Campervan Touring Information
Mount Gambier sits half way between Adelaide and Melbourne. There’s so much to explore in this volcanic region from limestone caves, sinkhole gardens and crystal clear lakes in which to swim and snorkel, that we suggest giving yourself two days to take it all in.
View across Mt Gambier. Photo: mellymac_08 via IG
If you’re coming from Adelaide, you’ll pass through Tantanoola before you get to Mount Gambier.
Tantanoola Caves is 30 minutes from Mount Gambier. These limestone caves offer a grand display of stalagmites and stalactites.
Tantanoola Caves. Photo: photo.formo via Instagram
The colour of Blue Lake changes like a mood ring. It is a deep rich blue in November, bright cobalt from December to March and grey in April. A 3.6 km walking trail skirts the lake, taking you to various viewing platforms.
Blue Lake. Photo: mollygray19 via Instagram
Blue Lake. Photo: indieswirl via Instagram
Umpherston Sinkhole is a beautiful sunken garden. Lush vines cascade over the rim. At sunset possums appear in the tranquil garden. Follow the terraced garden right to the bottom where you’ll find a fountain, tree ferns and hydrangeas.
Umpherston Sinkhole. Photo: callumjackson via Instagram
Umpherston Sinkhole: Photo: groenewegphotography via Instagram
Possum in Cave Garden. Photo: shelleybot via Instagram
Cave Garden is smack in the heart of town. It is a sink hole with waterfalls and lush greenery.
Cave Garden. Photo: moozey76 via Instagram
Ewens Ponds Conservation Park is 25 km south of Mount Gambier on the way to Melbourne. The crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling. Swim through the verdant water gardens. They are more rich and varied than most earthly gardens and appear all the more magical by the shimmering light. You’ll feel the cool water seeping up from the labyrinth of limestone caves below. Diving here is free.
Snorkeling in Ewens Ponds. Photo: ockert45 via Instagram
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is 25 mins drive from Mount Gambier on the way to Melbourne. You can snorkel the clear water (40 m visibility) across the underwater gardens or dive down into the chasm, an underwater cave known as the Cathedral. You need to buy a permit to snorkel or dive ($14 on site).
Piccaninnie Ponds. Photo: lugaresasombrososporelmundo via Instagram
Around Piccaninnie Ponds. Photo: timmummery via Instagram
Piccaninnie Ponds. Photo: matt testoni photography via Instagram
Starry night sky of Mt Gambier. Photo: mellymac 08 via Instagram
Winter tree, Mt Gambier. Photo: mellymac_08 via Instagram
Wheat fields in Mt Gambier. Photo: mellymac_08 via Instagram
There are many caravan parks to choose from in Mount Gambier, but two stand out.
The Blue Lake Holiday Park is a BIG 4 holiday park with tennis courts, a jumping pillow, swimming pool, games room, camp kitchen with oven, stovetop and BBQs. Rates - $45/night for 2 people.
Nearby is the Pine Country Caravan Park with large grassy sites and plenty of trees. Facilities include a playground, camp kitchen, tennis courts, gas BBQs and campfires. Rates from $25/night for two people.
From Belair National Park you can begin the Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills tour which then links in to many other tours.
Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223
20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013
Phone: 1800 216 223
440 Sheridan Street, Cairns,
Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223
273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg,
Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223
23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah,
Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223
