The ultimate Limestone Coast road trip itinerary

Find spectacular natural wonders on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. This road trip will take you 10 hours return from Adelaide.

With prehistoric caves, volcanos and bright blue lakes, this region is a nature lover’s dream. Follow the Limestone Coast loop trail for an attraction-packed road trip, without having to double back.

Stop 1: Naracoorte

Naracoorte is a historic and scenic town, home to South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed site.

Must do

• Go birdwatching at Bool Lagoon, one of the largest and most diverse freshwater lagoons in South Australia. Walk the boardwalk, spanning 500 metres over wetlands where 150 different species of birds visit, some rare and endangered.
• Visit the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, where fossils up to 500,000-years-old have been discovered.
• Learn about the history of sheep farming at the Sheep’s Back Wool Museum.
• Take a break and relax at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake, a man-made pool with a sandy beach, diving pontoon, enclosed children’s area and plenty of areas for a picnic.

Stop 2: Mount Gambier

Located on the slopes of Mount Gambier volcano, this namesake city offers a plethora of crater lakes, caves, sinkholes and underground waterways ready to be explored.

Must do

• Marvel at the Umpherston Sinkhole from the viewing platforms before descending into its sunken gardens.
• Engelbrecht Cave lies under the urban streets of Mount Gambier and is popular with cave divers who swim its water-filled passages. Take a walking tour to discover its secrets without having to get wet.
• Reconnect with nature at Echo Farm, where you can feed native and farm animals, view historic displays and sample local produce.
• Admire the Blue Lake which lies in a dormant volcano crater and turns a striking shade of blue during the summer months.

Stop 3: Robe

Robe has a rich history as one of South Australia’s oldest towns and was the state’s second-busiest port in the 1850s. Take in a history lesson with a side of beaches, shopping and eateries.

Must do

• Walk the Obelisk Trail passing the town’s Old Gaol, jetty, marina and Factory Bay.
• Pop into the family-friendly Robe Town Brewery for organic, handcrafted beers using local ingredients.
• Explore Long Beach, a safe family beach with gentle surf and direct vehicular access.
• Go 4WD, bushwalking, fishing, diving, bird-watching, camping and more at Little Dip Conservation Park.

Stop 4: Kingston SE

Nestled on the picturesque waters of Lacepede Bay, the Kingston SE district boasts stunning beaches, national parks and an iconic oversized crustacean.

Must do

• Take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s historic buildings including the old gaol, courthouse and post office.
• Visit the 17-metre-tall Big Lobster, colloquially named ‘Larry’ by locals.
• Check out the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, a museum showcasing what life was like for a lightkeeper. Fun fact: the lighthouse originally sat eight kilometres out to sea and is Australia’s first lighthouse to be dismantled and relocated onshore.
• Take a dip in one of Kingston SE’s beaches which are perfect for swimming, fishing and boating.
• Stop into Coorong National Park on your way back to Adelaide, an area of historic and cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri People, with archaeological evidence of Aboriginal campsites over thousands of years.

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Lead image: Long Beach, Robe © South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

Keep reading:

• South Australia family-friendly travel guide
• Family-friendly things to do in South Australia