Things to do in Mount Gambier South Australia

Mount Gambier is South Australia’s second-largest city and sits almost halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a popular stop on a road trip between the two cities.

That’s actually how I first visited Mount Gambier, around fifteen years ago. Back then, it was simply an overnight stop and I didn’t give much thought to what there was to do in the area.

That changed when I came across an article about ghost mushrooms glowing in the forests near Mount Gambier.

Ghost mushrooms? I had no idea what they were either, but once I discovered they actually glow in the dark, I wanted to see them for myself.

So we planned another road trip from Adelaide, this time with Mount Gambier as the destination rather than somewhere we happened to pass through.

While researching the trip, I kept seeing the same handful of Mount Gambier attractions mentioned over and over again – the Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole and a few caves.

But once I started digging a little deeper, I discovered there was much more to see and do here than I expected.

From volcanic craters and enormous sinkholes to caves, coastal scenery and those strange glowing mushrooms, there’s enough to justify spending a few days exploring Mount Gambier and the surrounding Limestone Coast.

Here are the best things to do in Mount Gambier, including the places I visited myself and a few more worth adding to your itinerary.

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Mount Gambier at a glance: Allow at least two nights, although three is better if you want to explore the surrounding Limestone Coast. A car is the easiest way to get around. Visit from November to March for the Blue Lake/Warwar at its brightest, or late autumn and early winter for the possibility of seeing ghost mushrooms.

How Many Days Do You Need in Mount Gambier?

I recommend spending at least two nights in Mount Gambier rather than treating it as a quick overnight stop between Adelaide and Melbourne.

That gives you a full day to see the main Mount Gambier attractions, including the Blue Lake/Warwar, Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, Cave Garden/Thugi and some of the other sights around the city.

If you have three nights, even better. You’ll have time to venture further afield to places such as Mount Schank, Tantanoola Cave or Port MacDonnell.

Your timing may also depend on the season. If seeing the ghost mushrooms is one of the main reasons for your trip, check whether guided tours are operating during your visit. They’re a natural phenomenon, so dates depend on when enough mushrooms appear.

You can see the highlights during an overnight stop, but having done Mount Gambier both ways, I’d allow a little longer. There’s much more here than I realised on my first visit.

Things to Do in Mount Gambier

Let’s start with the attractions within Mount Gambier itself. While having a car makes getting around easier, several of these are close to the city centre and can be combined into a day of sightseeing.

Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul

Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, also known as the Sunken Garden, is one of Mount Gambier’s best-known attractions – and one of the first places I’d recommend visiting.

The sinkhole was once a limestone cave. When the roof eventually collapsed, it left behind the huge depression you see today.

In 1886, local resident James Umpherston transformed the sinkhole into a garden, and today you can walk down into it among the greenery, flowers and hanging vines.

It’s free to visit and worth seeing during daylight, but there’s another reason to come back later.

At dusk, brushtail possums emerge and can often be spotted around the garden. We actually visited twice – once during the day to explore the garden and again after dark to look for the possums.

The sinkhole is illuminated at night, so you can still walk through the garden after the sun goes down.

If you have enough time, I recommend doing the same. It feels quite different after dark, and seeing the possums gives you a good excuse to visit twice.

Blue Lake/Warwar

You can’t visit Mount Gambier without seeing its most famous attraction, the Blue Lake/Warwar.

The lake sits inside one of the craters of the Mount Gambier Volcanic Complex and is also an important part of Mount Gambier’s water supply.

It’s particularly famous for its dramatic seasonal colour change. Between November and March the lake becomes a striking blue, while during the cooler months it changes to a much darker grey-blue.

We visited in June, so I didn’t get that brilliant cobalt blue you see in all the photos. It was much more of a slate grey – one of the downsides of visiting at the right time for the ghost mushrooms!

The colour change is caused by natural processes involving the minerals and organic material in the water, along with seasonal changes in the lake.

There are several lookouts around the crater, so you don’t need to walk far to get a good view. If you want to see it from different angles, there’s also a 3.5km walking trail around the lake.

For a closer look, guided tours take visitors down into the crater and towards the water. As the Blue Lake/Warwar is part of Mount Gambier’s water supply, you can’t simply walk down to the shoreline or swim in it.

If seeing the lake at its bluest is important to you, plan your visit between November and March. If you’re here in winter like I was, it’s still worth seeing – just don’t expect quite the same colour as the tourism photos.

Engelbrecht Cave

You don’t even need to leave the city to go underground in Mount Gambier.

Engelbrecht Cave sits beneath a residential area, with parts of the cave system extending underneath local streets.

This isn’t the sort of cave you visit for huge stalactites and stalagmites. Instead, you’ll descend underground to see the limestone cave system and remarkably clear groundwater filling its deeper sections.

Engelbrecht Cave is also used by qualified cave divers, who can continue through submerged passages well beyond the areas seen on the regular tour.

Looking into those dark underwater tunnels was fascinating, but cave diving is definitely not going onto my bucket list!

I enjoyed the tour because it wasn’t simply about looking at a cave. We learnt about the geology and history of the site, as well as some of the environmental issues that have affected the cave system over the years.

Visits to the cave are by guided tour, and I recommend booking ahead during busy periods.

Even if you plan to visit some of the larger caves elsewhere on the Limestone Coast, Engelbrecht Cave is worth including because it’s such an unusual feature to find right underneath a city.

Book your tour in advance here.

Cave Garden/Thugi

Right in the centre of Mount Gambier, beside the library and The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, Cave Garden/Thugi is another example of the limestone landscape beneath the city.

Unlike Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, you don’t walk all the way down into this one. Instead, paths and viewing platforms take you around the garden and partway into the sinkhole, where you can look down into the cave below.

After heavy rain, water flows into the sinkhole and disappears underground, eventually making its way through the limestone into the local groundwater system.

Because it’s right in the CBD, it’s easy to combine with The Riddoch, the library and nearby cafes.

Cave Garden/Thugi is also sometimes used for events and temporary installations, so it’s worth checking what’s happening while you’re visiting.

Entry is free.

Centenary Tower

For one of the best views over Mount Gambier, make your way up to Centenary Tower in the Crater Lakes precinct.

The tower was built between 1900 and 1904 to commemorate 100 years since Lieutenant James Grant sighted and named Mount Gambier and Mount Schank from HMS Lady Nelson in December 1800.

Getting there requires a walk uphill, and while it’s not particularly long, it is steep in places. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views across Mount Gambier, the surrounding farmland and the volcanic landscape.

On a clear day, you can see towards the coast.

You don’t need the tower itself to be open to enjoy the views. Traditionally, a flag flying from the tower indicates that it is open to visitors.

There was no flag flying when we visited, so we had to settle for the views from outside – which were still well worth the walk.

You can also incorporate Centenary Tower into one of the walking trails through the wider Crater Lakes precinct.

The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre

If you have some time in the centre of Mount Gambier, pop into The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, beside Cave Garden/Thugi.

Formerly known as the Riddoch Art Gallery, The Riddoch is South Australia’s largest regional gallery.

There are changing exhibitions throughout the year, featuring everything from local and regional artists to touring exhibitions from around Australia, so what you see will depend on when you visit.

When we were there, one of the exhibitions used virtual reality to explore Aboriginal dance, which was certainly not something I had expected to find during our Mount Gambier trip.

While you’re there, check whether Volcano – The Story of Earth, Fire and Water is screening. The film explores the volcanic history that created the landscape around Mount Gambier, beginning with the local Aboriginal story of Craitbul before looking at the geology and eruptions that shaped the region.

We watched it before visiting some of the volcanic sites around Mount Gambier, and it gave us some useful background to what we were seeing afterwards.

Screening times can change, so check what’s on when you visit.

Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi

Just around the corner from the Blue Lake/Warwar is Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi, another of the volcanic craters that make Mount Gambier such an interesting place to explore.

This is less of a sightseeing stop and more somewhere to slow down for a while. There are large grassed areas, picnic facilities and a playground, making it a popular spot with local families.

The Valley Lake Conservation Park is also here, with walking trails and boardwalks through native vegetation. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife as you wander through.

If you have limited time in Mount Gambier, I’d combine Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi with the Blue Lake/Warwar and Centenary Tower rather than making three separate trips.

They’re all within the Crater Lakes area and together make a good few hours of exploring.

Things to Do Around Mount Gambier

Some of the most interesting places on the Limestone Coast are outside Mount Gambier itself, so it’s worth allowing some time to explore the surrounding region.

Searching for Ghost Mushrooms

The ghost mushrooms were the whole reason we planned this Mount Gambier road trip in the first place.

Ghost mushrooms (Omphalotus nidiformis) are native Australian fungi that are bioluminescent – in other words, they actually glow in the dark.

When we visited, Ghost Mushroom Lane near Glencoe was open for independent visitors during the mushroom season. We arrived at around 6 pm, turned off our torches and waited for our eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Slowly, we started to see them.

We visited in the second week of June and saw hundreds – possibly thousands – of mushrooms scattered through the pine forest. Some were already starting to deteriorate, but there were still plenty to see.

We easily spent about 90 minutes wandering around looking for them, although quite a lot of that time was spent attempting to capture the glow with long-exposure photography. My night photography skills left a little to be desired!

I love seeing strange natural phenomena like this, and the ghost mushrooms were every bit as fascinating as I’d hoped. They were worth making the trip to Mount Gambier for.

However, the experience has changed since my visit.

Ghost Mushroom Lane is no longer promoted by ForestrySA as the self-guided seasonal attraction we experienced.

Ghost mushroom viewing is now available through guided tours operated by Walk the Limestone Coast.

Tours are held around the new moon and depend on enough mushrooms appearing, so dates may only be released once conditions are suitable.

If seeing the ghost mushrooms is one of the main reasons for your Mount Gambier trip, don’t simply turn up at Ghost Mushroom Lane after dark as we did.

Check the current ForestrySA information before you travel to see whether tours are operating and how to book.

The experience may be a little different now, but if you get the opportunity to see these strange glowing mushrooms, I think they’re still one of the most unusual things you can do around Mount Gambier.

Climb Mount Schank

About 12km south of Mount Gambier is Mount Schank, one of the youngest volcanoes in Australia.

Mount Schank erupted around 4,500 years ago, creating the distinctive volcanic cone and large crater you see today.

You can climb from the car park to the crater rim for views down into the volcano and across the surrounding farmland towards the coast.

We continued around the rim, which gives you a much better sense of just how large the crater is. There are some steep sections and plenty of steps on the way up, but it’s a relatively short walk and you can take your time.

Unlike the volcanic craters around Mount Gambier, there’s no lake inside Mount Schank. The crater sits above the groundwater table, so it has remained dry.

If you’re interested in the volcanic landscape around Mount Gambier, I think Mount Schank is well worth the short drive out of town. Standing on the rim looking directly into the crater makes the area’s volcanic history feel much more real.

Visit Tantanoola Cave

If you want to see some impressive cave formations, take the short drive north-west of Mount Gambier to Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park.

Tantanoola Cave is quite different from Engelbrecht Cave. Here the main chamber is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other formations in shades of pink, cream and brown.

It’s not a huge cave, but that actually makes it an easy one to visit. A guide gives you an introduction to the history and geology before you have time to explore the main cavern at your own pace and take photos.

One of the biggest advantages of Tantanoola Cave is its accessibility. It is one of only a few wheelchair-accessible caves in Australia, with wheelchair and pram access into the main cavern.

There’s also a short clifftop walk above the cave if you want to spend a little longer here, although this includes steps.

Tantanoola Cave is around 29km from Mount Gambier. You can buy tickets when you arrive if places are available, but numbers are limited, so I recommend booking in advance.

Click here for more information on other ticket prices and opening hours.

Take a Trip to Port MacDonnell

If you feel like seeing the coast, head about 30km south of Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell.

Known as Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital, this small fishing town is home to South Australia’s largest rock lobster fishing fleet.

Take some time to wander along the foreshore and jetty, or visit the Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s long seafaring history.

While you’re here, continue around to Cape Northumberland, the southernmost point of South Australia. The coastline becomes much more dramatic here, with limestone cliffs, rock formations and the remains of the original Cape Northumberland lighthouse.

Little penguins also live around the Port MacDonnell area, and there are displays about them in the Maritime Museum. I previously suggested looking for them returning from the sea at dusk, but I can no longer find current official information recommending this as a visitor activity, so I wouldn’t go searching for them.

With beaches, walking trails and coastal viewpoints, you could easily spend half a day exploring before returning to Mount Gambier.

Snorkel at Ewens Ponds

About 36km south of Mount Gambier, Ewens Ponds Conservation Park is home to three spring-fed limestone ponds connected by shallow channels.

What makes them special is the incredibly clear water. The ponds are around 10 metres deep, but the water is so clear that aquatic plants grow several metres below the surface.

If you’re comfortable in the water, you can snorkel from the first pond, follow the channels through the system and exit from the third pond. The entire route is around 365 metres.

Don’t expect warm tropical snorkelling though! The water is cold year-round, and a full-length wetsuit is compulsory.

Access has changed considerably in recent years because of low water levels and environmental concerns. Snorkelling requires a permit and advance booking, with limited numbers allowed in the water.

There is also an annual seasonal closure from 1 September to 30 November to allow the aquatic vegetation time to recover.

Conditions can change, so this is one attraction where I strongly recommend checking the National Parks SA website before making plans.

Don’t simply turn up expecting to get into the water. You need a permit and confirmed booking first.

Sister Mary’s mentor, Father Wood enjoyed wood carving, and as you drive from Penola to Coonawarra there is a small park on the roadside showing off some of his creations.

Other Places to Combine With Mount Gambier

If you have more time, Mount Gambier works well as part of a longer trip around South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Rather than simply driving in, seeing Mount Gambier and driving out again, consider adding one or two of these places to your itinerary.

Naracoorte Caves

Around an hour north of Mount Gambier, Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the world’s most important fossil sites.

There are 28 known caves in the park, with four open to the public. If you only have time for one guided tour, I’d choose Victoria Fossil Cave, where you can see both cave formations and the fossil deposits that helped earn Naracoorte its World Heritage status.

Allow at least a couple of hours, although you could easily spend half a day here.

Penola and Coonawarra

About 50km north of Mount Gambier, Penola and Coonawarra make an easy addition to your trip.

Penola has strong connections with Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Catholic saint. It was here that she and Father Julian Tenison Woods established the first Australian congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Nearby Coonawarra is one of Australia’s best-known wine regions and is particularly famous for Cabernet Sauvignon grown in its distinctive terra rossa soil.

We visited several cellar doors while we were in the area, including Wynns Coonawarra Estate.

If you’re planning to taste wine, choose a couple of wineries rather than trying to visit them all, and nominate a driver or organise a tour.

Beachport

If you’re travelling along the coast, Beachport makes a good stop between Mount Gambier and Robe.

One of the easiest things to do is walk along the 772-metre Beachport Jetty. You don’t necessarily need to walk all the way to the end, but after a few hours in the car it makes a good excuse to get moving.

If you have more time, follow Bowman Scenic Drive for coastal views and a stop at the Pool of Siloam.

Beachport also has an interesting wartime connection. In July 1941, two Australian sailors were killed when a German sea mine exploded on the beach while they were attempting to make it safe. They were the first Australian servicemen killed on Australian soil as a result of enemy action during the Second World War.

We visited in winter when Beachport was very quiet, but it’s a much busier seaside town during summer.

Robe

Robe deserves more than a quick photo stop if you have time.

The historic seaside town has beaches, cafes, shops and plenty of interesting colonial history.

One of its most recognisable landmarks is the red-and-white Obelisk at Cape Dombey. Built in 1855, it originally helped ships navigate into Guichen Bay and housed lifesaving rocket equipment.

You can’t walk right up to the Obelisk because the surrounding cliffs are unstable, but you can still see it from the designated viewing area.

Robe was once an important colonial port, and one particularly interesting part of its history is the arrival of thousands of Chinese migrants during the 1850s, who landed here before travelling overland to the Victorian goldfields.

If history isn’t your thing, head for Long Beach instead. The long stretch of sand is one of Robe’s most popular beaches and, unusually, vehicles are permitted on parts of it.

Robe is also a good choice for an overnight stop if you’re turning your Mount Gambier visit into a longer Limestone Coast road trip.

Where to Stay in Mount Gambier

There is plenty of accommodation in Mount Gambier, from motels and caravan parks to boutique stays and some more unusual options.

Here are a few places to consider depending on the type of stay you’re looking for.

Old Mount Gambier Gaol – For Something Different

This is where we stayed on one of our trips, and it’s certainly one of the more unusual places I’ve slept.

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol operated as a prison from 1866 until 1995 and has since been converted into accommodation.

You can actually sleep in one of the old cells, with options ranging from double and twin cells to larger family rooms.

We stayed in one of the budget rooms and found it comfortable, but what I particularly remember was the owner being incredibly enthusiastic about the gaol and happy to share his local knowledge with us.

If you like accommodation with a story behind it, this is certainly more memorable than a standard motel room.

Check prices and availability at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol.

The Barn – For a Little More Luxury

If you’d prefer something more upmarket, The Barn is just outside Mount Gambier.

There’s a wide range of accommodation, from rooms and suites to apartments and larger options for families and groups.

One of the big attractions is the Barn Steakhouse on site, which makes this a good option if you want a nice dinner without having to drive anywhere afterwards.

Check prices and availability at The Barn.

Mid City Motel – For a Central Location

If location is your priority, Mid City Motel puts you within easy walking distance of central Mount Gambier.

Cave Garden/Thugi, The Riddoch and the shops, cafes and restaurants around the city centre are all nearby.

This would be my pick if you want to leave the car behind for some of your sightseeing.

Check prices and availability at Mid City Motel.

Colhurst House – For a Boutique Stay

For something with a little more character, Colhurst House is a historic home dating from 1878, just a short walk from the centre of Mount Gambier.

With only a handful of guest rooms, it’s particularly suited to couples looking for a quieter boutique stay rather than a conventional hotel.

Check prices and availability at Colhurst House.

Want more options? Check accommodation in Mount Gambier here.

Getting to Mount Gambier

Driving to Mount Gambier

For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to get to Mount Gambier – and having a car is also useful once you arrive.

Mount Gambier is around 435km from Adelaide and about 420km from Melbourne, so allow roughly five hours of driving from either city without long stops.

From Adelaide, you can travel inland through Keith and Naracoorte or take the longer coastal route through Kingston SE, Robe and Beachport.

If you have the time, taking a different route in each direction is a good way to see more of the Limestone Coast.

Flying to Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier has its own regional airport, a short drive from the city.

Flights operate between Mount Gambier and Adelaide and Melbourne, making flying an option if you don’t want to tackle the long drive.

If you fly, I recommend hiring a car when you arrive. Some of the best things to do around Mount Gambier are outside the city, and exploring the wider Limestone Coast is much easier with your own transport.

Getting to Mount Gambier by Bus

You can also reach Mount Gambier by public transport, although services are limited compared with travelling by car.

Stateliner operates coach services between Adelaide and Mount Gambier.

From Melbourne, V/Line services connect Mount Gambier with Victoria’s regional transport network.

Check current timetables before making plans, as services don’t necessarily operate at the same times or every day.

Do You Need a Car in Mount Gambier?

You can explore some of Mount Gambier without a car, particularly if you’re staying close to the city centre.

Cave Garden/Thugi and The Riddoch are right in the CBD, while Engelbrecht Cave and some other attractions are within walking distance if you don’t mind stretching your legs.

However, I recommend having a car if you can.

The Blue Lake/Warwar, Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi, Centenary Tower and Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul are spread around the city, and having your own transport makes it much easier to see several of them in the same day.

A car becomes even more useful if you want to explore beyond Mount Gambier. Places such as Mount Schank, Tantanoola Cave, Port MacDonnell and Ewens Ponds aren’t practical to include in your itinerary on foot.

Cycling is another option for exploring parts of Mount Gambier, with cycling and shared-use paths around the city.

If you’re flying into Mount Gambier and planning to spend more than a day or two in the region, I’d hire a car. You’ll have much more flexibility and you’ll be able to see far more of the Limestone Coast.

Best Time to Visit Mount Gambier

There really isn’t one best time to visit Mount Gambier – it depends on what you want to see.

If the brilliant blue colour of the Blue Lake/Warwar is high on your list, visit between November and March. This is when the lake changes from its darker winter colour to the vivid blue you see in most tourism photos.

Summer is also a good time for exploring the coast around Port MacDonnell and Beachport, although this is naturally a busier time to visit the Limestone Coast.

We visited in June because our main reason for the trip was to see the ghost mushrooms.

The mushrooms generally appear during the cooler, wetter part of the year, but they’re a natural phenomenon and there’s no guarantee they’ll appear on particular dates. Current ghost mushroom tours depend on suitable conditions and enough mushrooms appearing, so check the latest information if they’re the main reason for your trip.

Winter in Mount Gambier can be cold, wet and windy, so pack accordingly. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors around and plenty of the main attractions can still be enjoyed year-round.

Spring and autumn are good options if you’re less concerned about seeing either the Blue Lake at its brightest or the ghost mushrooms.

If you’re visiting in May, also check the dates for Generations in Jazz. The event brings thousands of visitors to Mount Gambier, so accommodation can be harder to find.

For me, I’d choose the time of year based on your priority: summer for that famous blue lake, or late autumn and early winter for the possibility of seeing the ghost mushrooms.

Is Mount Gambier Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Mount Gambier surprised me with just how much there was to do.

On my first visit, it was simply somewhere to spend the night while travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne. It wasn’t until we returned specifically to see the ghost mushrooms that I realised how much we’d missed.

The Blue Lake/Warwar and Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul might be the attractions everyone knows about, but they’re only part of the story. There are caves beneath the city, volcanic craters to explore and plenty more to see around the surrounding Limestone Coast.

I’d allow at least two nights in Mount Gambier, and three if you want to explore more of the surrounding region.

And if you’re driving between Adelaide and Melbourne, don’t make the mistake I did the first time and think of Mount Gambier as simply a convenient overnight stop.

It’s worth making it the destination.

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