Mount Gambier Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Mount Gambier, located in the South Australia region of Australia, is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural attractions. Known for its stunning volcanic landscape and vibrant arts scene, this destination is a must-visit for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

One of the highlights of Mount Gambier is the Blue Lake, a mesmerizing crater lake that changes color throughout the year. This natural wonder is a sight to behold, with its vibrant blue hues during the summer months and a mysterious grey tone during the winter. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake or even embark on a scenic helicopter ride to fully appreciate its beauty from above.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Umpherston Sinkhole is a must-see attraction. This sunken garden, formed within a collapsed limestone cave, is a lush oasis filled with vibrant plant life and a resident colony of adorable possums. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of this unique natural setting.

Art enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the vibrant arts scene in Mount Gambier. The Riddoch Art Gallery showcases a diverse range of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Visitors can also explore the Main Corner Complex, a cultural hub that houses multiple galleries, a theater, and a visitor information center.

For a taste of history, a visit to the Cave Gardens is a must. These gardens are located in the heart of Mount Gambier and offer a glimpse into the city's past. Wander through the park and admire the beautiful gardens, or take a moment to sit by the Blue Lake and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Mount Gambier is also known for its stunning coastline, with picturesque beaches such as Port MacDonnell and Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park within easy reach. Whether you're looking to swim, surf, or simply relax on the sandy shores, these coastal gems are perfect for a day of sun and sea.

Alternative names: Established: 1854 (170 years ago)Population: 25 thous. (2019)Area: 10.66 mi²Elevation: 135 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°49'44"S, 140°46'48"E

Location

South AustraliaAustralia

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Mount Gambier Top Attractions

Mount Gambier Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mount Gambier offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Blue Lake, Engelbrecht Cave, Borderline Speedway, Mount Schank. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Blue Lake
The Blue Lake is a large, monomictic, crater lake located in a dormant volcanic maar associated with the Mount Gambier maar complex.
Natural attraction • Park • Campsite
Engelbrecht Cave
Engelbrecht Cave is a cave system in the Australian state of South Australia consisting of a sinkhole with two major passages located under the Mount Gambier urban area. It is owned by the local government area of City of Mount Gambier and has been developed as a tourism venue.
Sport venue • Sport
Borderline Speedway
Borderline Speedway, is a dirt track racing venue in the Australian state of South Australia located in the locality of Glenburnie, South Australia about 8 kilometres east of the city of Mount Gambier.

Natural attraction • Mountain • Park
Mount Schank
Mount Schank is a 100 m high dormant volcano in the southeast corner of South Australia, near Mount Gambier. It was sighted by James Grant on 3 December 1800 and named after Admiral John Schank, designer of Grant's ship, HMS Lady Nelson.
Natural attraction • Garden • Park
Cave Gardens
The Cave Gardens are the garden located in the centre of Mount Gambier in the Australian state of South Australia that contain a 30-metre-deep cave. The cave was initially used as a water source for the town. In 1870 the area became a reserve, and by the 1890s trees, gas lamps and seating were installed in the area.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Valley Lake
The Valley Lake is a monomictic volcanic crater lake in the Australian state of South Australia situated in the south of Mount Gambier, near the Blue Lake. The Lake is surrounded by a park situated on Davidson Drive. The shore of the lake features a children's playground, sporting facilities, BBQs and toilets.
37°49'53"S • 140°46'52"E
Mount Gambier Community RSL
Military museum • Museum
37°49'44"S • 140°46'52"E
Main Corner Complex
Civic center • Museum
Volcano • Nature • Natural attraction
Mount Gambier Volcano
Mount Gambier is a maar complex in South Australia associated with the Newer Volcanics Province. It contains four lake-filled maars called Blue Lake, Valley Lake, Leg of Mutton Lake, and Brownes Lake. Both Brownes and Leg of Mutton lakes are dry in recent years, due to the lowering of the water table.
37°50'2"S • 140°46'41"E
The Old Courthouse & Gallery
Museum

Day trips

Mount Gambier – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mount Gambier, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Princess Margaret Rose Cave (Lower Glenelg National Park), Ewens Ponds (Port MacDonnell), Little Blue Lake (Port MacDonnell).

16 milesSE
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Princess Margaret Rose Cave, Lower Glenelg National Park
The Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a limestone cave located in Lower Glenelg National Park in Victoria, Australia. The cave features actively growing stalactites, stalagmites and helictites.
14 milesS
Natural attraction, Cave, Park
Ewens Ponds, Port MacDonnell
Ewens Ponds is a series of three water-filled limestone sinkholes in the Australian state of South Australia located in the gazetted locality of Eight Mile Creek, on the watercourse of Eight Mile Creek about 25 kilometres south of Mount Gambier and 8.4 kilometres east of Port Macdonnell.
8.7 miSW
Natural attraction, Cave, Park
Little Blue Lake, Port MacDonnell
Little Blue Lake is a water-filled doline in the Australian state of South Australia located in the state's south-east in the locality of Mount Schank about 20 kilometres south of the municipal seat of Mount Gambier.
31 milesN
Museum
Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, Penola
The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre is located in Penola, South Australia. It is close to the two State Heritage sites of Petticoat Lane and the original stone schoolhouse developed by Mary MacKillop in conjunction with Father Julian Tenison Woods in the 19th century.
22 milesW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Cape Banks Lighthouse, Canunda National Park
Cape Banks Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the Australian state of South Australia located in the state's south-east on an unnamed headland in the gazetted locality of Carpenter Rocks about 2.5 kilometres north-west of the locality's town centre.

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Best Time To Visit Mount Gambier

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mount Gambier weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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January and December are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in January, February, March and December. While the coldest is in June, July, August and September.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in December, while the shortest in June.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mount Gambier?

The top attractions to visit in Mount Gambier are:

What is the best time to visit Mount Gambier?

January and December are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in January, February, March and December. While the coldest is in June, July, August and September.