland park and the three ponds which feed Eight Mile Creek. Snorkel or dive the underwater gardens to explore the fascinating natural springs which bubble up through the limestone at the bottom of the ponds. Follow the water flow through the creek to the ocean – water levels permitting. Check snorkel and dive regulations. See page 34

Canunda National Park. The 62 kms length of the park, from just North of Carpenter Rocks through to Southend is accessible ‘only by 4WD’ vehicles and is at times, impassable. Always check the condition of the beach and park restrictions, and follow guidelines as recommended for driving on coastal dunes and beach terrain. 2WD access is provided via Millicent and Southend for camping, fishing and walking. See page 59 for camping areas.

page 25

Formed millions of years ago under the ocean, the limestone is made up of fossils and corals and extends from the Bordertown area down to the coast at Port MacDonnell, where it is more than 300 metres thick.

Rainfall soaks down through the surface into the limestone which acts like a huge sponge. Called the unconfined aquifer, the water finally discharges out to sea at various points along the coast between Port MacDonnell and the Victorian border.

This abundance of ‘groundwater’ contributes greatly to the beauty of the city’s parks and gardens and to the rural sector.

The lushness of the Mount Gambier area is not only due to its annual rainfall. Its life blood is the abundance of underground water which lies in the wedge shaped block of limestone beneath the earth’s surface.

NORTHNaracoorte Caves

Coonawarra

Black Clay

Engelbrecht CaveBlueLake

Catchment for Mount Gambier

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Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake, Little Blue Lake, Ewens Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds are just a few of the locations which provide a “window” into this underground water system.

Creeks from both Ewens Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds carry millions of litres of water per hour to the ocean. Just down the beach from Piccaninnie Ponds, fresh water can be seen bubbling up through the sandy beach.

The abundance of water in the Mount Gambier area supports a wonderful array of food, wine production and natural experiences. Rural industries draw underground water from bores sunk at various depths into the limestone creating not only a richness of colour but also significant economic value to the region.

page 26

Limestone is an important product to industry. It is a major building stone for domestic and industrial buildings and is used extensively for road construction. Other significant uses include agricultural lime, glass and fibreglass, sculpture and calcium based products such as tablets, toothpaste and talcum powder.

Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake, situated in a volcanic crater, exposes the crystal clear water that has filtered underground as it passes slowly under the city through the limestone. Each year in November the lake starts its colour change from winter steel blue to brilliant turquoise blue, before returning to its winter hue in March. See page 7

Information and graphics developed in consultation with Jeff Lawson, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.

‘Gambier Stone’ as the Limestone is called, is very porous. This is why water can seep so readily into the Blue Lake. The stone is light and easy to cut, and is used as a popular building material.

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500 years from Blue Lake to the ocean

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estone coast geologyBlocks of Limestone used for building are called ashlars, and are equivalent in area to 10 standard bricks. About 100 can be laid a day.

Limestone Quarry

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Umpherston Sinkhole was originally a cave formed by the dissolution of the limestone. The sinkhole was formed when the top of the cave fell to the cave floor creating terraces and the perfect environment for its beautiful sunken garden. At dusk, the cave comes to life when possums come out to feed in the floodlit gardens. See pages 4 & 21

Surrounded by a beautiful rose garden, the Cave Garden was the original water supply for early settlers in Mount Gambier. Viewing platforms suspended above the cave provide awesome views of the limestone cave which directs storm water run-off from the streets down under the city into the underground water system. See pages 4 & 18

The limestone beneath the surface is also gradually dissolving, forming cavities, some reported by cave divers to be as large as the MCG. Others run horizontally, following fault lines which have been created over millions of years. The most complex of these is Tank Cave. With 7kms of water filled caverns and only one entrance, it is a cave that only the most experienced divers dare to explore.

Little Blue Lake, just 15 minutes drive south of Mount Gambier, was once a cave. Now that the top has collapsed to the bottom of the cave, the crystal clear water of this sinkhole is exposed, providing a popular but cool swimming hole for the experienced swimmer.

Underground water from this same system emerges from the bottom of Ewens Ponds, bubbling upwards then flowing through the three ponds, down Eight Mile Creek to the ocean, providing a popular snorkel and diving site. See page 25 & 34

The rich history of Mount Gambier has been captured in the beautiful architecture of the city, much of which has been created from the natural limestone and dolomite rock found in the region. Gambier Limestone, as it is known, has become popular again today, particularly for the rough-cut quoins used in the building of older Victorian style homes. The open quarries from where the blocks or ashlars are cut, can be seen by driving 20 minutes south west of Mount Gambier.

Masses of exposed limestone can also be seen in the area near Little Blue Lake. Known as Karst, this exposed limestone is gradually being selectively dissolved to produce indentations in the surface.

Piccaninnie Ponds, a 110 metre deep water-filled limestone cave, can be snorkelled and dived to 36.5m under permit. See page 25 & 34.

Mount Schank was formed when volcanic pressure exploded from deep within a limestone joint. A walk to the summit of the extinct crater at 158 metres above sea level provides wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. See page 34

The beautiful Glenelg River exposes white limestone cliffs as it meanders through the Lower Glenelg National Park. River cruises regularly depart from Nelson, situated just over the Victorian Border. Take the time to discover the wonders of the natural limestone cave formations in Princess Margaret Rose Cave or the natural beauty of the walking trail leading to spectacular views of the Glenelg River Gorge.

Engelbrecht Cave A huge complex of limestone caves under the city of Mount Gambier, offers tours into two of the chambers where cave divers enter the water to dive under the city. View the underground water as it slowly filters through to the Blue Lake, on to sinkholes south of Mount Gambier then out to the ocean.

There are approximately 24,000 hectares of volcanic influenced soil within a 30km radius of Mount Gambier.

geologylim

estone coast geology

Tantanoola Cave has been formed in the cliff face of what was an ancient coastline. Through possible volcanic influence the limestone has changed to dolomite, a unique feature of this cave, which displays a spectacular array of decorations in its large single chamber.

Little more than an hour to the north of Mount Gambier is Naracoorte Caves. The 307 ha Park is World Heritage listed and contains numerous fossil deposits. Many caves along the ridge have had openings that have acted as pitfall traps, preserving a fascinating record of animal life over the last 500,000 years.

Along the extent of coastline from Kingston to the Victorian border the scenic splendour of the rough weathered limestone cliffs contrasts with smooth white sandy beaches. Much of the coastline is accessible via the 4WD tracks of the coastal parks which offer bush camping with basic facilities.

CoonawarraJust 35 minutes north of Mount Gambier is Coonawarra. Here the prized terra rossa soil, free draining limestone and an abundance of underground water combine to provide optimal growing conditions for vignerons. The world famous Coonawarra Wines are produced within a 12 km strip. Around 20 wineries are open for cellar door sales along Riddoch Highway, offering a wide selection for the wine connoisseur.

Scientists regard our ancient limestone coasts as the world’s best example of a sequence of ice ages.

page 29

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Blue Lake

Valley LakeLeg of

Mutton Lake

Commercial Street West Commercial Street East

Helen Street

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North Terrace North Terrace

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Hastings CunninghamReserve

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Blue Lake Golf Club

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Cemetery

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Dimjalla Park

Mount Gambier Golf Club

Corriedale Park

A.F Sutton Reserve & Skate Park

Pinehall Ave Bishop Road

To Adelaide (via Penola, Coonawarra, Naracoorte, Padthaway)

A66

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A1

To Port MacDonnell

B66

To Adelaide (via Millicent, Beachport, Robe, Kingston)B1

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To Kongorong, Carpenter Rocks, Blackfellows Cave

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John Watson Drive

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Grant Avenue

Umpherston Sinkhole

HOSPITAL

Frew ParkEngelbrecht

Cave

Cave Garden

Carinya Gardens Cemetery

N

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200 metres

Playground

Wildlife Park

Playground

Main Attractions1 “The Lady Nelson” Visitor

& Discovery Centre L182 Blue Lake V173 Centenary Tower V114 Aquifer Tours U175 Valley Lake U146 Browne’s Lake U127 Wildlife Park & Boardwalk V148 The Leg of Mutton Lake U159 Umpherston Sinkhole N2510 Cave Garden N1611 Engelbrecht Cave L1212 The Main Corner N16

Places of Interest (city)13 A.F Sutton Reserve & Skate Park G1114 Aquatic Centre (heated outdoor) Q1515 Blue Lake Golf Links Y1116 Blue Lake Print Gallery N1517 Centro Shopping Centre O1518 Civic Centre & Public Library O1619 Dimjalla Park & Skate Park M2620 Gambier City Bowl (Ten Pin) N1522 Jolly Swagman Souvenirs and Gifts N1623 Molony’s Market & Arts Centre N1324 Mount Gambier Golf Club C2425 Mount Gambier Rotary Community Market M2226 Mount Gambier RSL Collection of Military Memorabilia O1627 National Trust Old Courthouse Old Courthouse Gallery Law and Heritage Centre Q1628 Oatmill Cinema M1712 The Main Corner N1629 Umpherston Tourist Souvenirs N2530 Potters Point S1212 Riddoch Art Gallery N1631 Sextons Cottage S1918 Sir Robert Helpman Theatre O1632 Treehouse Play Café O1633 Vansittart Park Jubilee Gardens M1334 Wehl Street Theatre O14

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Valley LakeLeg of Mutton

Lake

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O’Halloran Te

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Shepherdson Road

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Lake Terrace

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Dimjalla Park

Mount Gambier Golf Club

Corriedale Park

A.F Sutton Reserve & Skate Park

Pinehall Ave Bishop Road


A66

To Melbourne (via Casterton or Dartmoor)

A1

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B66

To Adelaide (via Millicent, Beachport, Robe, Kingston)B1

To Melbourne (via Nelson, Portland, Warrnambool)

To Kongorong, Carpenter Rocks, Blackfellows Cave

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Umpherston Sinkhole

HOSPITAL

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N

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200 metres

Playground

Wildlife Park

Playground

Accommodation Attractions

Services (city)35 Ambulance Station L1636 Department of Environment O1537 Fire Station (Ph 8725 0634) O1838 Hawkins Medical Clinic O1739 Hospital (Ph 8721 1200) C1440 Mount Gambier Courthouse Q1641 Police Station (Ph 8735 1020) P1642 Post Office - Mount Gambier O1443 Post Office - Mount Gambier East N2144 Post Office - Mount Gambier West N1118 Public Library O16

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A66

To Melbourne (via Dartmoor) A1

To Melbourne (via Casterton)Glenelg Hwy

B160

To Adelaide (via Millicent, BeachportRobe, Kingston)

B1

MOUNT GAMBIER

ALLENDALE EAST

PORT MACDONNELL

KONGORONG

DONOVANS

Telfords Scrub Conservation Park

Hells Hole NativeForest Reserve

Caroline SinkholeDry Creek Native

Forest Reserve

To Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Picaninnie PondsConservation Park

NELSON

Lower Glenelg National Park

DouglasPoint

UmpherstonBay

CAPE DOUGLAS

Middle Point

Cape Northumberland

FingerPoint

Blanche Bay

MacDonnell Bay

FrenchPoint

RacecourseBay

StonyPoint

RiddochBay Danger Point

BrownBay

SOUTHAUSTRALIA VICTORIA

PenambolConservation Park

Ewans PondsConservation Park

Dingley Dell Conservation Park

Douglas PointConservation Park

Mount SchankCrown Land

MOUNTSCHANK

OB FLAT

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MIL LEL

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To Melbourne

via Portland & Warrnambool

To Carpenter Rocks

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Tillers Road

Spain RdWalker Rd

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HEYWOOD

CAPE BRIDGEWATER PORTLAND

WINNAP

DARTMOOR

NELSON

RENNICK

DONOVANSALLENDALE EAST

PORT MACDONNELL

NENE VALLEY

KONGORONG

BLACKFELLOWS CAVECARPENTER ROCKS

MOUNT GAMBIER

CASTERTON

DERGHOLMPENOLA

COONAWARRA

NANGWARRY

TARPEENA

KALANGADOOMOUNT BURR

GLENCOE

TANTANOOLA

MILLICENT

SOUTHENDRENDELSHAM

HATHERLEIGH

KANGAROO INN

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ROBE

CAPE JAFFA

KINGSTON SE

LUCINDALENARACOORTE

KYBYBOLITE

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LANGKOOP

EDENHOPE

FRANCES

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MUNDULLA

PADTHAWAY

WILLALOOKA

BORDERTOWN

KEITH

SALT CREEK


BEACHPORT


Discovery Bay National Park

Glenelg River

Lake Mundi

Tooloy - Lake MundiState Nature Reserve

Telford SwampConservation Park

Lake Edward

Lake Leake

LakeBonney

Canunda National Park

PenolaConservation Park

Mary SeymourConservation Park

Big HeathConservation Park

BoolLagoon

Bool LagoonGame Reserve

Glen RoyConservation Park

Naracoorte CavesNational Park

Lake Wallace

Little DesertNational Park


BanghamConservation

ParkPadthaway

Conservation Park

Mt. ScottConservation

Park

Jip JipConservation

Park

Desert CampConservation

Park

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Gum LagoonConservation

Park PoocherGame Reserve

Coorong National Park

The Coorong Martins WashpoolConservation Park

MessentConservation Park

Mt. MonsterConservation

Park

BernouilliConservation

Park

Butchers GapConservation

Park

Guichen BayConservation

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Little DipConservation

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North

LakeHawdon

SouthLakeEliza

LakeSt. Clair

LakeGeorge

BeachportConservation

Park

Bucks LakeGame Reserve

Nene Valley Conservation Park

Glenelg River

Glenelg River

Crawford River

Mount Salt Rd

McLeans Rd

Clarke Rd

Tantanoola Caves

Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Carpenter Rocks Road

Mount Salt Rd

Glenburnie Racecourse

Sea Coast Hill Rd

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MOUNT GAMBIERAIRPORT

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Places of Interest (district)1 Aberfoyle Gardens P22 Dingley Dell

Conservation Park X63 The Old Apple Farm

Blue Water Wines N114 Beachport Conservation

Park P265 Bicentenary Tower Y56 Bool Lagoon Reserve L317 Butchers Gap

Conservation Park J25

8 Canunda National Park R279 Cape Jaffa J2410 Cape Northumberland Lighthouse Z511 Caroline Sinkhole S1512 Coorong National Park A24 & E2513 Discovery Bay Coastal Park W3314 Dry Creek Native Forest Reserve U1715 Ewens Ponds W1116 Gouldens Sinkhole R617 Haig Vineyard L11

18 Herbert Vineyard H1119 Laughton Park Gardens M1220 Limestone Coast Adventures - Horseriding L3121 Limestone Quarries J622 Little Blue Lake P623 Little Dip Conservation Park N2524 Lower Glenelg National Park V3425 Mount Schank Q925 Nangula Market R2926 Naracoorte Caves National Park K3227 National Trust Old Glencoe Woolshed R3028 Natural Karst Formations Q7

29 Penambol Conservation Park T1430 Penola Conservation Park N3031 Piccaninnie Ponds Y1632 Princess Margaret Rose Cave U3233 Rosebrook Gardens F734 Burrungule Park Paintball G135 Tantanoola Caves S3036 Telford’s Scrub R3137 Whispering Vines Wines Sales Outlet N938 Windfarm Development T2939 Woakwine Cutting O2740 Pinecountry Caravan Park K1041 Hells Hole Sinkhole Q1342 Caroline Hills Vineyard

districtdistrict map

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Lake Tce East

Worrolong Rd

Square Mile Rd

Yahl Hall RdWhitehead Rd

Kilsby Rd

Ridd

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Peno

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Ridd

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Cast

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Princes Hwy

Jubilee Hwy West


A66

To Melbourne (via Dartmoor) A1

To Melbourne (via Casterton)Glenelg Hwy

B160

To Adelaide (via Millicent, BeachportRobe, Kingston)

B1

MOUNT GAMBIER

ALLENDALE EAST

PORT MACDONNELL

KONGORONG

DONOVANS

Telfords Scrub Conservation Park

Hells Hole NativeForest Reserve

Caroline SinkholeDry Creek Native

Forest Reserve

To Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Picaninnie PondsConservation Park

NELSON


DouglasPoint

UmpherstonBay

CAPE DOUGLAS

Middle Point

Cape Northumberland

FingerPoint

Blanche Bay

MacDonnell Bay

FrenchPoint

RacecourseBay

StonyPoint

RiddochBay Danger Point

BrownBay


PenambolConservation Park

Ewans PondsConservation Park

Dingley Dell Conservation Park

Douglas PointConservation Park

Mount SchankCrown Land

MOUNTSCHANK

OB FLAT

GLENBURNIE

MIL LEL

SUTTONTOWN

COMPTON

WANDILO

Glenelg River Road

To Melbourne

via Portland & Warrnambool

To Carpenter Rocks

Atta

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eena

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Kenn

edy

Ave

Dohl

e Rd

YAHL

Yahl

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Caro

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Hea

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Post Office Rd

Laslett Rd

Green Point Rd

Tillers Road

Spain RdWalker Rd

Sunn

ybra

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To Glencoe To GlencoeKangaroo Flat Rd

HEYWOOD

CAPE BRIDGEWATER PORTLAND

WINNAP

DARTMOOR

NELSON

RENNICK

DONOVANSALLENDALE EAST

PORT MACDONNELL

NENE VALLEY

KONGORONG

BLACKFELLOWS CAVECARPENTER ROCKS

MOUNT GAMBIER

CASTERTON

DERGHOLMPENOLA

COONAWARRA

NANGWARRY

TARPEENA

KALANGADOOMOUNT BURR

GLENCOE

TANTANOOLA

MILLICENT

SOUTHENDRENDELSHAM

HATHERLEIGH

KANGAROO INN

NORA CREINA

ROBE

CAPE JAFFA

KINGSTON SE

LUCINDALENARACOORTE

KYBYBOLITE

APSLEY

LANGKOOP

EDENHOPE

FRANCES

KANIVASERVICETONWOLSELEY

MUNDULLA

PADTHAWAY

WILLALOOKA

BORDERTOWN

KEITH

SALT CREEK


BEACHPORT


Discovery Bay National Park

Glenelg River

Lake Mundi

Tooloy - Lake MundiState Nature Reserve

Telford SwampConservation Park

Lake Edward

Lake Leake

LakeBonney

Canunda National Park

PenolaConservation Park

Mary SeymourConservation Park

Big HeathConservation Park

BoolLagoon

Bool LagoonGame Reserve

Glen RoyConservation Park

Naracoorte CavesNational Park

Lake Wallace



BanghamConservation

ParkPadthaway

Conservation Park

Mt. ScottConservation

Park

Jip JipConservation

Park

Desert CampConservation

Park

AberdourConservation

Park

Gum LagoonConservation

Park PoocherGame Reserve

Coorong National Park

The Coorong Martins WashpoolConservation Park

MessentConservation Park

Mt. MonsterConservation

Park

BernouilliConservation

Park

Butchers GapConservation

Park

Guichen BayConservation

Park

Little DipConservation

Park

LakeHawdon

North

LakeHawdon

SouthLakeEliza

LakeSt. Clair

LakeGeorge

BeachportConservation

Park

Bucks LakeGame Reserve

Nene Valley Conservation Park

Glenelg River

Glenelg River

Crawford River

Mount Salt Rd

McLeans Rd

Clarke Rd

Tantanoola Caves

Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Carpenter Rocks Road

Mount Salt Rd

Glenburnie Racecourse

Sea Coast Hill Rd

Carb

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Lower Nelson Rd

MOUNT GAMBIERAIRPORT

N

BorderlineSpeedway

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Bishop Rd

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regionalregional map

Cape Banks Lighthouse

geolog

yca

ves

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sink

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s

Diving and SnorkellingThere are numerous water filled caves and sinkholes in the Mount Gambier area that can be accessed for diving or snorkelling. However, most are situated on private land and are accessible only by permission of the landowner and within the regulations and training criteria as set by the Cave Diving Association of Australia (CDAA).

Due to the constant cold temperature of the water in all caves and sinkholes, warm, well insulated full length wetsuits should always be worn.

Divers and snorkellers may enter Ewens Ponds. See page 25 Guidelines are available from “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre and The Department for Environment, Heritage, Water and Natural Resources.

To protect the unique and fragile environment of Piccaninnie Ponds and to improve the diving and snorkelling experience, a permit and time slot system is operated by The Department for Environment, Heritage, Water and Natural Resources which requires the completion of an indemnity and conditions form and payment of fees:

Annual Diver Permit $65.00 Single Slot Dive Permit $30.00 Single Slot Snorkel Permit $10.00 Single Slot Snorkel Conc. $8.00 Single Slot Snorkel Child $6.00 Diving air and wetsuit hireBlue Lake Diving and Just A Bed Lodge Cave diving accommodation, six bedrooms (accommodates up to 14 divers) Cafpirco Road, Compton 0408 845 511 (B&B) 0427 884 729

Allendale East General Store Bay Rd, Open 7 days. Bookings for snorkelling at Piccaninnie Ponds. Air and wetsuit hire. Allendale East 08 8738 7274

Pine Tank Dive Lodge GlencoeCave diver only accommodation. 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms(Accommodates up to 12 divers) CDAA South East RepresentativeGrant Pearce 0438 833 103

Sinkholes Sinkholes are formed when the roof of a cave weakens and collapses in or falls to the bottom of the cave, leaving an opening at ground level and providing a natural window into the underground cave or water system. creating the perfect environment for a sunken garden. This is the case with both Umpherston Sinkhole and the Cave Garden. See pages 20 & 21

There are approximately 800 caves in the Limestone Coast region

CavesAs rain water passes through the atmosphere, it absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes mildly acidic. Limestone, when saturated under water, is slowly dissolved by the acidic solution causing cracks and fissures which gradually enlarge into caves.

There are many fine examples of caves throughout the South East, some which are now dry, others reaching far below the water table, are water filled caves.

Once a cave has formed in the limestone and the water level drops, leaving the cave dry, the continuing slow process of water dripping from the ceiling sometimes forms stalactites and stalagmites. Small droplets of water can hang from the ceiling for up to 10 hours, and as the carbon dioxide is given off, minute deposits of calcite are left on the cave ceiling and floor, building up over a period of time to form the elaborate decorations as seen in some of the caves in the area.

Engelbrecht Cave, a large complex of caves located beneath the streets of the city of Mount Gambier, provides good examples of the processes involved in cave formation. A fascinating tour of Engelbrecht Cave includes entry into two large chambers which expose the underground water table.These two chambers provide access to a water filled underground system by trained and experienced cave divers.

Tantanoola Cave – a beautiful single chamber dolomite cave created in an ancient stranded sea cliff. See page 24

Princess Margaret Rose Cave – a unique tunnel cave of sculptured limestone and comprehensive decoration, it was formed approx 500,000 years ago by an underground stream deep within the cliffs of the Glenelg River Gorge. See pages 28 & 37

Naracoorte Caves – a complex of caves formed within the ridge of what was once a stranded dune system. See pages 29 & 38

Within the lava areas are five main precincts, all with varying landscapes according to the period and type of eruption, including Australia’s youngest volcanoes, highly accessible volcanic cave systems, off-shore volcanic islands, remains of coastal volcanoes and extensive systems of craters, lakes and wetlands.

Volcanic activity occurred in the Mount Gambier area in recent geological time and has been recorded as an important part of local Aboriginal culture. The outbursts, which would have been spectacular, took place during two different eruptive phases, along the edge of a main zone of activity centred on southern and western Victoria.

Mount Gambier and Mount Schank, the more recent eruptions, are two of the better preserved examples of their type in Australia and are well known scenic attractions.

Less well known is the extent of volcanic activity in the Mount Burr complex, which contains 15 eruptive centres dated as occurring from 10,000 to 2 million years ago. Lakes Leake and Edward are water bodies present within volcanic craters, relying on rainfall to recharge them each year.

The area is popular with naturalists, geologists, tourists and locals as the volcanic features are easily accessible via the walking trails provided. The most impressive overview of the volcanic region is from the Centenary Tower lookout in the Crater Lakes complex. Lava bombs, some containing olivine crystals, have been found in the Mount Gambier lakes area – examples of these and audio visual displays can be viewed at the tower or at “The Lady Nelson” Discovery Centre which also features the geology of the area. See and hear the erupting neon volcano in the Geology Room.

Craters & Limestone Precinct

www.kanawinka.org.au

The Kanawinka Geotrail takes you on a journey through Australia’s most extensive volcanic province with over 60 sites and offers a range of visitor experiences including beautiful waterfalls, caves and coastal formations and even a climb into one of the region’s youngest volcanoes.

Mount Schank

kanawinkakanawinka geotrail

2. Telford Scrub Conservation ParkLocated north of Mount Gambier, this park is an ‘island’ of native vegetation in a ‘sea’ of farming land and pine forest.

Its 169 hectares provides safe refuge for a wide variety of native fauna and flora including the rare southern brown bandicoot and many other species. Koalas have been relocated here from Kangaroo Island.

From the car park situated on the southern end of the park on Grundy’s Lane, the 1.6 km return “Forest Canopy Walking Trail” provides scenic views and a unique perspective of the forest from the 100 metre long elevated boardwalk.

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Enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Gambier and District on foot. The many walks listed below provide opportunities to take in the unspoilt beauty and the abundance of wildlife in the area.

4. Piccaninnie PondsEnjoy the wildflowers in spring and the natural beauty of this unique site where the crystal clear water emerges from the underground system up through submerged caverns and underwater gardens to flow via a creek to the ocean. See page 34 for information on diving and snorkel permits.

Walk on the track from the carpark, over the sand hill to the beach where the creek takes the emerging water to the ocean. Or from the beach car park, west along the established trail to view the park and creek. Take the 20 minute walk down the beach in an easterly direction to see water bubbling up through the sand. Piccaninnie Ponds Road, district map Y16

From the northern end of the park, walk along the 5 km return “Stringybark Forest Walking Trail” which meanders through a swamp gum woodland. The two walking trails meet near the southern end of the park.Grundy’s Lane, district map A10

3. Dry Creek Native Forest ReserveOffering 2 walking trails the Creekbed Walk (2.7 km or 3.9 km return) follows what is thought to be an ancient tributary of the Glenelg River. River Walk (3.1 km or 3.3 km return) features a viewing platform offering spectacular views of the Glenelg River. Dry Creek Road, district map U17

5. Penambol Conservation ParkChoose between two walks through the park. Wombat Walk (4.5km - 2 hours), meanders through the eastern portion of the park where many species of birds, animals and flora may be observed. Wombats can be observed during evening walks. Butterfly Walk (1km - 25 mins) passes through mainly stringy bark and swamp gum woodlands. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Aboriginal habitation at Caroline Sinkhole. View the sinkhole from the suspended platform near the main car park on Carba Road. Carba Road, district map T14

1. Mount SchankAn extinct volcano rising abruptly to 158 metres above sea level. Two steep walking trails offer a great geological experience. Viewing Platform Hike (900 metres return) begins at the car park to the crater rim and provides a different aspect to the surrounding landscape. Rock formations can be inspected more closely if driving past that area,

including the line of small cones on the northern side. Crater Floor Walk (1.3 km return) also begins at the car park and includes the section of the crater floor.

From the top overlooking the nearby quarry, evidence can be seen of the lava flow and changes in the rock formation caused by heat and steam.

On the southern side of the mountain a small cone can be seen which is believed to have been formed by the first of two main stages.

A free gas BBQ, picnic table and toilets are provided at the base of the mountain. Post Office Road, district map Q9

Princess Margaret Rose CaveEnjoy an easy 20 minute circular stroll through natural bushland to spectacular views over the Glenelg River Gorge. Pack a lunch and walk 4.5 kms to Lasletts Canoe Camp taking in views of the limestone cliffs and river. See the prolific wild flowers and watch for wildlife, delicate native orchids and the many species of birds. Dry Creek Road, district map U19 08 8738 4171

The Great South West WalkThis truly great walk, of approximately 250 km, has been developed and maintained by a tireless group of volunteers. Allow at least 12 days for the full walk. The Forest is wet from July to October and should be avoided on days of high fire danger. All other sections of the walk can be tackled any time. A free folding map is available from “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre and a booklet “Short Walks on and around the Great South West Walk” can be purchased by those wishing to tackle small sections at a time. Contact Portland Visitor Information Centre on 03 5523 2671 for information on guided and specialised walks.

Nelson Beach to Descartes Bay 55km Ever changing coastline with an alternative route through lightly timbered sand dunes, over Mount Richmond to Bridgewater Lakes and back to the coast.

Decartes Bay to Portland 45kmPast natural springs, grassy slopes along clifftops. See the petrified forest and enjoy views of Discovery Bay and Cape Bridgewater. Continue through Cape Nelson State Park to Nelson Bay, past the Portland Smelter into Portland.

Portland to Blackwood Camp 20km Follows the clifftops, then the beach before turning inland through farmland and quiet countryside.

Blackwood Camp to Moleside 60km Changing landscape, stringybark forest, Surry and Fitzroy Rivers with ferns and blackwoods, past the black pool known as The Inkpot to the riverside camp of Moleside. An abundance of wildlife is present on this section of the walk.

Moleside to Nelson 45 km Follow the river with beautiful views of the limestone cliffs, the serene Glenelg River, through Nelson Reserve, under the bridge through to Discovery Bay to complete the walk in its entirety. The wild flowers in this section are spectacular in spring.

Port MacDonnellThere are many walking opportunities in the Port MacDonnell area.

Stroll along the sandy beaches, explore the reef exposed on low tide where evidence of historical wagon wheel tracks are sometimes visible, or discover the beauty of the rugged and rocky coastline which in some areas exposes fossilised roots in the wind eroded cliff face. Near Cape Northumberland on dusk, Fairy Penguins may be seen returning to their nests in the cove on the eastern side of the cliff top.

To the west of Port MacDonnell is Germein Reserve. Walk through the remnant native vegetation of Woolly Ti-Tree and SA Blue Gum or observe bird life from the bird hide near Blackfish Lagoon. Boardwalks provide access across the swampland areas renowned as a reserve for frogs.

Nearby, wander through the bushland tracks of Dingley Dell Conservation Park to see local flora and fauna at its best and views of Mount Gambier and Mount Schank from elevated ridges. T

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page 37Looking south from Cape Banks Lighthouse towards Carpenter Rocks, Pelican Point and Blackfellows Caves

Penola

Mount Gambier

Naracoorte

Coonawarra

TarpeenaNangwarry

Robe

Beachport

Millicent

Kingston SA VIC

Glencoe

Approx 170km

Drive 1, Approx 105km

Drive 2

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range of accommodation and dining, is the perfect base for the extended stay and for those who want to see more of the region. There are many interesting places to visit, most within a 11/2 hour drive of the city.

Drives 1 & 2

Drive 1 - NorthDrive to the North to see parts of the timber industry, Historic Penola, the Wine Region of Coonawarra, Caves & Wetlands.

The Bureau of Meteorology Near Mount Gambier Airport. Weather balloons are launched twice daily.

Telford’s Scrub Conservation Park Well maintained tracks and boardwalk, a popular place for walking and birdwatching.

Tarpeena Township set amongst the timber industry. Playground, free BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities. Visit Fairytale Park.

Nangwarry Forestry & Logging Museum The Museum is open on Sundays & Public Holidays or by appointment.

Penola Founded in 1850, is steeped in history. The Penola-Coonawarra Visitor Centre provides a guide to the wineries and general information. Browse through the John Riddoch Interpretive Centre. Visit Galleries, Petticoat Lane, The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and Woods MacKillop School House, Penola Fantasy Model Railway and Roses Tearooms. On the Millicent Road is the magnificent two storey Victorian mansion of Yallum Park, built in 1880.

Penola Conservation Park On the Penola/Robe Road, provides walking and bird watching opportunities.

Coonawarra Wine Region Famous for the full bodied reds grown in the highly prized terra rossa soil over limestone. Most of the cellar door sales outlets

are very close together, gate after gate along the highway.

Bool Lagoon A wetland of international importance where birds can be observed from the bird hides. Water levels and wildlife vary depending on seasonal conditions. Over 200 species of mounted birds can be viewed at Bourne’s Bird Museum.

Naracoorte Caves National Park South Australia’s only World Heritage site and a premier visitor attraction. Guided visits to highly decorated caves and significant fossil sites. Adventure tours are available. Browse through the Yulgilbar Wood Gallery specialising in Red Gum Timbers.

Naracoorte The Sheep’s Back Museum provides an exciting historical interpretation of the wool industry and enquire about information on local attractions at the Visitor Centre. Overlook production from the viewing gallery at Mini Jumbuk. Enjoy the 18 hole Mini Golf and Tiny Train Park.

Lucindale Limestone Coast Cheese Factory.

Drive 2 - WestDrive to the West and you will see a Cave, Forests, Parks, and Coastline

Glencoe Home to The National Trust Old Glencoe Woolshed.

Burrungule Park Paintball Games are conducted at the park on Burrungule Road.

Tantanoola Cave There is no waiting for a tour, join your host and experience one of Australia’s most spectacular small caves. Only cave with full disabled access.

Woakwine Range Wind Farms

Huge towers can be seen on the southern horizon.

Millicent Visitor Information Centre Information on local attractions, maps on 4WD into the National Parks and a range of souvenirs. Take in the history at Millicent National Trust Living History Museum which features South Australia’s largest collection of horse drawn vehicles.

Millicent Gallery The first ‘A’ Class Gallery in regional SA, features changing exhibitions of a national standard, as well as exhibitions featuring local artists. Visit Ants Redgum Gallery.

Lake McIntyre Reserve View the birdlife on the walking trails, boardwalks, viewing platforms and bird hides. BBQs and toilet facilities provided.

Canunda National Park Beautiful sculptured sand dunes are accessible by 4WD via Carpenter Rocks, Millicent, or Southend, where there are several walking trails. 2WD access is provided to some areas.

Beachport One of the longest

jetties in South Australia, a popular fishing and holiday destination. History, secluded beaches, spectacular rugged coastline and Beachport Conservation Park, information is available at the Beachport Visitor Information Centre.

Woakwine Cutting Off the Beachport/Robe Road, is a magnificent man-made Cutting. Excavated between 1957 and 1960 this cutting drains “The Big Swamp” into Lake George .

Robe A popular holiday destination which offers character and charm. Call at the Robe Library and Visitor Information Centre for details of local attractions, maps and history of the area.

Little Dip Conservation Park 2WD access into some of the more popular picnic and fishing spots, although entry into the heart of the park is by 4WD access only.

Return to Mount Gambier via one of the many routes available, through Penola, Mount Burr or Millicent.

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Carpenter Rocks

Port MacDonnell

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Drive 3 - South1. Little Blue Lake One of the many water filled sinkholes providing a “window” into the underground water system. A cool swim for experienced swimmers.

2. Mount Schank A walk to the summit provides wonderful views of the coast and nearby countryside. Picnic and Toilet facilities provided. T

Port MacDonnell Proclaimed “The Southern Rock Lobster Capital of Australia”. Something of interest for all ages with its history, beaches, fishing, walking and surfing. Discover the Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum and view the Community Mural. T

3. Germein Reserve Walk through the remnant native vegetation or observe bird life. BBQ, or picnic at Lion’s Park (with disabled access swing) or Clarke Park. View interesting rock formations from the site of the Old Lighthouse. At dusk get a glimpse of ‘Little Penguins’ returning to their nesting cove in the rugged cliffs, near Cape Northumberland Lighthouse.

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4. Adam Lindsay Gordon’s Cottage Also known as Dingley Dell, the cottage displays some of Gordon’s personal belongings and other mementos. Enjoy the natural bushland surrounds.

Woolwash Interpretive Centre Outlines the history of the area. The Woolwash beach is very popular for swimming, surfing and wind surfing.

5. Ewens Ponds The underground water bubbles upwards through it’s under water garden. A popular place for snorkel and diving adventures.

Drive 4 - South West6. Limestone Quarries Situated just off Benara Road. The limestone is cut into blocks for the building industry.

Carpenter Rocks A safe swimming beach which is also a haven for the local fishing fleet. A short drive west to Cape Banks Lighthouse where a memorial has been erected in memory of the 89 lives lost when the trading vessel Admella came to grief in 1859. The 150th commemoration of the event was held in August 2009. www.admella.org.au.

7. Canunda National Park Southern entry point into the National Park, which is classified as only 4WD access from this end.

Pelican Point This rocky point is popular for discovering the coastal environment, drive to Blackfellows Caves, a small fishing village.

Ask at Visitor Information Centres for details on towns and attractions:Penola: 08 8737 2855 Naracoorte: 1800 244 421Millicent: 08 8733 0904 Beachport: 08 8735 8029Robe: 08 8768 2465 Port MacDonnell: 08 8738 3000

Carpenter Rocks

Portland

Heywood

Casterton

DergholmPenola

Nangwarry

Tarpeena

Mount Gambier

Nelson

Dartmoor

SA VIC

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Drive 5 - North EastCasterton The birthplace of the Kelpie. Visit the Casterton Visitor Information Centre for information on local attractions. Historic Warrock Homestead has 33 buildings established in 1843. Bailey’s Rocks in Dergholm State Park offers walks through a fascinating outcrop of giant granite boulders. Wood BBQ, camping, picnic and toilet facilities provided.

For a round trip return to Mount Gambier via Penola

Drive 6 - South EastHells Hole Sinkhole Turn into the pine forest, a viewing platform provides awesome views into the water filled sinkhole. This site is used by cave divers who explore it’s crystal clear waters.

Penambol Conservation Park The Caroline Sinkhole is located a short walk from the car park and the viewing platform provides a bird’s eye view of the area which was once used by aboriginal people. Two walks, the Wombat Walk and Butterfly Walk are provided.

Princess Margaret Rose Cave Experience the beauty of the decorations within the cave. BBQ and Picnic facilities are provided.

Drives 5 & 6

Lower Glenelg National Park A range of many recreational activities which include walking, bird watching, fishing, boating and canoeing is available.

Dry Creek Walking Trail Walk through natural scrubland to the viewing platform which provides spectacular views of the Glenelg River, or choose one of the other walks. Wombats are known to frequent on dusk.

Donovans A small township on the South Australian section of the river with fishing, boating, picnic and BBQ facilities.

Piccaninnie Ponds A world renowned diving sinkhole, for the cave trained and experienced diver, with crystal clear water to 110 metres in depth. Enjoy the walk to the beach.

Nelson Visitor Information Centre & Parks Booking Office Provides information on all park and river activities. Cruise the Glenelg River to Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Boat or Canoe hire is available to see the beautiful meandering Glenelg River with its limestone cliffs, natural bushland and abundance of wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing day’s fishing (permit required in Victoria). Picnic or walk in the Lower Glenelg or Discovery Bay Coastal Park where day visitors are welcome at the many camp sites.

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Cape Bridgewater A popular place for viewing of the Petrified Forest, Blowholes, Lakes and Limestone Caves. The Seal Colony can be accessed by either a 2 hour return energetic walk or by a boat tour. Enjoy the beach.

Portland Has much to offer the day tripper. Take a tour of the Maritime Discovery Centre or Portland Aluminium Smelter, board the Cable Tram for a relaxing tour, or wander through the Portland Powerhouse Motor & Car Museum.

Return to Mount Gambier via Heywood and Dartmoor.

Jackass Fern Gully Stop on the way back to walk through ferns and scrubland near the Fitzroy River or visit The Inkpot, a nearby swamp.

Dartmoor Home to the carved statues in the Avenue of Honour, a nursery rhyme tree has been added. Follow the Heritage Trail. It is just a short drive to take in the beauty of nearby Waterfall Gardens.

Ask at Visitor Information Centres for maps of the Admella Discovery Trail and details on towns and attractions:Casterton: 03 5581 2070 Nelson: 08 8738 4051 Portland: 1800 035 567

Nelson

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(Approx 1 ¼ hours)

Fountain View the Fountain which was presented to the people of Mount Gambier in 1884 by Captain Robert Gardiner, the great grandfather of the late Sir Robert Helpmann.Commercial Street East, city map N16

Cave GardenStop and walk down into the Cave Garden. Every evening, colour washes and ancient faces rise from the cave and tell the dream time stories of local indigenous people. The rear wall of the Main Corner comes alive with an array of photos featuring Mount Gambier’s European heritage.

The Christmas Lights DriveDuring the Festive Season, many homes and gardens are decorated with Christmas decorations and lights. Call at “The Lady Nelson” for information on the Christmas Light Drive.

Blue Lake

Valley Lake

Umpherston Sinkhole

Pumping Station

Tunnel Carpark

The Lady Nelson*

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* Wehl StTheatre

*Vansittart Park Arch

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**Cave GardenFountainTown Hall

Potters Point

*Centenary Tower

Sexton Cottage

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Convent of Mercy*

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Town Hall

“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre Start at The Visitor Centre, this spectacular land mark was built in 1985, under a Commonwealth Employment Program with the guidance of Mick Everlyn.

See the majestic well lit brig, a full size replica of the H.M.S. Lady Nelson from which Mount Gambier was sighted and named in the year 1800. Jubilee Highway East, city map L17

Umpherston Sinkhole Drive 2.5 km along Jubilee Highway East to the beautiful Sinkhole where possums come out to feed in the floodlit cave and gardens. Jubilee Highway East, city map N25

Sexton’s CottageOn Lake Terrace, was constructed in 1904 of dolomite and limestone and features gables and breaks in its Gothic style architecture. The wrought iron gates were erected in 1884. Lake Terrace East city map S19

past the Wehl Street Theatre on Wehl Street South city map O14 continue along Wehl Street and drive past “The Federation Arch” located at the entrance of Vansittart Park. Turn right at the roundabout onto Jubilee Highway west, then right at the next roundabout onto Penola Road heading towards the city centre, view the Convent of Mercy, city map M16 opened in 1908 which has been beautifully restored. Drive to Commercial Street East, turn left, and drive past the floodlit Old Town Hall, city map N16 constructed of dolomite in 1882.

View the windows of the new Main Corner development, which is transformed, into a giant lantern every night filled with exploding volcanoes and peaceful underwater experiences of the regions caves and ponds.

Blue Lake Pumping StationDrive past the Blue Lake to the carpark near the tunnel under the road for an excellent night view of the building. Also from this car park Centenary Tower can be seen sitting like a beacon on the highest point of Mount Gambier, city map V16

Potters PointDrive to the lookout at the top of Hay Drive to see the City Lights and another aspect of Centenary Tower from across the crater. Lake Terrace West, city map S12

Historic BuildingsDrive in close to The Old Gaol on Margaret Street city map P14 to see the floodlit stone work constructed in 1866. Then

1800 3rd December Lieutenant James Grant sighted two peaks from HMS Lady Nelson – named one after Lord Gambier RN, and the other after Captain Schanck, designer of the vessel.

1839 Stephen Henty from Portland discovered Mount Gambier and saw the potential of good farming land and water from the Blue Lake and Valley Lake.

1847 Evelyn Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt purchased several sections of land by auction in Adelaide. The town’s first Hotel, postal agency and police barracks were built on this land adjacent the cave. Today’s Jens Hotel was the original site of the first Hotel license in Mount Gambier.

1860 South Australian Hotel built – still operating today – oldest remaining hotel in city.

James and Christina Smith established a home for aboriginal people in Mount Gambier.

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The Booandik’s (People of the Reeds), lived in the region between Beachport and the Glenelg River. They were the largest group in the South East.

In Winter the people lived inland but during the summer they moved to the coast. Seafood was the main component of their diet. Men were the hunters, women the gatherers. When large animals were killed for food, they were shared out according to a strict priority.

They constructed “wurlies” with a wooden framework which they covered with branches and sometimes skins. Others were made of logs in beehive shape and turfed over. They were taught to make weapons and tools and also to use them with maximum efficiency.

In 1788, after Governor Phillip arrived with soldiers, convicts and white settlers, life changed forever for the Aboriginal people.

The First aboriginal people came to Australia at least 50,000 years ago. Craitbul, giant ancestor of the Booandik People, long ago made an oven at Mount Muirhead to cook for his wife and family. In hearing the groaning voice of the bird spirit “Bullin” warning them of the evil spirit “Tennateona”, they fled to another site where they built another oven (Mount Schank). Again they were frightened off by the threat of the evil spirit and moved to “Berrin” where they again made their oven (Mount Gambier). One day, water rose and the fire went out. They dug other ovens, but each time water rose putting out the fires. This occurred four times (the Valley Lake, Blue Lake, Browne’s Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake). Finally Craitbul and his family settled in a cave on the side of “Berrin’s” Peak.

1865 The Old Courthouse, the former Post Office, the Anglican Church and the Mount Gambier Gaol were constructed from dolomite.

1869 First Mount Gambier Hospital erected on the northern edge of the Valley Lake.

1900 Foundation stone for the Centenary Tower was laid 3rd December to commemorate 100 years since the sighting of Mount Gambier’s mountain.

1906 The last traditional man of the Booandik people, Lanky Karna died in Beachport.

1909 Robert Murray Helpman was born in the front bedroom at 79 Bay Road. He moved to Adelaide with his family and was later to become Sir Robert Helpmann the world renowned dancer and actor.

1917 Mount Gambier was linked by rail to Portland, Victoria.

1928 First Flights to Adelaide.

1954 December 9 Mount Gambier declared a city.

Queen Elizabeth II visited.

1961 Second Hospital and Nurses Home opened, nurses home now converted into apartments.

1966 Opening of SES8 the first television station to serve the South East of SA and Victorian Western District.

1981 Civic Centre opened.

1986 Lakes Plaza now Centro shopping centre opens.

Aquatic Centre opened.

Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre opened.

1997 Third and current hospital opened.

2000 Bicentennial Tower built at Port MacDonnell commemorating the sighting and naming of Mount Gambier, and Mount Schank.

Federation Arch built over the entry to Vansittart Park inspired by an earlier arch that spanned the Main intersection in 1936.

2005 First University Campus for Mount Gambier established by University of South Australia.

In May 1897 an earthquake hit the region with the epicentre at Beachport. Crosses on two churches in Mount Gambier fell to the ground, chimneys cracked and fell, buildings, poles and fences swayed.

Mount Gambier was the first place named in South Australia

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page 43

For Further Information on the History of Mount Gambier:

“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre is committed to the history of Mount Gambier and District. The Discovery Centre incorporates high tech interactive displays telling much of Mount Gambier’s history.

The Centre supports The Mount Gambier History Group in the promotion of their Heritage Series Books. The History Room, in O’Halloran Terrace is open Tuesday afternoons or by appointment. Phone 8725 6617

Historical publications are available for sale at “The Lady Nelson”, the most popular being Mount Gambier, The City Around a Cave as produced by local historian the late Mr Les Hill.

A special History Room has been established at The Mount Gambier Public Library where historical and genealogical records can be accessed and researched.

BingoBulldogs Bingo McDonald Park Club 08 8725 5971North Gambier Sportsmans Club Commercial Street West 08 8725 1341Mount Gambier Community RSL Bingo16 Sturt Street 08 8725 8181

BoatingBoat ramps are provided at Lake Leake, Blackfellows Caves, Port MacDonnell, The Glenelg River, and The Valley Lake. A Power Boat Licence is required for all SA Waters (13 13 84) and Victorian Waters (03 9655 3399). Hired boats are exempt from these requirements.Nelson Boat & Canoe Hire Nelson Boatshed 08 8738 4048

Bowling Mount Gambier & District Indoor Bowling Club 08 8725 3627Mount Gambier Bowls Club Inc 172 Commercial Street West 08 8725 2523Mount Gambier RSL & District Bowling Club Inc 2 Jubilee Highway East 08 8725 9515Port MacDonnell and District Bowling Club 08 8738 2023

BushwalkingBrochures are available at “The Lady Nelson” for the most popular walks. See page 36 and 37.

CanoeingCanoe along the Glenelg River to enjoy the beauty of its limestone cliffs and abundant wildlife. Overnight camp sites require pre-booking at Parks Victoria. Canoe and River Guide available at “The Lady Nelson”. Canoes are available for hire.Nelson Boat & Canoe Hire Nelson Boatshed 08 8738 4048Paestan Canoe Hire Winnap - Nelson Road, Winnap 03 5528 1481

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CroquetMount Gambier Croquet Club 08 8725 7560

Cycling Maps for the Scenic Bicycle Route, the Bicycle Path Network and Crater Lakes Mountain Bike Trail are available at The Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre. Free bike hire available from the Main Corner and The Lady Nelson.

DancingAllabout Squares 08 8723 4596Mount Gambier Old Time Dance Club 08 8725 5249Pine City Twirlers Inc, Anglican Church Hall 08 8725 7524Ballroom & Ceroc Dancing 08 8723 3724Mount Gambier Lake City Rock n Roll Inc 0407 258 404

DivingCave Diving See page 34 for regulations on diving in the many caves in the areaSnorkellingAllendale East Store Allendale East 08 8738 7274

FishingMount Gambier is only 35 minutes from the Glenelg River and the Southern Coastline,and is the centre for many fishing opportunities. No permit is required in SA waters. A permit is required in VIC (except Pensioners and Children U18)Spot On Fishing Tackle 93 Commercial St East 08 8725 8825

GolfBlue Lake Public Golf Links Bay Road 08 8725 6198Mount Gambier Golf Club Inc Attamurra Road 08 8725 7739Port MacDonnell Golf Club Elizabeth Street 08 8738 2522

Greyhound Racing & CoursingMount Gambier Greyhound Racing & Coursing Club Inc Tara Raceway 08 8725 3053

Gymnastics & KindergymBlue Lake Gymnastic Club Inc Malseed Park 0419 822 371Active Playgroup No. 2 Show Hall 0448 766 020

Harness Racing & TrottingMount Gambier Harness Racing Club Greenwald Paceway 0407 609 206

Horse RacingMount Gambier Racing Club Inc Regular meetings throughout the year with the Annual 2 day Gold Cup Carnival held in May.Glenburnie Racecourse 08 8725 4466

Indoor Sporting & Fitness CentresActive8 Health & Sport Centre 99 Penola Road 08 8723 0288Blue Lake Sports Medicine Centre 15b Sturt Street 08 8723 0432Mount Gambier Basketball StadiumCommercial Street West 08 8723 2050Squashbrook Fitness & LeisureCommercial Street West 08 8725 5351

Motor CyclingMount Gambier Junior Motocross ClubMcNamara Park Road 08 8725 4920Mount Gambier Motorcycle and Light Car Club Inc McNamara Park 08 8725 0163Mount Gambier Karting Club Princes Highway 08 8725 7591

Night ClubsShadows Entertainment Complex 5 Penola Road 08 8723 9777

PaintballBurrungule Park Paintball All games by appointmentPaintball in The Bush, Burrungule Road 0428 873 122

ShootingMount Gambier Gun Club Inc Gladigau Road 08 8725 4217Mount Gambier Pistol Club Pine Hall Road 08 8725 4281Mount Gambier Rifle Club Caveton, Nelson Road 08 8725 3890Port MacDonnell Pistol & Shooting ClubElizabeth Street 08 8738 5304South East Field & Game Assoc Burrungule 08 8733 3144

SnorkellingThe beauty of the underground water system can be discovered by snorkelling some of the ponds and sinkholes. Some require permits. See page 34 for further information.

SpeedwayBorderline Speedway Considered to be one of the best tracks in Australia it hosts several major titles. Princes Highway 08 8725 5513

SwimmingMount Gambier Aquatic Centre Margaret St 08 8723 1283Squashbrook Fitness & Leisure 297 Commercial Street West 08 8725 5351‘Swimskool Mount Gambier’ (Lap Swim only Mon-Fri 6am-9am) Keegan Street 08 8723 2460

Ten Pin BowlingGambier City Bowl Commercial Street West 08 8723 2442

TheatresOatmill Cinema Complex 7 Percy Street 08 8724 9150Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre Seating 528, the theatre is professionally equipped and regularly used for performing arts, presentations, conferences and seminars. Located within the Civic Centre 08 8723 8741Wehl Street Theatre, Wehl Street South 08 8725 3725

Water SkiingWater skiing is a popular activity at the Valley Lake and with several designated zones on The Glenelg River – River Guide available at “The Lady Nelson”.

leisurerecreation, leisure &

adventure

page 45

The Crater Lakes

City BusFour routes service the city Monday to Friday including stops near the major city attractions.

Bus Schedules including school route maps and bus route maps are available from “The Lady Nelson” Visitor Centre or the office of The City of Mount Gambier. Operated by McCormick’s Bus Service. 08 8724 9978 www.mccormicksbus.com.au

Getting Here and AroundBy Coach to and from AdelaidePremier Stateliner Inland and coastal services to and from Adelaide daily. 08 8415 5555Arrivals and Departures: Carpark at “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier.For bookings and further information contact “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre. 1800 087 187

By Coach to and from MelbourneVLine Daily Coach/Rail service to and from Melbourne via Warrnambool or Ballarat. 1800 800 007 Arrivals and Departures: Carpark at “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre, Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier. For bookings and further information contact “The Lady Nelson” 1800 087 187

Check with your local coach company or travel agent for the details of special coach tours to Mount Gambier

By AirRegular return flights are available between Mount Gambier and Adelaide and Mount Gambier and Melbourne.

Mount Gambier and District Airport 08 8725 1112B & P Travel (Rex Airlines) 08 8725 7888Rex Airlines 131 713Travel O’Connor 23 Penola Road, Mount Gambier 08 8725 5332De Bruin Air Air charter service from all major airports for 5, 10 or 15 passengers. Contact the exclusive booking agent, Travel O’Connor on 08 8725 5332

Hire Car/CoachAvis Mount Gambier Airport 08 8723 4300Budget Car Rental Airport 08 8725 4340Franks Mini Bus Hire & Vears Hire Car 08 8725 0666Hertz Airport 08 8723 0870Thrifty Airport 08 8723 2488, 0418 838 732Lake City Corporate Cars 0408 239 068Leroy’s Mini Bus Hire 0438 249 240, 0407 719 495Mount Gambier Mini Bus Hire 12 or 14 seaters 08 8725 5094

ScootersScooters 2 Go 08 8723 3156

TaxiLake City Taxis 131 008 or 08 8723 0000Vears Taxis 08 8725 0666

Coach CharterGambier Coachlines 13, 24, 48 & 50 seater coach 08 8723 6000, 0418 849 446Lake City Tours 21 and 10 seaters 08 8723 2991, 0412 838 765McCormicks Bus Service 28 and 57 seaters 08 8724 9978Mount Gambier Mini Bus Hire 14 and 22 seaters 08 8725 5094Southern Coachlines 22, 28, 30 and 46 seaters 08 8724 9988, 0418 853 714

Tours & CruisesLakes, Caves, Sinkholes, Heritage, Forest, Limestone, Coast, RiverLake City Corporate Cars ATour the city or region in the comfort of chauffeur driven Hire Cars or Limousine. Choose from a range of tours tailored to your needs. 0408 239 068Jupiter LimousinesOffering winery tours and personalised tours for up to 10 people. 0419 827 473Top Hat ToursPersonalised winery tours in chauffeured Vintage Cars 0438 816 621 or 08 8726 8071Lake City Tours AEnjoy a relaxing tour of the most popular city attractions. Morning tours commence at 9.00am. 0412 838 765

Franks Mini Bus Hire & Vears Hire CarA range of personalised tours for various size groups. 0438 398 246

Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters Enjoy a great days fishing on JayMarStar, a 43 ft Randell. All fishing rods and tackle supplied. 6 person min, 12 person max. www.portmacfishing.com.au 0428 382 483

Southerly Marine Tours & Fishing ChartersOffering Marine Tours and Fishing Charters on board the fully seated 52ft vessel. Marine tours 10 person max, fishing tours 7 person max. www.southerlymarinetours.com.au 0427 387 370 or 0407 975 619

Remarkable Fishing Charters An enjoyable day of reef, deep sea, tuna, or shark fishing, or just relax and enjoy other highlights including sightseeing and birdwatching. Light lunch provided. 08 8738 2496 or 0427 555 595

Glenelg River Cruises Relax on the Nelson Explorer, Nelson Endeavour or Pompei’s Pride and take in the beauty of the Glenelg River, visiting Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Various cruises available. Charter cruises with meals tailored for group bookings. 08 8738 4191

De Bruin Air Offers scenic flights to suit your needs. Choose from 5 set routes, or design your own. Take in Mount Gambier & Lakes area, Little Blue Lake, Mount Schank, Port MacDonnell, South East Pasture Lands, Discovery Bay, Nelson, Carpenter Rocks, Robe, Lake Bonney and Wind Farms. Contact the exclusive booking agent Travel O’Connor on 08 8725 5332 or [email protected]

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February 2013Fishing & Outdoor Expo – Port MacDonnell Swap Meet Valentines Rod Run BMX South Australia State Titles Karaoke in the Cave MarchClean up Australia Day Borderline Speedway -National Streetstock Championships South East Dressage Association Championships EH Holden State Run Car Club Rally Mount Gambier Greyhound Races – Gold Cup SE Field Days

AprilMount Gambier & District Community Bank Family Fun Day Hoo Hoo International Convention SA Race Walking EventMotorcycling SA State Motocross Baseball Masters Tournament ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Street March

EasterBlue Lake Golf Club Easter Golf TournamentEaster Show Jumping Festival McNamara Park Easter Racing Borderline Speedway – Easter Sprint Car ClassicEaster Champion Dog Show Donovans Easter Market

MayGenerations in Jazz Mount Gambier Gold Cup Carnival 130th Anniversary Mount Gambier Ladies Day Racing Cup CarnivalReconciliation Week

JuneSA VS Vic BMX Club Championships South East National Highland Dancing Championships Swinging with the Stars Australian Welsh Male Choir The HD/ HR Holden Nationals Show and Shine

events

page 47

For further information visit the online Events Calendar: www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

JulyNAIDOC Week Rotary Careers Expo Reserve Forces Day Mount Gambier Eisteddfod

AugustLimestone Coast Showcase TAFE SA Hairdressing Competition Mount Gambier Horse Trials

SeptemberOff Road Pines Enduro

OctoberMasters of Mac Park – Motorcycle Racing Annual Mil Lel Show Mount Gambier A & H Society ShowRotary Book Fair

NovemberLegend of the Lakes Hill Climb Mount Gambier Annual Christmas Parade Blue Lake Brass Band Festival Mount Gambier Junior Basketball Tournament Alex Roberts 100 Mile Classic Limestone Coast Tattoo RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride (Starting point)Mount Gambier Gift –Athletics Meet

DecemberBoral Blue Lake Fun Run Blue Lake Y Swim Club National MeetBlue Lake Carols Borderline Speedway –World Series Sprint Cars Mount Gambier Racing Club Christmas Meet New Years Eve Celebrations

January 2014Port MacDonnell Bay Side FestivalMount Gambier Show Jumping Festival Mount Gambier Racing Club – Holcim Summer Cup Mount Gambier Rodeo Mount Gambier Junior Tennis Tournament Borderline Speedway Kings Sprint Car Challenge Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Car Rally Australia Day Breakfast Mount Gambier Autofest Show and Shine Blue Lake Archers Annual Tournament

calendar of annual events

BanksA.N.Z 8 Commercial West 08 8721 0500Bank SA 1 Commercial St East 08 8726 2600Bendigo Bank 16 James St 08 8726 3200Commonwealth Bank 4 Bay Road 08 8724 4720National Bank 1 Commercial St West 08 8726 3300RaboBank 15a Sturt Street 08 8726 2500Police Credit Union 42 Helen Street 08 8724 8222People’s Choice Credit Union 7-13 Compton Street 08 8723 8300Westpac Bank 43 Commercial St West 08 8721 0666

Books – Second HandLifeline S.E. Book Nook Cnr Gray St & Railway Tce 08 8725 5699Mount Gambier Book Exchange Shop 1, 80 Commercial Street West 08 8725 9141CommerceMount Gambier Chamber of Commerce 08 8725 3300Mount Gambier & District Saleyards 08 8725 6155Dog and Cat FacilitiesSouth East Animal Welfare League of SA Inc Riddoch Highway 08 8723 9133Shiralea Pet Resort 109 Kingsley Rd, Allendale East 08 8738 7287Tollner Road Boarding Kennels 86 Tollner Road 08 8725 9797Internet Services Mount Gambier Library Civic Centre Precinct, Watson Terrace 08 8721 2540“The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre 08 8724 9750LaundromatsBanque Laundrette 6 Krummel Street 08 8725 4427Conroe Soap & Suds Splish’n & Splash’n 0427 684 740Just Bubbles Laundromat Shop 6/50 Boandik Tce 08 8725 5419Rose’s Laundrette Self Serve & Service Laundromat 115 Commercial Street West 08 8725 7929Sharp & Shiny Laundromat 174 Jubilee Hwy West 0417 853 953Washday Laundry 144 Penola Road 08 8723 0100White Zephyr Laundrette 193 Commercial St West 0415 315 256

LibraryMount Gambier Library Civic Centre Precinct, Watson Terrace 08 8721 2540

NewsagentsChapmans Newsagency 11 Commercial St West 08 8725 3300Fosters Newsagency Newspower 79 Commercial St East 08 8725 4140Hewetts Newsagency 53 Commercial St East 08 8724 9965News @ the Mall Centro, Helen Street 08 8725 0811

Op ShopsLifeline Cnr Gray St & Railway Tce 08 8725 5699Saint Vincent De Paul Society 2 Crouch St South 08 8724 9322Salvation Army Thrift Shop Boandik Terrace 08 8725 6042The Salvo’s Store Caldwell Street 08 8725 4271Photographic SuppliesPhotoquick Camera House 11a James Street 08 8725 4010Post OfficesMount Gambier Post Office, 30 Helen Street 13 1318Mount Gambier East Post Office 226 Commercial St East 08 8725 2049Mount Gambier West Post Office 230a Commercial St West 08 8725 2922

Real Estate AgentsComplete Real Estate 14 Watson Terrace 08 8723 5111Elders Real Estate 9 Bay Road 08 8723 0633Gebhardt Real Estate Suite 2/14 Helen Street 08 8725 5766Herbert Real Estate 7 Helen Street 08 8725 0500L J Hooker 55 Commercial St East 08 8723 2121Frank Kaiser Property Management Pty Ltd 2a Mitchell Street 08 8723 9299Landmark Real Estate 389 Commercial St West 08 8724 7590Malseeds.com.au 1 Wehl Street South 08 8724 9999

Miller, Whan and John Pty Ltd 68 Commercial St East 08 8723 1066Ray White Keatley 16a James St 08 8724 8966O’Connor & Graney 2 Railway Terrace 08 8725 0700P&L Real Estate 32 Bay Road 08 8723 3416First National Fimmells Mount Gambier 13 Penola Road 08 8725 4011S.A.L. Real Estate 23 Gray Street 08 8725 6666Vicki Quinn Real Estate 10 Commercial St West 08 8725 4225

Rural Transaction CentresCarpenter Rocks RTC Hercules Street 08 8738 0020Port MacDonnell RTC 5 Charles Street 08 8738 3000Tarpeena RTC Morphett Terrace 08 8739 6220

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Mount Gambier Public Library

Service StationsAmpolFuels K & S141-147 Jubilee Hwy West 08 8721 1778 Allendale East 08 8738 7274BP One Stop163 Commercial St East 08 8723 1744Nelson Roadhouse 08 8738 4142Caltex29 Penola Road 08 8725 4420141 Commercial St West 24 hr 08 8725 8233Coles Express100 Commercial St West 08 8725 5037MobilCrouch Street 24 hour 08 8725 4200195 Commercial St West 08 8723 203382 Jubilee Highway West 08 8725 109226 Pick Ave 08 8725 5730Glencoe 08 8739 4320Carpenter Rocks 08 8738 0044MOGAS RegionalNangwarry 08 8734 4177Shell32 Bay Road 08 8725 2595 190 Jubilee Highway East 08 8723 1900 144 Penola Road 08 8723 0669Kongorong 08 8738 9220Woolworths Petrol Plus108 – 110 Commercial St East 08 8723 4975

Supermarkets Andami IGA Supermarkets16 Swallow Drive 08 8723 033380 Jubilee Highway West 08 8724 988875 Suttontown Rd (Montebello) 08 8723 5294ColesJames Street 08 8725 6655Conroe Heights Foodworks125 North Terrace 08 8724 9033Lennon Food Market- IGA Grocer34 Lake Terrace East 08 8725 1608Woolworths (SA) LtdCommercial Street East 08 8725 8088

Health ServicesAged/Disability Care & VillagesAbbeyfield Society Inc 15 Francis Street 08 8725 1718Boandik Extended Support Services 101 Lake Terrace East 08 8724 1251Boandik Lodge Crouch Street Hostel 08 8725 4911Boandik Lodge St Marys Age Care Facility 71 Boandik Tce 08 8724 1200Hallmont Estate 20 Woodlands Drive 08 8721 8600Lambert Village 87 Gray Street 08 8725 3209Mount Gambier Retirement Village 1-3 Gilmore Close 08 8725 1794Oaks Aged Care Facility, The Ruwoldt Road, Yahl 08 8725 6111Woodlands Grove Retirement Estate 15 Woodlands Drive 08 8726 2300

Chemists Extended Hours (please ring to confirm opening times)Chemist King 170 Jubilee Highway West 08 8795 9579Gambier City Chemmart Pharmacies Centro Shopping Centre, 21 Helen Street 08 8725 8700 Gambier Village Pharmacy Cnr Penola Rd & Buronga Ave 08 8723 1118

Chemists Normal Trading HoursEast Gambier Pharmacy 3/145 Commercial St East 08 8725 1086Gambier City Chemmart Pharmacies 15 Sturt Street 08 8725 8201 2a Wehl Street North 08 8723 2919Murray T Martin Pharmacy 23-25 Commercial St West 08 8725 8244UFS Chemist 51 Commercial St East 08 8723 0277

ChiropractorsBond Chiropractic Centre 145 Penola Rd 08 8725 2077Dr Ben Atkins Compton Memorial Hall 0447 230 981Liana’s Chiropractic Centre 258 Commercial St West 08 8725 2306Mt Gambier Chiropractic Centre 6 Crouch Street North 08 8725 0644South Coast Chiropractic Centre 74 Gray Street 08 8724 7872The Chiropractic Domain 56 Bay Road 08 8725 3755

Clinics - MedicalFerrers Medical Clinic 2-4 Wehl Street North 08 8725 4261After Hours 0417 863 508Hawkins Medical Centre 30 Sturt Street 08 8725 5266After Hours 0418 838 466Morningside Family Practice 33 Helen Street 08 8723 1155Village Medical Centre Cnr Penola Rd & Buronga Ave 08 8723 3286

Clinics - AlternativeMount Gambier Chinese Medical Centre 20 Sturt Street 08 8725 7188Mount Gambier Natural Therapy ClinicShop 3/31 Canavan Rd 08 8725 7206

Community Health ServiceSouth East Regional Community Health Service - Mount Gambier 276-300 Wehl Street North 08 8721 1460

Dental SurgeonsFerrers Dental Surgery 26 Ferrers Street 08 8723 0230Oleschenko Orthodontics 1 Davison Street 08 8725 6612Confident Smile Dental Clinic 10 Wehl Street North 08 8725 6899Hawkins Centre Dental Practice 30 Sturt Street 08 8725 5266After hours 0417 812 488Helen Street Dental Clinic 31 Helen Street 08 8725 2441After hours 08 8723 2195S A Dental Service Mount Gambier Hospital 08 8721 1633

HospitalMount Gambier Hospital 276-300 Wehl St North 08 8721 1200

OptometristsA.L. Bolton Optometrist 40a Sturt Street 08 8725 1303Kevin Paisley Fashion Eyewear 27 Commercial St West 08 8725 7088OPSM Centro Shopping Centre, Helen St 08 8725 7222Specsavers 40 Commercial Street West 08 8723 0274

PhysiotherapistsBlue Lake Sports Medicine 15b Sturt Street 08 8723 0432Northcare Physiotherapy Mount Gambier 43 Helen St 08 8725 2423Therapy For Life 2/1 Compton Street 08 8724 81141 Stop Paediatric Services 1 Eleanor Street 08 8725 5383

IndustryDue to the plentiful supply of underground water, good rainfall, fertile soil, temperate climate and flat land, Mount Gambier and the whole of the Limestone Coast region is suitable for primary industry, the largest being the timber industry, based entirely on plantations, no native forests are harvested.

Consisting mainly of softwood plantings, with some more recent eucalypt plantings. The industry is supported by milling operations, particle board and pulp and paper manufacturing.

While the dairy industry is prominent, most of the milk is sent interstate for processing.

Prime lamb and beef production as well as the wool industry are important export industries.

Potatoes are widely grown, as well as onions, lettuce, and herbs, carrots, apples, berries, flowers and seed production.

With free draining spoils over limestone our area is world renowned for grape production and excellent wine.

Mount Gambier Limestone has been quarried locally for the building industry since 1860. The limestone is also crushed and dried for use in the manufacturing of glass bottles, water treatment, stock feed and other agricultural applications. Dolomite, another form of limestone, is the beautiful pink stone used in many of our historic buildings.

Port Mac Donnell just south of Mount Gambier is the home of the largest rock lobster fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere; many other fleets are dotted along the coast and export mainly to South East Asia and Japan.

In 1876 the first Pinus Radiata trees were planted in Mount Gambier.

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The highest temperature recorded in Mount Gambier was 43.6oC on 16th February 1983 (Ash Wednesday).The lowest temperature was -3oC on 20th June 1950 & 2nd July 1960.

Katnook Gas Well 60 km north of Mount Gambier was the first natural gas field discovered in the area and opened in 1991.

Mount Gambier is the centre for a large transport industry, developed as a result of our location halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne and because our many industries rely on freight services.

WeatherMount Gambier enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm to hot with mostly dry conditions, with day time temperatures varying from 15 degrees to 40 degrees. However nights can be still be cool, warm clothing or a jacket are still needed. In Autumn warm to hot days and cool nights are common. Winters are crisp and wet. Our annual average rainfall ranges from 450mm - 820mm a year, day time temperatures vary from 5 degrees to 20 degrees, warm clothing is needed. Spring is changeable with fine to warm days, and cooler, windy, wet days.

Mount Gambier is the centre of Australia’s most developed softwood forestry region.

PopulationThe City of Mount Gambier supports an immediate population of over 32,000. 25,000 within the City boundary.

TimeMount Gambier maintains Central Standard Time. (1/2 hour behind Victoria) Clocks are advanced by one hour between 1st Sunday in October and the 1st Sunday in April for Daylight Saving.

AltitudeThe City averages 40 to 75m above sea level. The crater rim is 190m and the Blue Lake 12m above sea level.

NewspaperThe Border Watch publishes each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 08 8724 1555.

Radio FrequenciesABC Classic FM FM 104.1ABC Radio National FM 103.3ABC South East 1476 & 1161 AMRadio 5SE 963 AMStar FM FM 96.1Radio 5GTR FM 100.1Lime FM FM 104.9Radio JJJ FM 102.5

Television FrequenciesWIN SA Channel 8 (7) WIN 9WIN Ten SBS 1 & 2ABC 1, 2 & 3, News 24 & Australia Network

Emergency ServicesEmergency 000SA Ambulance Service 1300 136 272Fire Ban Hotline 1300 362 361Fire Service – City / Country 000Fire Service - SA MetropolitanMount Gambier 08 8725 0634Fire Service - Country 08 8762 2311Hospital 08 8721 1200Poison Information Centre 13 1126 Police 08 8735 1020 / 13 14 44RAA Emergency Service 08 8725 4101 or 13 11 11State Emergency Service 08 8723 0563

In 1929 The Mount Gambier Fire Brigade received their first motorised fire truck. On the way to its first fire the firefighters forgot they had to refill the petrol tank and ran out of petrol - the house burnt down.

Distance and time to major towns & citiesSouth Australia (By sealed roads, legal speed 110kph)To Distance (km) TimeAdelaide via Riddoch Hwy 436 5 hrsAdelaide via Princes Hwy 450 51/2 hrsBarossa Valley 490 6 hrsBordertown 182 2 hrsCape Jervis 513 61/2 hrsPinnaroo 316 31/2 hrsRenmark 461 51/2 hrsTailem Bend 338 4 hrsVictor Harbor 451 51/2 hrs

Victoria (By sealed roads, legal speed 100kph)To Distance (km) TimeApollo Bay 370 41/4 hrsHalls Gap 240 21/2 hrsMelbourne via GOR 550 71/2 hrsMelbourne via Princes Hwy 441 5 hrsMelbourne via Glenelg Hwy 426 5 hrsMildura 575 6 hrsPort Fairy via Nelson 176 11/2 hrsPort Fairy via Dartmoor 156 11/4 hrsTwelve Apostles 280 3 hrsWarrnambool 205 2 hrs

factsfacts and figures

hotels, taverns & clubs- city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Licensed/BYO

Seating Capacity

Breakfast/Lunch/ D

inner/ B

ooking Required

Kids Menu/Takeaw

ay

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Bellum Hotel dist map Q8Riddoch Highway, Mount SchankPh: 08 8738 5269

Regional cuisine/produce, light meals, salad bar, playground

L 120 LD

KMT

7 Days

Commercial Hotel city map N14Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3006

Counter meals, bistro L 100 LD

KM 7 Days

Federal Hotel/Motel city map N18112 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1099

Counter meals, snacks, fish, grills, afternoon tea, salad bar

L 140 LD

KM 7 Days

Flanagans Irish Pub city map O166 Ferrers Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 1671.

Bistro, irish, fish, A-la-carte, grills, salad bar, daily specials, kids play area

L 100 LD

KMT

7 Days

Jens Hotel city map N1640 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 0188

A-la-carte, fish, daily specials, bistro, salad bar

L 100 BL D

KM B Sat, Sun7 days

Linksview Bar & Bistro city map Y12Blue Lake Golf LinksGrant Avenue, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 6198

Bistro L 140 B BRLD

KM L Fri & SunD Wed-Sat

Macs Hotel city map O1621 Bay Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2402

Bistro, beer garden L 75 LD

KM 7 Days

Mount Gambier Hotel city map N162 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 0611

Counter mealsA-la-carte, daily specials

L 100 BLD

KM 7 Days

1862 Wine Bar & Grillas above

Seafood café, grills, lobster in season

50 D

Park Hotel city map N13163 Commercial Street West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 2430

Bistro, fish, grills, salad, daily specials

L 50-80 LD

KMT

7 Days

Mount Gambier Community R.S.L. city map O1716 Sturt Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 8181

Counter meals,daily specials,bistro, a-la-carte

L 120 LD

KM 7 Days

South Australian Hotel city map N1778 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2404

Counter meals,fish, daily specials

L 60 LD

KMT

7 Days

South Eastern Hotel, The city map N22235 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9090

Counter meals, daily specials, bistro, fish, grills, regional cuisine/produce, salad bar

L 100

200

LD

KMT

7 Days

Western Tavern Hotel city map K8178 Jubilee Highway West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1200

A-la-carte,grills, light meals, pasta, salad bar, snacks

L 260 LD

KM 7 Days

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motel restaurants- city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Licensed/ Byo

Seating Capacity

Breakfast/ Lunch/ D

inner/B

ooking Required

Kids Menu/Takeaw

ay

Open

Days/ H

ours

Best Western Southgate Motel city map N20175 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1175

A-la-carte, regional cuisine/produce

L 80-100 BD

KM Mon-Sat

Comfort Inn Silver Birch city map N20Jubilee Highway East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 5122

A-la-carte, restaurant, fish, grills, regional cuisine

L 50-80 BD

KM Daily

Commodore on the Park city map K161 Jubilee Highway East, Mount GambierPh: 8724 6400

A-la-carte, regional cuisine/produce

L 200 BLD

KM 7 Days

Country Comfort International city map K1300 Jubilee Hwy West, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 9699

A-la-carte regional cuisine/ produce, modern australia

L 280 BD

KM Mon-Sat

Econo Lodge Limestone Coast city map N2196 Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 4311 Fax: 08 8724 9659 www.econolodgelimestonecoast.com.au

A-la-carte, daily specials, regional cuisine

L 50-80 BD

KM 7 Days

Lakes Resort city map T1317 Lake Terrace West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 5755

A-la-carte, restaurant L 130 BD

KM 7 Days

Quality Inn Presidential city map K9Jubilee Highway West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8724 9966

A-la-carte, daily specials, regional cuisine

L 80-100 BD

KM 7 Days

Sorrentos Café city map N156 Bay Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0900

Café, alfresco, pizza/pasta, snacks, asian, mediteranean

LBYO

100 BLD

KMT

7 Days

The Blue Lake Curry Club city map N1820 Anthony Street Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8724 8448

Indian Cuisine LBYO

LD

TA 7 Days

The Old Apple Farm Blue Water Wines dist map N12Clarke Rd, Mt GambierPh: 08 8726 8302

Snacks, cheese platters L 20-50 L Wed-Sun

To Go Gourmet Sandwich & Expresso Bar city map N167 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8724 8300

Homemade snacks, rolls, sandwiches, daily specials

8-10 BL

T 7 Days

Treehouse Play Café, The city map 1625b Bay Road (enter via Herriot St), Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 2045

Café, light meals, snacks, rolls, sandwiches

50-80

T

B L D

KMT

Wed-Mon

Vanilla Bean city map N1482 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 5321

Modern european cuisine, all day menu, cafe

L 50-80 LD

KMT

7 Days

Yoey’s Traditional Fine Food city map N1432 James Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 7710

Café, devonshire tea, rolls, sandwiches, cakes

10-20 L T Mon-Sat

Whistling Cat, The city map N1597 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8724 9088

Café, traditional english sweets, giftware and specialty teas

L TKM

7 Days

Wild Ginger city map N1517 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 6264

A-la-carte restaurant, thai, asian

LBYO

50-80 LD

TKM

Mon-Fri Lunch7 days Dinner

restaurants & cafes - city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Licensed/BYO

Seating Capacity

Breakfast/ Lunch/ D

inner/B

ooking Required

Kids Menu/Takeaw

ay

Opening D

ays/Hours

Aquifer Tours city map U17John Watson Drive, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1199

Café, homemade snacks 20-50 L 7 Days

Bahn Kubo city map N192-94 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3580

Thai, Chinese, Malay, Philippine, Japanese, Indonesia

BYOL 30

LD

KMT

Tue-Sun

Banana Tree Café city map M1553 Gray Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9393

Thai, a-la-carte, buffet LBYO

80-100

LD

KMT

7 Days

Bandsaw Bistro city map N11193 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 0466 045 406

Cafe, snacks, burgers sandwiches, cakes

20-50 LD

KMT

Mon-Sat

Barn Steak House dist map O11Nelson Rd, Mount GambierPh: 08 8726 9999

Regional Cuisine, beef and seafood

L 100-120

BD

KM 7 Days

Bookmark Cafe 10 Watson Terrace, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9472

Light meals, sandwiches, cakes

20-50 L 7 Days

Bullfrogs Café Bar & Grill city map N16Oatmill Complex 7 Percy Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 3933

Regional cuisine/produce, grills, daily specials

LBYO

200 LD

KM 7 Days

Café Melzar city map N15Shop 7 Engelbrecht Lane, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1760

Café mediterraneanhome made, light meals, grills, sandwiches

42 LB

KMT

Mon-Fri

Caffé Belgiorno city map N16Percy St, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 4455

Café mediterranean alfresco

L 150 LD

T 7 Days

Caleb’s Cafe city map N177a Ferrers Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9433

Homemade light snacks, sandwiches, meals, cakes

20-50 L KMT

Mon-Fri

Collars & Cuffs Licensed Cafe city map O151/14 Helen Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0465

Café, homemade, alfresco, gluten free

L 50 BL

KMT

7 Days

Cosmopolitan Pizza Bar city map N1777 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3197

Pizzeria & pasta 40 LD

KMT

7 Days

Cupkates city map N1654 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh 8725 8988

Vintage style tearoom, homemade cupcakes, tea, coffee. Gluten/dairy/sugar free available

20 T Mon-Sat

Earth Café city map B16Marketplace, 182 Penola Road, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 6848

Healthy, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan

80 L Mon-Sat

Engelbrecht Cave Cafe city map K1326 Chute Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 5552

Cafe, light meals, homemade cakes, gelati, alfresco

10-20

T

BL

7 Days

Hideaway Café city map O1432a Helen St, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 6200

Café, homemade lunches & light snacks, pizza, sandwiches, hamburgers, cakes

48 BL

T Mon-Fri

Golden Chopsticks Restaurant city map N1795 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3935

A-la-carte restaurant, chinese, thai, asian, malaysian, crayfish seasonal

L 100 LD

KMT

L Thu-FriD Tue-Sun

Gourmet India Restaurant city map N1799 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 8725 1800

Tandoori and northern Indian dishes, fish, chicken, icecream

L 50-80 LD

KMT

7 Days

Ken’s Place city map N15Harrold Street, Mt Gambier

Hot & cold food, fish, snacks, pies, pasties, cakes

20-50 BL

T Daily

Laughton Park Gardens dist map 804 L12Brim Brim Road, YahlPh: 08 8725 0479

Afternoon tea, devonshire tea

20-50 LBR KM Fri-Mon Pub & Sch Hols

Malaysia House Restaurant city map N1583 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 5005

A-la-carte malaysian & chinese, asian

LBYO

50 LD

KMT

7 Days

Mandarin Restaurant city map N1468 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 2100

Chinese a-la-carte L 80-100

LD

T 7 Days

Molten Chocolate Cafe city map N1539 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8723 5955

Artisan quality hand made chocolates, fine patisserie, cakes, gourmet ice cream.

50 BL

T Mon-Sat

Niks Carvery n Grill city map B16Shop 10 Marketplace 182 Penola Road, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 0025

Roast, stuffed spuds, yiros, mega burgers, seafood

50 BLD

KMT

7 Days

Niks Carvery n Grill city map O14Shop 40 Centro Helen Street, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 3331

Roast, stuffed spuds, yiros, mega burgers, seafood

50 BLD

KMT

7 Days

Noodle Sushi Bar city map N1434 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2888

Restaurant, malaysian, chinese, sushi

20-50 LD

T 7 Days

Plants on Sturt Cafe city map N1834 Sturt Street, Mount GambierPh: 8725 2236

Café, homemade cakes, light meals

L KM Mon-Sat

Sage & Muntries Café Restaurant city map N1578 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8724 8400

Local produce, burgers, steaks, seafood, Italian. Crayfish all year round

L 50-80 D KMT

Mon-Sat

bakeries - city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Bakers Delight city map N1430 James Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0886

Bakery, bread, snacks, cakes, baked goods

7 Days

Bakers Delight city map N19147 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9935

Bakery, bread, snacks, cakes, baked goods

7 Days

Metro Bakery Café city map N1613 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 3179

Dine in or takeaway, bakery, bread, pastries, pasties, pies, baguettes, rolls, cakes and coffee

7 days

OK Pie Shop city map N15Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2909

Pastries, pies, pasties, cakes, baked goods

Mon-Sat

Pick Avenue Deli & Bakery city map P2234 Pick Avenue, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2405

Pastries, cakes rolls & sandwiches 7 Days

Sugar ‘n’ Spice city map O15Shop 2, 145 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0709

Cheesecakes, cakes, toasted sandwiches, slices, hot doughnuts

7 Days

Top One Hot Bread city map N1520 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 3367

Breads, pastries, slices, cakes 7 Days

Wehl Street Homestyle Bakery city map P1419-21 Wehl Street South, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 7341

Bakery, pastries, pies, pasties, cakes, baked goods, salad, sandwiches

Mon-Sat

page 53

franchised restaurants & takeaway - city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Domino’s Pizza city map N18Woolworth’s Petrol PlusCnr Commercial St East & Crouch St, Mount GambierPh: 13 18 88

Pizza, chicken pieces, garlic bread, ice cream

7 Days

Donut King city map B16Shop 13, Marketplace 182 Penola Road, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8723 2699

Donuts, Cakes, Icecream, Pies 7 Days

Fasta Pasta city map N14102 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0011

Italian, pizza, salads, steak, chicken, icecream, cakes

7 Days

Hungry Jacks city map L16Penola Road, Mount GambierPH: 08 8723 1166

Fast food, hamburgers 7 Days

Kentucky Fried Chicken city map M16Penola Rd, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 7302

Fast food, snacks, burgers, chickens 7 Days

McDonald’s Family Restaurant city map K1545 Penola Rd, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0644

Fast food, pastries, cakes hamburgers, salad menu

24 Hours

Noodle Canteen city map O153/18 Helen Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 9497

Noodle & rice 7 Days

Paradise Pizzas city map N15205 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8724 9588

Pizza, chips, wedges 7 Days

Red Rooster city map M1976 Jubilee Highway, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 6366

Restaurant, takeaway, chicken, fish, baguettes, wraps, burgers, healthy options

7 Days

Subway city map N1657 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 4411

Fast food, rolls, sandwiches 7 Days

Subway Centro city map O15Shop 45 Centro, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 4433

Fast food, rolls, sandwiches 7 Days

Wendy’s city map 015Shop 46, Centro, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 4677

Fast food, ice cream, hot dogs, smoothies 7 Days

takeaway & delicatessens- city & surrounds

Style & Speciality

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Andami IGA city map F10Montebello Drive, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8723 5294

Takeaway 7 Days

Australian Fish Market city map N1585 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2637

Fish & chips, takeaway yiros, hamburgers Wed-Mon

Badenoch’s Deli dist map K10Bay Road, MoorakPh: 08 8725 4356

Fast food, takeaway 7 Days

Chicken Boss map N1798 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 3324

Takeaway, free range chicken, seafood, salad, coffee

Tues-Sun

Chick n Drive city map E163 Buronga Avenue, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2007

Fast food, takeaway yiros, snacks, salads, hamburgers, chickens

7 Days

Conroe Heights Foodworks city map K22125 North Terrace, Mount GambierPh: 08 8724 9033

Takeaway 7 Days

Crams Deli city map Q1545 Bay Road, Mount Gambier08 8725 5345

Light snacks, ice creams Mon-Sat

East Gambier Fish Shop city map M18129 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 6182

Fish & chips, yiros, takeaway Wed-Mon

Fish & Chip Takeaway (FACT) city map N15125a Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 2240

Fast food, takeaway, fish and chips, grills, salads

Tues-Sun

Foxies Delicatessen city map N17127 Commercial St East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3395

Takeaway Mon-Sat

Gambier West Deli city map N6326 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3204

Takeaway Mon-Fri

Grantville Court Fish Shop city map R20Shop 1/50 Boandik Tce, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2254

Takeaway, fish, grills, yiros, snacks, hamburgers

Tue-Sun

Highway Super Deli city map F16144 Penola Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 5480

Takeaway 7 Days

Kapela Fish Shop city map N1784 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 9083

Fish & chips Wed-Sun

Killara Food Centre city map K8174 Jubilee Hwy West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 0952

Takeaway 7 Days

Lennon Food Market – IGA Grocer city map S1734 Lake Terrace East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 1608

Takeaway 7 Days

Mobil Service Station city map N26Jubilee Highway East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 1900

Fast food 7 Days

Rosaville General Store city map N10236 Commercial Street West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2705

Takeaway 7 Days

Shepherdson Road Grocery & Delicatessen city map Q1228b Shepherdson Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 3701

Takeaway Mon-Sat

Valley Lake Pizza’s city map N1794 Commercial Street East, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 5551

Pizza, grills, icecream 7 days

Vansittart Deli city map N14137 Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 0155

Takeaway 7 Days

Westend Deli city map N10252a Commercial St West, Mount GambierPh: 08 8724 9511

Takeaway 7 Days

city-s

urroun

dsea

ting

guid

e-

city

and

sur

roun

ds

hotels, taverns & clubs - district

Style & Speciality

Licensed/ BYO

Seating Capacity

Breakfast/ Lunch/ D

inner/ Booking Required

Kids Menu/ Takeaw

ay

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Dartmoor Hotel/Motel dist map U344 Lindsay Rd, DartmoorPh: 03 5528 1240

Counter meals, grills, hamburgers, sandwiches

L 50-80 BLD

KMT

7 Days

Kalangadoo Hotel dist map Q3114 John Street, KalangadooPh: 08 8739 3214

A-la-carte L 60 D KMT

Wed-Sun

Nelson Hotel dist map W33Kellet Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4011

Counter meals, salad bar, regional cuisine/produce, grills, seafood, crayfish, cakes

L 80-100 LD

KMT

7 Days

Pines Hotel, The dist map R32Penola Road, TarpeenaPh: 08 8739 6287

A-la-carte restaruant, counter meals

L 20-50 LD

KMT

L Wed-SatD Mon-Sun

Port MacDonnell Football Club dist map Y7Elizabeth Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2664

Counter meals L 150 D T Sat

Rocks Tavern dist map U291Government Road, Carpenter RocksPh: 08 8738 0031

Counter meals, a-la-carte, seafood, pizza, pasta, snacks, salad bar

L 100 LD

KMT

7 Days

Tantanoola Tiger Hotel dist map S30Railway Terrace, TantanoolaPh: 08 8734 4066

Counter meals, fish, grills, salad bar, snacks

L 20-50 LD

KM 7 Days

Victoria Hotel dist map Y740 Meylin Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2213

Bistro meals, salad bar, seasonal lobster, fish, grills, chickens, daily specials

L 100 LD

KM 7 Days

takeaway & delicatessens - district

Style & Speciality

Opening D

ays/ H

ours

Allendale General Store dist map U750 Bay Road, AllendalePh: 8738 7274

Takeaway, fish & chips, hamburgers, rolls/sandwiches, snacks

7 Days

Breakwater Café, The dist map Y749 Sea Parade, Port Mac DonnellPh: 08 8738 2389

Café, fish & chips, seasonal lobster, yiros, snacks, hamburgers, rolls/sandwiches, ice cream, takeaway

7 Days

Nangwarry Serv-Wel dist map Q32Riddoch Hwy, NangwarryPh: 8739 7272

Takeaway 7 Days

Nelson Kiosk, The dist map W33Kellet Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4061

Takeaway 7 Days

Parade Fish Shop, The dist map Y754 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2239

Takeaway, bakery, pastries, yiros, cakes/baked goods, fish & chips, pizza

Tue-Sun

Tarpeena Deli, Post Office & Transaction Centre dist map R32Riddoch HighwayPh: 08 8739 6220

Takeaway Mon-Fri

restaurants & cafes - district

Style & Speciality

Licensed/ BYO

Seating Capacity

Breakfast/ Lunch/ D

inner/ Booking Required

Kids Menu/ Takeaw

ay

Opening D

ays/ Hours

Carpenter Rocks Shop & Foreshore Cafe dist map U29Hercules Street, Carpenter RocksPh: 08 8738 0044

Light meals & snacks 28 BLD

T 7 Days

Gill & Phin Cafe dist map W33Main Road, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4142

Fast food, light meals, fish & chips, grills, sandwiches

BYO 20-50 BLD

KMT

7 Days

Periwinkles Café & Deli dist map Y763 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2943

Cafe, light meals & snacks,seafood, seasonal lobster, pizza/pasta, cakes

L 50-80 BLD

TKM

7 Days

SAFF Nangwarry Roadhouse dist map Q32Penola Road, NangwarryPh: 08 8739 7311

Takeaway BLD

T 7 Days

SAFF Tantanoola Roadhouse dist map S30Princes Highway, TantanoolaPh: 08 8734 4177

Fast food 12 BLD

KMT

7 Days

districteating guide- district

motels - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of rooms/apartm

ents

$ from double

breakfast full/continental

restaurant/room service/

cooking facilities

internet/wireless/dial-up

cable tv/in house movies

swim

ming pool

private facilities/spa/bath

1 Arkana Motor Inn city map N21201 Commercial Street East, Mt Gambier Ph: 08 8725 5433 or 1800 801 858 Fax: 08 8725 6080www.arkanamotorinn.com.au

Golden Chain

20 R 124-171 BFC IW IDCTSP

PF S

The Terraces city map N22As Above

8 A 165-182 BFC CF IW ID CT SP

PF S

2 Avalon Motel city map L1593 Gray Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 7200 Fax: 08 8725 9491www.avalonmotel.com.au

Budget 20 R 65-95

BFC IWCTSP

PF

Avalon ApartmentAs Above

4 R 160-240 CF CT PF

3 The Barn Accommodation dist map 011Nelson Road, Mt GambierPh: 08 8726 9999 Fax: 08 8726 8097www.barn.com.au

31R 135-185 BFC RRSCF

IWCT

PFSB

4 Best Western Southgate Motel city map N20175 Commercial Street East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 1175 or 1800 088 835Fax: 08 8723 1151www.southgatemotel.com.au

BestWestern

52 R

1 A

128-195

130

BFC

BFC

RRS

RRS

IWCTSPIWCT SP

PFS

5 Blue Lake Motel city map M22 Kennedy Avenue, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 5211 Fax: 08 8725 5410www.bluelakemotel.com.au

24 R 70-90 BFC CF IW PF

6 Comfort Inn Silver Birch city map N20Jubilee Highway East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 5122 Fax: 08 8724 9843www.silverbirchmotel.com.au

Choice41 R 90-165 BFC R

RSIWCTSP

PF SB

7 Commodore on the Park city map K161 Jubilee Highway East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8724 6400 or 1800 088 196Fax: 08 8725 8772www.commodoreonthepark.com.au

55 R 135-169 BFC RRS CF

IWCTSP

PF S

8 Country Comfort Mount Gambier International city map K1300 Jubilee Highway West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 4811 or 1800 088 877Fax: 08 8723 3143www.countrycomforthotels.com.au

Constellati-on

57 R 95-190 BFC RRS

IW CTSP

PFS

9 Econo Lodge Limestone Coast city map N2196 Jubilee Highway East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 4311 Fax: 08 8724 9659

choice43 R 98-148 BFC R IW ID

CT, IHMSP

PF

10 Gambier Lodge-In Motel city map H1692 Penola Road, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 1579

4 R 83-88 BFC PF

11 Grand Central Motel city map O156 Helen Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 8844 Fax: 08 8725 8501www.grandcentralmotel.com.au

Budget23 R 85-90 BFC charge

back to restau-rants

ID IW PF

12 Jubilee Motor Inn city map N26180 Jubilee Highway East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 7444 Fax: 08 8723 0355www.jubileemotorinn.com

Welcome34 R 80-150 BFC R

RSIWCTSP

PF

13 Lakes Resort Motel city map S1417 Lakes Terrace West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 5755 Fax: 08 8723 2710www.lakesresort.com.au

40 R 115-199 BFC RRS

IW IDIHMSP

PFS

15 Mid City Motel city map O1515 Helen Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 7277 or 1800 807 277 Fax: 08 8724 9650www.midcitymotel.com

Golden Chain

18 R 98-130 BFC RSCF

CTIW

PFB

16 Anderson St Apartments city map O13As Above

4 A 190-270 BFC CF IW PFS

17 Sturt St Apartments city map O18As Above

2A 170-210 BFC CF CTIW

PFS

18 Motel Mount Gambier city map H15115 Penola Road, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 5800 Fax: 08 8725 8540www.motelmg.com.au

32 R 93-148 BFC RSR

ID IWCTSP

PFS

19 Mount View Motel city map L1914 Davison Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 8478 Fax: 08 8725 6226

13 R 60-85 BC CF PF

20 Quality Inn Presidential city map K9154 Jubilee Highway West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8724 9966 Fax: 08 8724 9975www.qualityinnpresidential.com

Choice53 R 109-139 BFC R

RSIWIDCTSP

PFS

21 Tower Motor Inn city map K10140 Jubilee Highway West, Mt Gambier Ph: 08 8724 9411 or 1800 826 894Fax: 08 8724 9973 www.towermotorinn.com.au

Golden Chain

19 R 98-165 BFC RS IW IHM

PF

hotels - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of rooms

$ from double

Breakfast/

full/continental

tea & coffee/ cooking

facilities/ restaurant

internet access /w

ireless/ dial-up/cable tv/in house m

ovies

bathroomprivate/shared/spa

22 Bellum Hotel reg map Q8Riddoch Highway, Mt SchankPh: 08 8738 5269 Fax: 08 8738 5289www.bellumhotel.com.au

3 65 BC TCFR

BP

23 Commercial Hotel city map N1576 Commercial Street West, Mt Gambier Ph: 08 8725 3006 Fax: 08 8725 2831www.commersh.com.au

8 R 40-70 BF C

R BS

Backpacker DormAs Above

4 R 30 R BS

24 Federal Hotel/Motel city map N18112 Commercial Street East, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 1099 Fax: 08 8723 1076 www.thefederalhotel.com.au

13 R 45-65 BC TCFR

CT BSBP

25 Jens Town Hall Hotel city map N1640 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier Ph: 08 8725 0188 Fax: 08 8723 9016

23 R 70-90 BFC TCFR

CT BP

26 Macs Hotel city map 01621 Bay Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 2402 www.themacshotel.com.au

10 55-65 BC TCFR

W BS

27 Mount Gambier Hotel city map N162 Commercial Street West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 0611 Fax: 08 8723 1070www.matthewshotels.com.au

15 R 140 TCFR

CT BPS

28 Park Hotel city map N13163 Commercial Street West, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 2430 Fax: 08 8723 0206 www.parkhotel.net.au

3 R 140 TCFCFR

IWIHM

BP

camping, caravan and holiday parks - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of unpowered/

powered sites/cabins/

units

site/cabin $ from double

laundry

dump point

playground/recreation room

/pool/tennis court/internet/w

ireless/dial up

kiosk/bbq/camp kitchen

35 Blue Lake Holiday Park city map W15Bay Road, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 9856 or 1800 676 028Fax: 08 8725 1711www.bluelakeholidaypark.com.au

Big 4100 UP150 PS25 C15 U

27-3032-3689-109108-186

L DP PGRRSPTCIW

KBBQCK

Lakes RetreatsAs Above

5 163-203

36 Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park city map N186 Krummel Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 4427 Fax: 08 8725 4427www.mountgambiercentralcaravanpark.com.au

17 UP43 PS23 C

222852-150

L DP PGRRID

KBBQCK

BackpackerAs Above

2 U 30-35 L PGRR

KBBQCH

37 Kalganyi Holiday Park city map B16Cnr Penola/ Bishop Roads, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 0220 or 1800 651 746Fax: 08 8723 0218www.kalganyi.com.au

Top Tourist

10 UP27 PS6 C34 U

253050-16050-160

L PGRRSPTCIW

KBBQCK

38 Limestone Coast Tourist Park city map M29 Jubilee Highway East, Mt Gambier Ph: 08 8723 2469 or 1800 623 511Fax: 08 8725 5109www.limestonecoasttp.com

Top Tourist

36 PS49 U

28-3665-140

L DP PGRRIW

KBBQCK

39 Mount Gambier Showgrounds city map P22Gratwick Drive Entrance, Pick Avenue, Mt Gambier. Ph: 0408 492 182

9 PS 20 DP

40 Pine Country Caravan Park dist map K10Cnr Bay and Kilsby Roads, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 1899 or 1300 720 115www.pinecountry.com.au

OZ Park

30 UPS35 PS20 C

20-2530-4055-92

L DP PGTC

BBQCK

backpacker/hostel - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of rooms

$ from single/tdouble/tw

in

bathroom private/shared

tea & coffee facilities/

meals/cooking facilities

internet wireless/

dial-up/cable tv

lounge/recreation room

30 The Old Mount Gambier Gaol city map P14Margaret Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 0032 Fax: 08 8723 2477www.hmgetaway.com.au

17 R 26-140 BS TCFCF

RR

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol Self Contained Unit As Above

1 A 140 BP CF

Also see Backpacker listings under Motels and Hotels

city- surroundsaccom

modation

- city and surrounds

b&b, traditional or self contained houses and cottages - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

b&b traditional/self contained

house/cottage/apartment

no. of bedrooms

king/queen/double/single

$ from double

ensuite/spa/bath

breakfast served full or continental breakfastprovisions full or continental

wood/ open/gas fire/gas/

electric heat/air conditioning

46 Amble In Bungalow city map M197 Davison Street, Mt GambierPh: 0428 254 611 Fax: 08 8725 4700www.amblein.com.au

SCC 2 BR1 Q3 S

175-180 BPC AE

47 Anzac 12 Self Contained Accommodation city map R1712 Anzac Street, Mt GambierPh: 0408 838 688www.mtgambieraccommodation.net.au

SCH 2 BR2 Q

180-225 B GA

48 Apartments on Tolmie city map G1627A Tolmie Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 1429 or 0418 816 876Fax: 08 8725 1852www.apartmentsontolmie.com.au

SCAx3

SCAx1

2 BR1 Q2 D1 S3BR 1 K 1 Q 2 D

200-400 B

S

GA

EA

49 Away at Victoria Villa city map L1321 Victoria Tce, Mt GambierPh: 0448 828 075www.awayatvictoriavilla.com

SCH 2 BR2 Q1 D

150-220 SB BPC GAC

50 Bush Haven Cottage dist map A10Grundy’s Lane, MingboolPh: 08 8739 6394 or 0417 878 068

SCCx2 2 BR1 Q & 2S1 D3 BR

110

120

B

B

W

W51 Claraville House city map 012

36 Bertha Street, Mount GambierPh: 08 8725 0606 or 0409 250 608

SCH 3 BR1 D1 D1 Q

170-180 B PBC GA

52 Clarendon Chalets dist map N11Clarke Road, O.B. FlatPh: 08 8726 8306 or 0418 838 926www.clarendonchalets.com

SCCx4 1 BR1 Q1 BR1Q1 BR1K1Q1D2 BR1Q1D3S

150

190

200

215

E

S

S

S

BPC

BPC

BPC

BPC

A

AWAWAW

53 Colhurst House city map M153 Colhurst Place, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 1309 Fax: 08 8723 1238www.colhursthouse.com.au

B&BT 5 BR1 K 3 Q1 S

125-250 ESB

BSF WGE

54 Colwyn House city map R1670 Bay Road, Mount GambierPh: 08 8723 5751www.colwynhouse.com.au

SCH 4 BR3 Q2 S

130-150 B BFC GW

55 Eliza Cottage city map O1430 Wehl Street South, Mt GambierPh: 08 8725 6666 www.elizacottagebnb.com

SCC 1 BR1 Q

120-165 S BPF AG

56 Garden Retreat B & B city map Q3025 Dohle Road, Mt GambierPh: 0428 254 611 or Fax: 08 8725 4700www.amblein.com.au

SCA 1 BR1 Q

155-160 E BPC A

57 Just A Bed Lodge dist map I7Cafpirco Road, Compton0427 884 729www.justabedlodge.com.au

6 R12 S

6 BR 30-38 B E

58 Lemon Gum B & B dist map D12Peweena Rd, Mil LelPh: 08 8725 0010 or 0438 085 299 Fax: 08 8725 0010www.lemongum.com.au

SC 1 BR1 Q1 D1 S

140 E BPF AE

59 Macburn Self Contained Cottages dist map H1317 Kavanagh Rd, GlenburniePh: 08 8725 1743 Fax: 08 8723 4738www.macburncottages.com

SCCx2 1 BR1 Q2 BR1 Q1D 1S

130-150

150-170

S BPF EA

60 Mackenzie’s on Jardine city map L169 Jardine Street, Mt GambierPh: 0409 420 864www.mackenziesonjardine.com.au

SCC 2 BR1 K1 Q

200 ES

BPFC GEA

62 Mount Gambier AccommodationPalace, The city map O1951 Sturt Street, Mt GambierPh: 0409 838 599www.mountgambieraccommodation.com.au

SCH 3 BR2 Q1 S

160-220 B BPC GA

63 Domain city map O1945 Sturt St, Mt GambierAs Above

SCA 2 BR2 Q

180-220 B BPC GA

64 Apartment Domain city map O191&2 /45 Sturt St Mount GambierAs Above

SCAx2 2 BR2 Q2 BR

200-280 EB

BPC GA

65 Frewville Apartments city map J167-7A Frewville Place Mount GambierAs Above

SCAx2 2 Q2BR2Q

180-240 E AG

b&b, traditional or self contained houses and cottages - city and surrounds

AA

A star rating/chain

b&b traditional self contained

house/cottage apartment

no. of bedrooms


$ from double

ensuite/spa/bath

breakfast served full or continental breakfast provisions full or continental

wood/open/gas fire/gas/

electric heat/ air conditioning

Mount Gambier Serviced Apartments Ph: 0409 250 577www.mountgambierapartments.com.au

65 Braxton House city map G241 Braxton Close, Mt GambierAs Above

SCH 3 BR3 Q

180-300 EB

BPC GA

66 mg deluxe apartment city map L194 /19 Davison St, Mt GambierAs Above

SCA 4 BR 2 Q1D 1S

200-350 EB

BPC GA

67 Starline city map F177 Starline Place, Mt GambierAs Above & 0409 838 599

SCH 3 BR3 Q2 D4 S

300-450 EB

BPC GA

68 Netley Cottage city map N12216 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier Ph: 0418 801 601 www.netleycottage.com.au

SCC 3 BR1 Q1 D2 S

170 WEA

69 Poppy’s Cottage dist map L9Tarrant Road, MoorakPh: 08 8726 8159 or 1800 227 677 or 0417 805 969

SCC 2 BR1 Q1 D2 S

130 BPF WA

70 Precinct on Jardine city map M16 Jardine Street, Mount GambierPh: 0438 224 626

SCAx2 3BR1 K2 Q2BR1 K1 Q

350-500 E BPC EAG

72 Talbot Hill Farm B&B dist map K10152 Bay Road, MoorakPh: 08 8723 1670 or 0427 603 283www.talbothillfarm.com.au

SCCB&B

2 BR1D 2S

115-125 BPFC WE

73 Triune House Bed & Breakfast city map L159 Wyatt Street, Mt GambierPh: 08 8723 0479 www.triunehouse.com

SCA

SCH

2 BR1 Q & 2 S2 BR1Q 1D 1 S4 BR 1KS 1D 4S

150-190 ESB

BPC G

74 Walija Cottage dist map N11103 Hill Road, O.B.FlatPh: 08 8726 8068 or 0437 278 081www.walijacottage.com.au

SCC 2 BR1 Q2 S

160-200 BPFC WA

All information and tariffs provided by a third party and to our knowledge were correct at time of printing. All tariffs include GST. Tariffs are to be used as a guide only - seasonal rates may apply.

bed & breakfast traditional or self contained, houses & cottages - district

AA

A star rating/chain



no. of bedrooms


$ from double

ensuite/spa/bath

breakfast served/full or continental/breakfast provisions/full or continental

wood/open gas fire/gas/ electric

heat/air conditioning

Aberdeen Retreat dist map J138 Evans Road, Glenburnie Ph: 0400 069 101

SCH 1BR1Q

120-130 BPC A

Amble In Cottage dist map X186774 Portland - Nelson Rd, NelsonPh: 0428 254 611 Fax: 08 8725 4700www.amblein.com.au

SCC 2 BR2 Q

185-190 EB

BPC WE

Bayside Holiday Cottages dist map Y757 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0400 391 712 Fax: 08 8725 7952www.geocities.com/baysideholidays/limstonecoast.htm/

SCC x2 2 BR1 Q4 S

65-75 GE

Break-A-Way Accommodation dist map Y76 Feast Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2340 or 0438 382 340

SCH 2 BR1 D2 S

75 B 75-125 G

Catalina Cottage dist map Y75 Pierce Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0428 268 021www.catalinacottage.net.au

SCH 3 BR1 Q1 D2 S

125 G

Choppy Waters dist map Y79 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 7240 or 0417 850 899Fax: 08 8738 7297

SCH 3 BR2 Q4 S

100 B E

Corbell Cottage B & B dist map Y730 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnell Ph: 08 8738 2432 or 0438 089 533

B&BT 1 BR1 Q

110-125 E BPC WE

Corner Shack, The dist map V291 Hammer Parade, Blackfellows CavePh: 0438 966 280 or 08 8726 6280

SCC 2 BR1 Q3 S

60-70 60-70 G

“Drift In” Holiday House dist map W334 Acacia Street, Nelson Ph: 03 5523 2679 or 0408 300 586Fax: 03 5523 1393

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 S

100 B GE

Fishermans Lodge dist map Y75 Springs Road, Port MacDonnell Ph: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461www.mgpm.com.au

SCH 3BR2Q3S

180 EB

WA

Jaymar House dist map Y774 Maylin Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0400 382 483

SCH 3 BR5 DB3 S

120 B W

Makylan’s Getaway dist map Y11Lot 2 Eight Mile Creek Road, Eight Mile CreekPh: 0407 382 206

SCH 3 BR1 Q4 S

140 B BPFC EA

Morica Cottage dist map Y724 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0428 323 985

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 S

150 E

Nelson Cottage Guest House Bed & Breakfast dist map Y19Cnr Kellet & Sturt Streets, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4161 www.nelsoncottage.com.au

B&BT 6 BR2 Q3 D1 S

50-90 BSC WE

Nelson Self Contained Accommodation dist map Y19Neil Black Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4262 or 0428 384 262

SCH

SCA

3 BR2 Q 4 S1 BR1 Q 1 S

220

180

E BPFC

Ocean Views dist map Y7 145 Lighthouse Rd, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 D2 S

180 S G

Shiralea B & B dist map V30109 Kingsley Road, Allendale EastPh: 08 8738 7287 or 0417 387 287 Fax: 08 8738 7118

SCA 1 BR2 D

115 E BPC E

Springs Cottage dist map Y7Springs Road Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2141 or 0428 849 407www.springscottage.com.au

no pets SCC 2 BR1 Q4 S

130-150 B GE

Sun Valley Eco Farm dist map W346289 Portland Road, NelsonPh: 08 8725 4729 or 0408 254 729www.seol.net.au/stanwb

SCH 3 BR1 Q1 D6 S

100 B W

The Dairy CottageAs above

SCH 1 BR2 D

65 W

The Customs House dist map Y73 Charles Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0409 671 999www.thecustomshouse.com.au

SCHB&BA

5 BR3 K1 Q5 S

240-260 SB

BPFC WGE

Wrens on Glenelg dist map Y195 Acacia Street, Nelson Ph: 08 8738 4341 or 0408 199 056www.wrensonglenelg.com.au

SC 1BR1 Q

160-165 ES

BPC AE

distric

tac

com

mod

atio

n-

dist

rict

motels- district

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of rooms/apartm

ents

$ from double

breakfast full/ continental

restaurant/room service/

cooking facilities

Internet/wireless/dial-up cable tv/

inhouse movies

private facilities/spa/bath

Dartmoor Hotel/Motel reg map U344 Lindsay Ave, DartmoorPh: 03 5528 1240

6 70-75 BFC R PF

Pinehaven Motel reg map W33Main Road, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4041 Fax: 8738 4239

8 60 BFC RCF

PF

Pinehaven CottagesAs Above

3 A 130 BFC CF PF

hotels - district

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of rooms

$ from double

breakfast full/continental

tea & coffee facilities/

cooking facilities/restaurant

internet access wireless/

dial-up/cable tv/ In house m

ovies

bathroomprivate/shared/spa

Kalangadoo Hotel reg map Q3114 John Street, KalangadooPh: 08 8739 3214 Fax: 08 8739 3444

7 50 R BS

Nelson Hotel reg map W33Kellett Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4011 Fax: 08 8738 4255www.nelsonhotel.com.au

11 40-65 BC TCFR

BPBS

Nelson Hotel Kegs CottageAs AboveStudio RoomsAs Above

SCCx12 BRSCx21 BR 1 Q

90-120

110

BC CF

CF

BP

BP

Pines Hotel reg map R32Penola Road, TarpeenaPh: 08 8739 6287 Fax: 08 8739 6287

3 55 BC R BP

Victoria Hotel reg map Y740 Meylin Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2213 Fax: 08 8738 2048

7 55-66 BC TCFR

BS

bed & breakfast traditional or self contained, houses & cottages - district

AA

A star rating/chain



no. of bedrooms


$ from double

ensuite/spa/bath

breakfast served/full or continental/breakfast provisions/full or continental

wood/open gas fire/gas/ electric

heat/air conditioning

Aberdeen Retreat dist map J138 Evans Road, Glenburnie Ph: 0400 069 101

SCH 1BR1Q

120-130 BPC A

Amble In Cottage dist map X186774 Portland - Nelson Rd, NelsonPh: 0428 254 611 Fax: 08 8725 4700www.amblein.com.au

SCC 2 BR2 Q

185-190 EB

BPC WE

Bayside Holiday Cottages dist map Y757 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0400 391 712 Fax: 08 8725 7952www.geocities.com/baysideholidays/limstonecoast.htm/

SCC x2 2 BR1 Q4 S

65-75 GE

Break-A-Way Accommodation dist map Y76 Feast Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2340 or 0438 382 340

SCH 2 BR1 D2 S

75 B 75-125 G

Catalina Cottage dist map Y75 Pierce Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0428 268 021www.catalinacottage.net.au

SCH 3 BR1 Q1 D2 S

125 G

Choppy Waters dist map Y79 Sea Parade, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 7240 or 0417 850 899Fax: 08 8738 7297

SCH 3 BR2 Q4 S

100 B E

Corbell Cottage B & B dist map Y730 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnell Ph: 08 8738 2432 or 0438 089 533

B&BT 1 BR1 Q

110-125 E BPC WE

Corner Shack, The dist map V291 Hammer Parade, Blackfellows CavePh: 0438 966 280 or 08 8726 6280

SCC 2 BR1 Q3 S

60-70 60-70 G

“Drift In” Holiday House dist map W334 Acacia Street, Nelson Ph: 03 5523 2679 or 0408 300 586Fax: 03 5523 1393

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 S

100 B GE

Fishermans Lodge dist map Y75 Springs Road, Port MacDonnell Ph: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461www.mgpm.com.au

SCH 3BR2Q3S

180 EB

WA

Jaymar House dist map Y774 Maylin Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0400 382 483

SCH 3 BR5 DB3 S

120 B W

Makylan’s Getaway dist map Y11Lot 2 Eight Mile Creek Road, Eight Mile CreekPh: 0407 382 206

SCH 3 BR1 Q4 S

140 B BPFC EA

Morica Cottage dist map Y724 Milstead Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0428 323 985

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 S

150 E

Nelson Cottage Guest House Bed & Breakfast dist map Y19Cnr Kellet & Sturt Streets, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4161 www.nelsoncottage.com.au

B&BT 6 BR2 Q3 D1 S

50-90 BSC WE

Nelson Self Contained Accommodation dist map Y19Neil Black Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4262 or 0428 384 262

SCH

SCA

3 BR2 Q 4 S1 BR1 Q 1 S

220

180

E BPFC

Ocean Views dist map Y7 145 Lighthouse Rd, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8723 2927 or 0409 519 461

SCH 3 BR2 Q2 D2 S

180 S G

Shiralea B & B dist map V30109 Kingsley Road, Allendale EastPh: 08 8738 7287 or 0417 387 287 Fax: 08 8738 7118

SCA 1 BR2 D

115 E BPC E

Springs Cottage dist map Y7Springs Road Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2141 or 0428 849 407www.springscottage.com.au

no pets SCC 2 BR1 Q4 S

130-150 B GE

Sun Valley Eco Farm dist map W346289 Portland Road, NelsonPh: 08 8725 4729 or 0408 254 729www.seol.net.au/stanwb

SCH 3 BR1 Q1 D6 S

100 B W

The Dairy CottageAs above

SCH 1 BR2 D

65 W

The Customs House dist map Y73 Charles Street, Port MacDonnellPh: 0409 671 999www.thecustomshouse.com.au

SCHB&BA

5 BR3 K1 Q5 S

240-260 SB

BPFC WGE

Wrens on Glenelg dist map Y195 Acacia Street, Nelson Ph: 08 8738 4341 or 0408 199 056www.wrensonglenelg.com.au

SC 1BR1 Q

160-165 ES

BPC AE

parksaccom

modation

- national parks

group accommodation - district

AA

A star rating/ chain

dormitory/cabin/unit

no of rooms/

accomm

odates no of people

$ from per person

bathroom/private/shared/

playground/ recreation room

/ pool/tennis court

bbq/camp

kitchen/

Karnkendi Campsite reg map W33Wade Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4133 Fax: 08 8738 4177www.karnkendi.pcsa.org.au

DCC

8R-A4815R-A801R-A8

20 BPBS

RR BBQCK

GAS FIRES ONLY DURING THE FIRE SEASON – NO FIRES ON DAYS OF TOTAL FIRE BAN

South Australian National Park Camping

Code Map Ref.

Camping Site Type No of sites

Amenities DrinkingWater

Fires Access Facilities

Beachport Conservation ParkVia BeachportPh: 08 8735 6053Fax: 08 8735 6151

Reg Map642P27 Three Mile Bend Fees Apply 6 Toilet 2WD, small to medium

caravanBool Lagoon Game ReserveOff Riddoch HighwayPh: 08 8762 3412Fax: 08 8762 1231

Reg Map536L31

Bool Lagoon Camping Area Fees Apply Toilet BYO Gas fires only 2WD,caravan

BBQ

Canunda National ParkVia Carpenter Rocks, Millicent and South EndPh: 08 8735 6053Fax: 08 8735 6151

Reg Map632Q28

NalawortKotgeeGeltwood BeachNumber Two RocksCape Banks

Fees Apply 76555

ToiletToiletToiletToiletToilet

SuppliedSuppliedBYO BYOBYO

BYO woodfor all sites

2WD, c/van2WD, c/van4WD only4WD only2WD only

Little Dip Conservation ParkVia RobePh: 08 8768 2543Fax: 08 8768 2403

Reg Map650M25

Stony RiseThe GumsLong GullyOld Man Lake

Fees Apply ToiletToiletToiletToilet

BYO BYO wood 2WD only2WD2WD2WD

Naracoorte Caves National ParkOff Riddoch HighwayPh: 08 8762 2340 Fax: 08 8762 1231

Reg Map544K32

Naracoorte Caves Camping Area

Fees Apply 30 Toilet, hot shower

Supplied Gas fires only during fire season

2WD, caravan Laund, washing machine,BBQ

Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation ParkOff Nelson RoadPh: 08 8735 1114 Fax: 08 8735 1135

Dist Map820Y17

Piccaninnie Ponds Camping Area

Fees Apply 6 Toiletin ponds car park area

Gas BBQ only 2WD, caravan

T

WATER & TOILETS ARE PROVIDED AT ALL CAMP SITES

Victorian National Park Camping

Code Map Ref.

AccomType

Site Type No of sites

Cost from Per pers site

Day visitor facilities

Fires Access Amenities/facilities

Discovery Bay Coastal Park Bookings & Permits at Nelson Visitor Information CentrePh: 08 8738 4051

Reg Map826X34

Lake Monibeong

Swan Lake

Permit

Permit

10

8

$12.50

$12.50

6 per site

6 per site

F/place

F/place

2 WD

2 WD

Lower Glenelg National ParkBookings & permits at Nelson Visitor Information Centre & Parks Booking OfficePh: 08 8738 4051Fax: 08 8738 4356

824V33

North RiverLasletts Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe LandingHutchessons Permit 2 $12.50 6 F/place 2 WD Landing McLennans Punt Permit 3 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2WD Landing Bowds Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe LandingWilson Hall Permit 12 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2WD Boat ramp, landing Forest Camp North Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe LandingRed Gum Landing Permit 2 $12.50 6 F/place 2 WD Landing George’s Rest Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe LandingSouth RiverPatterson Canoe Camp Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe only Landing Forest Camp South Permit 4 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2 WD Landing Battersbys Permit 2 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2 WD Landing Skipworth Springs Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe Landing Pritchards Permit 20 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2 WD C/van Boat ramp, landing Wild Dog Bend Permit 2 $12.50 6 Yes F/place 2 WD Landing Moleside Permit 1 $3.60 20 Yes F/place 2WD Landing Pines Landing Permit 1 $3.60 20 F/place Canoe Landing

Princess Margaret Rose CavePh: 08 8738 4171Fax: 08 8738 4282

Dist Map910V33

Cabins Permit 3 $55BYO linen

4 Yes F/place, BYO wood 2WD Fridge, 2 bunk beds, mattress, full cooking facilities,

Unpowered camping areaUnpowered caravan Sites

PermitPermit

95

$15.00$15.00

44

Hot showers, kiosk, BBQ, landing,

All information and tariffs provided by a third party and to our knowledge were correct at time of printing. All tariffs include GST. Tariffs are to be used as a guide only - seasonal rates may apply.

camping, caravan & holiday parks- district

AA

A star rating/chain

no. of powered/

unpowered sites

cabins/units

Site/cabin/unit $ from

double

laundry

effluent dump point

playground/ recreation room

/pool/ tennis court/internet

kiosk/bbq/camp kitchen

Casuarina Cabins reg map W3399 North Nelson Rd, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4105www.casuarinacabins.com.au

10 C6 C

85-160 L BBQ

Nelson Kywong Caravan Park reg map W33North Nelson Road, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4174 Fax: 08 8738 4174www.kywongcp.com

90UPS60 PS11 C

202565-100

L P BBQCK

Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park reg map Y9Eight Mile Creek Road, Port MacDonnellPh: 08 8738 2095 Fax: 08 8738 2094www.woolwash.com.au

25 UP125 PS3 U

2124-2860-90

L DP P KBBQCK

“River Vu” Park reg map W3331 Kellet Street, NelsonPh: 08 8738 4123www.rivervupark.com.au

8 UPS8 PS5 C

152260-65

L BBQ

visit‘the lady nelson’visitor and discovery centre

“The Lady Nelson” Visitor and Discovery Centre is one of the largest information centres in South Australia, acting as a gateway for South Australia and Victoria, our trained staff can help you with a comprehensive range of visitor services including:• Local, Regional, South Australian and Victorian tourist information• Souvenirs, Gifts and Local Produce• Maps and local history books• The Lady Nelson Discovery Centre Interpretive Display• Agent selling V-Line and Premier Stateliner Bus Tickets• Departure point for South Australian and Victorian passenger transport services• Conference and Events Support• Meeting Room

Ph 1800 087 187 www.mountgambiertourism.com.au

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Production: The Mount Gambier Visitor Guide is published by the City of Mount Gambier. All editorial and layout has been produced by “The Lady Nelson” with help of various local groups and organisations. Some artwork has been produced by “The Lady Nelson” and Council’s Engineering Department.

Graphic Design and Maps www.relishdesign.com.au Print Management www.genesiscreative.com.auPhotography South Australian Tourism Commission, Spring Studio, www.koonara.com, Anna Vincent

The information in this publication is to be used as a guide only. Whilst it has been prepared to the best of our knowledge, distance and times are estimations only and other information has been based on that provided by local operators.

Sixteenth Edition, Updated January 2013

It would be appreciated if any suggestions, amendments or discrepancies are referred to “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre so that changes for the next print run can be considered.

© Copying of all or part of this booklet in any form is prohibited without the permission of “The Lady Nelson” Visitor & Discovery Centre and/or the City of Mount Gambier. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Centre for suitable material in the promotion of Mount Gambier and District.

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