15 Best Things To Do In Mount Gambier

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Planning a visit to Mount Gambier? This underrated South Australian destination is packed with unique natural attractions, from bright blue crater lakes to sinkholes and caves.

I actually grew up visiting Mt Gambier from nearby Portland, so it’s always been one of those easy go-to trips — and it was just as fun returning with our own kids.

If you’re passing through or planning a short stay, here are the best things to do in Mount Gambier.

For a unique place to stay, check out The Old Mount Gambier Gaol

Best Things To Do In Mount Gambier South Australia

Mount Gambier is a popular place to visit on a day trip from elsewhere in SA or on a trip over the border from Victoria, especially if you have extra time at the end of your Great Ocean Road drive!

As a kid, we used to visit regularly from my hometown of Portland in Victoria, located around an hour away so it was exciting to get back for a visit with our own kids after exploring some of the best places in Victoria.

Here are some of the best things to do at Mount Gambier that you won’t want to miss, whether you are visiting for one day or staying for a while:

1. The Blue Lake

The Blue Lake is the most iconic attraction in Mount Gambier and the one you’ll definitely want to see.

The Blue Lake is a geological wonder in Mount Gambier that draws huge crowds each day to see the deep cobalt blue water from the stunning viewpoints around the volcanic lake.

During summer, the water turns a vibrant blue (such as during our visit – the photo is not edited) that almost doesn’t look real, while in winter it shifts to a more muted grey tone.

The beautiful Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is a monomictic crater lake located within an inactive volcano and one of four Crater Lakes originally on the Mount Gambier maar.

Now only two remain, Blue Lake and Valley Lake, with the other 2 lakes having dried up over time.

2. Blue Lake Aquifer Tour

The Blue Lake Aquifer Tour takes visitors on a journey through underground tunnels and chambers to explore the hidden depths of the lake. Visitors can learn about the history, geology and biodiversity of the lake from an experienced tour guide.

3. Umpherston Sinkhole

Located in the centre of Mount Gambier is one of the most unexpected attractions – the Umpherston Sinkhole.

What was once a cave has been transformed into a sunken garden, with lush greenery, hanging vines, and walking paths down into the sinkhole. It’s free to visit and surprisingly impressive.

The gardens were first developed back in the late 1800s by James Umpherston.

It is free to visit Umperston Sinkhole and it remains open from dusk til dawn. There is a small cave area hidden behind vines, so make sure you don’t miss the entrance behind the stairway.

This is easily one of the best free things to do in Mount Gambier, although there are a lot of stairs to get to the bottom. Worth it if you can manage the stairs!

Interesting Fact: There are over 50 cenotes (sinkholes) within the Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast area!

4. Feed The Possums At Umpherston Sinkhole

As the sun goes down, the local possums come out to play inside the gardens of Umperston Sinkhole, so if you are visiting at night time, bring some fruit with you. We heard that they love grapes and strawberries especially!

Just make sure it is fruit you are bringing to feed them to avoid getting the possums sick from processed foods that aren’t part of their native diet.

The possums will come right up to you for a feed. What a cool experience for all ages!

5. Spend A Day At Valley Lake Recreation Area

Valley Lake Recreation Area

Valley Lake is a great spot for a relaxed family day out.

There’s a large fenced playground, open grassy areas, picnic spots, and walking trails. Depending on the season, you might also see people out on the water.

Our kids loved the playground and had a great time letting out some energy before our drive back to Portland.

6. Valley Lake Wildlife Park & Boardwalk

If you are looking for free things to do in Mt Gambier, this is yet another great option! In fact, Mount Gambier is a great place all round if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination in South Australia.

Right near Valley Lake, this free wildlife park is a great place to spot native animals.

You can walk the trails and see kangaroos, wallabies, birds, and sometimes even echidnas. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already visiting the lake.

7. Engelbrecht Caves

The Engelbrecht Caves are one of the few caves in the area open for guided tours.

The 45-minute tour takes you underground to see the cave system and hidden lake, while learning about its history.

Other Mount Gambier caves to visit in the area include Tantanoola Cave and Naracoorte Caves National Park.

8. Enjoy The Many Walking Trails

There are plenty of walking tracks around Mount Gambier, with options for all fitness levels.

The Blue Lake Circuit is an easy 3.6km loop with great views, while longer trails around Valley Lake offer a bit more of a challenge.

9. Mount Gambier Visitor Centre

The Mount Gambier Tourist Information Centre is more than just a place to stop for local information and tours.

The building itself is part of the history of Mount Gambier and commemorates the first ship that said along the South Australian coastline. They have a replica of the ship in front of the Discovery Centre, so it’s easy to spot as you drive by!

The centre houses a museum, with some fascinating artefacts from the early days of settlement in the region, interactive displays and exhibits featuring the unique marine life of the area, as well as the local Boandik culture too.

And of course, Lady Nelson Discovery Centre is a perfect place to come if you want to learn about what is happening in town during your visit and get recommendations for more things to see and do from their qualified staff.

10. Cave Gardens

Another unexpected sight right in the centre of Mount Gambier is the Cave Gardens.

This foliage and floral display are located in a sinkhole with viewing platforms. While you can’t go down into the sinkhole as you can at Umpherston, it is a nice spot to take a stroll.

There are beautiful rose gardens and plenty of places for a picnic nearby.

Unfortunately, the bottom of the cave garden has collected a lot of rubbish and even a couple of shopping trolleys, which is unfortunate when some people try and ruin it for everyone, but it is still well worth visiting.

11. Centenary Tower

For some of the best views of Mount Gambier, head up to Centenary Tower.

This medieval-style tower may seem a little out of place in a small Aussie town, having opened to the public back in 1904, yet it remains one of the most popular attractions, with 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Gambier and the coastline.

The tower sits 190 metres above sea level and it is a bit of a hike to get up to the tower itself, but well worth it if you do.

To know if Centenary Tower is open for visitors, check to see if the Tower Flag is flying!

Make sure you head up early morning if you are visiting on a hot summer day, to avoid the hottest part of the day!

12. Little Blue Lake

Unlike the main Blue Lake, you can actually swim in Little Blue Lake.

It’s a popular spot for a quick dip, although the water is extremely cold due to its depth.

13. See Mount Schank Crater

Just outside Mount Gambier, Mount Schank is another volcanic crater worth visiting.

There’s a short but steep walk to the rim, with the option to continue around the crater if you’re feeling energetic.

14. Meet The Echo Farm Animals

Echo Farm is a great option for visiting with kids! Located just north of Mount Gambier, Echo Farm provides a fun environment for children to learn about animals and nature.

This small working farm has a self-guided tour to meet the farm animals including chickens, goats, ducks, turkeys, pigs, sheep, wallabies, emus, donkeys and more. You can help feed the animals during your visit.

They also have homemade preserves, biscuits and souvenirs for sale.

15. See Mount Gambier On Bike

Hire a bicycle in Mount Gambier and enjoy the fresh air along one of the many bike and hiking trails. There are tracks to suit all difficulty levels and this is a great way to see the sights while getting some exercise at the same time.

There is a free bike hire service at the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, Mount Gambier Library, and the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre.

To hire a bike, you will need to have a photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport and a credit card for verification.

Day Trips From Mount Gambier

Since the city of Mount Gambier is situated so close to the South Australia and Victorian border, this opens up a lot of cool options for day trips or as a stop along a longer south coast road trip if you are visiting and planning to stay for a few days.

Here are some of the best Mount Gambier day trips:

Portland, Victoria

If you are keen to explore some of South Australia’s neighbours, head an hour east of Mount Gambier and visit the beautiful seaside town of Portland, Victoria.

The birthplace of Victoria has some interesting attractions, including Cape Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Seal Walk, the Petrified Forest, the Portland Powerhouse Motor Museum and the Gannet colony.

Warrnambool, Victoria

A little over a two-hour drive from Mount Gambier is the coastal city of Warrnambool. The Shipwreck Coast is one of the biggest attractions here, with over 700 shipwrecks along this stretch of coast.

Visit for whale watching and explore historic sites like Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village or Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. Tower Hill is also a great place to spot wild emus and koalas.

Port MacDonnell, South Australia

This small fishing town is situated just a short drive from Mount Gambier, past Mount Schank and home to some of South Australia’s best seafood.

It’s well known for its rock-lobster fishing. Enjoy fresh fish and chips while watching the sunset over the port.

Not far from Port MacDonnell is Cape Northumberland which is the most southern point of South Australia. There are some great viewing platforms here to see Frog Rock, Rhino Rock and the Cape Northumberland Lighthouse.

Travel Insurance: Make sure you don’t leave home without travel insurance. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to skip, especially when travelling with kids. Check out SafetyWing to make sure you’re covered!

Mount Gambier With Kids

Mount Gambier is a great place to visit with kids, with plenty of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions to enjoy.

There are several playgrounds around town, including the large fenced adventure playground at Valley Lake Wildlife Park and Railway Lands Nature Play.

You also have a great chance of spotting native Australian wildlife in the wild, with the unique landscape and climate.

If you’re looking for indoor activities in Mount Gambier for rainy days, there is a cinema, indoor play centre and library that will keep the kids entertained.

Planning Your Mt Gambier Visit

Ready to plan your visit to Mount Gambier? Whether you are staying for a night or a week, there is plenty to see and do. Here are the essentials you need to plan your stay in Mount Gambier, South Australia:

Where Is Mount Gambier?

Mount Gambier is located approximately 434 km southeast of Adelaide, South Australia and approximately the same distance from Melbourne. It is situated just 11km from the Victoria-South Australia border.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Mount Gambier?

The best time to visit Mount Gambier is during the months of October to March when temperatures are warmer and more pleasant. It will be at its busiest during January with the Australian school holidays

These are just some of the things to do in Mount Gambier, Australia. From outdoor activities to historical and cultural sites, there is something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Mount Gambier and enjoy all this great city has to offer?

Do you know any other recommended Mount Gambier tourist attractions we have missed?