18 amazing things to do in Mount Gambier

Located on the slopes of a dormant volcano halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, Mount Gambier is an unexpected haven for families.

Escape to an intriguing world of sunken gardens, crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife in this South Australian gem. From safe swimming spots to brilliant bike trails, there are so many fun things to do in Mount Gambier with kids!

Umpherston Sinkhole

Like something out of a fairytale with its curtains of ivy and terraced walls, this place has to be seen to be believed. It was once an underground cave, but the roof collapsed many years ago.

The resulting sinkhole was turned into a breathtaking sunken garden in 1886 and is just begging for kids to leap down the rabbit hole into its wonderland depths.

Take to the Umpherston Sinkhole viewing platforms before descending into its sunken gardens to explore remarkable vines and terraces.

Rug up and head back to the sinkhole after dusk to meet the resident possums. Once the sun goes down, the cute creatures emerge from their daytime hideouts to feed.

The Blue Lake

A few minutes from the centre of town lies Blue Lake, a stunning pool set in a volcanic crater. This well-photographed landmark mysteriously changes colour as summer approaches – switching from a grey-blue hue to deep turquoise in November – and remains vivid until March. It’s an easy 45-minute walk (or cruisy drive) around the 3.6-kilometre rim of the lake.

Engelbrecht Cave

There are more than 800 caves along this part of the Limestone Coast, including the fascinating Engelbrecht Cave. It is thought to have been formed between 35 and 45 million years ago.

A tour through the cave systems will teach you about the claustrophobia-inducing tunnels that brave divers venture into for rescue practice and research.

Engelbrecht Cave spreads out beneath the streets of Mount Gambier. It is popular with cave divers who swim its water-filled passages. Take a walking tour to discover its secrets without having to get wet.

Echo Farm

Reconnect with nature at Echo Farm, where you can feed farm animals, view historic displays and sample local produce. Step back in time with a visit to its 1490’s farmhouse, then BYO picnic and enjoy the grounds.

Stay for vintage high tea and try Nanna’s delicious homemade scones, or take a guided tour of the farm. The entry fee is $12 and includes animal feed and a trail map.

Spend a night out under the stars

Load the car up and head out for a night under the stars. There’s nothing better than sitting around a fire, sharing stories and enjoying quality time together. Whether you enjoy camping at a caravan park or venturing out into the bush, all kinds of camping adventures await in Mount Gambier. Our most important tip… don’t forget the marshmallows!

Animal encounters

Unique wildlife encounters await for those who love to explore. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the trails and along the boardwalks in the Valley Lake Conservation Park. Hiding up above in the trees you might spot a koala taking a nap or having a snack. That won’t be the only animal sighting you’ll enjoy: the park is also home to many wallabies, birds and echidnas.

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Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre

Learn about Mount Gambier’s volcanic history at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre. Kids will discover that Mount Gambier is built on the slopes of a volcano that last erupted over 5,000 years ago.

You can also hear Dreamtime stories from the local Boandik First Nations people, describing how the Blue and Valley lakes were the work of the giant Craitbul. Every time he lit a campfire, it was doused by emerging underground water, leaving gaping holes in the ground.

Caroline Sinkhole

Venture a little further out to explore the formations surrounding the city and take in the astonishing depth of Caroline Sinkhole. This dizzying pit is just a short walk from the car park at Penambol Conservation Park.

A long metal viewing platform extends beyond the edge of the sinkhole, offering a fantastic view. Mini hikers will love to take on the Wombat or Butterfly trails that run through the area.

Mount Schank

Learn more about the landscape and local culture on a stroll around Mount Schank. The dormant volcano is just 15 minutes from town and looking down into the crater is an exciting reward for making it to the top. The kids will no doubt love telling their friends they visited a real-life volcano.

Walk up to Centenary Tower

Set on the unique slopes of dormant volcanoes, Mount Gambier’s Crater Lakes Precinct offers a number of walking trails with epic panoramic views. Follow the trail around the stunning Blue Lake and walk up to Centenary Tower. It offers a bird’s-eye view of both lakes and on clear days, you can see all the way to the ocean.

The Little Blue Lake

Located between two dormant volcanoes, Mount Schank and Mount Gambier, the Little Blue Lake is one unique swimming spot.

The natural water-filled sinkhole features stairs and a floating pontoon. Located in an unassuming paddock, it is great for safe swimming with kids. 

Bike riding

If you’re looking for a faster pace, bike ride through the city. Mount Gambier’s Rail Trail follows the old railway line from one side of the city to the other. Stop along the way to enjoy local art and have some fun on the Nature Play Area. More adventurous riders can explore the Mountain Trail at the Valley Lakes, ride the BMX and pump track at Hastings Cutting Reserve, or head to Dimjalla Skate Park.

Snorkel the underwater wonderland

Take the plunge into the crystal-clear water of Ewens Ponds Conservation Park and Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park. These underwater worlds will have you mesmerised by the bright freshwater ecosystems you’re drifting through. It’s like nothing you have ever seen before.

Cave Garden/Thugi

Smack-bang in the middle of the city, this former sinkhole is now home to beautiful gardens. Kids will love the kaleidoscopic colours and there are several viewing platforms to take it all in.

Thugi was the original source of water for the early settlers; be sure to visit after rainfall to watch the waterfall cascade down into the Cave Garden. The space comes alive at night, glowing with coloured lights and you can head down into the cave each evening to listen to Indigenous Dreamtime tales. 

Hell’s Hole

Watch divers rise to the surface at Hell’s Hole – a massive 30-metre deep sinkhole filled with dark blue freshwater. Located in Lower Glenelg National Park, access to the depths of the sinkhole is by abseiling only.  

While you can’t swim here without a permit, the short but sweet Hell’s Hole loop walk is worth the trek. The trail meanders along sandy tracks through native bushland, before treating visitors to a spectacular view of the sinkhole from a secure observation platform.

Eat at ScRoll Queen

Stop to refuel at ScRoll Queen, where the Oreo scrolls will deliver more “mmm” and chocolate on the kids’ face than you can anticipate.

Stay at Pine Country Caravan Park

Pine Country has a playground and jumping pillow for the kids, a communal dining area with festoon lighting, plus pet alpacas and a handy dog exercise paddock (yes, it’s pet friendly). The amount of green space proves instantly relaxing, and there is a fire pit to curl up beside. The park is also licenced, so when you pre-book your fire, we suggest ordering a cheese platter with wine for a hassle-free snack after a big day of exploring.

Cabins are cosy with open-plan living areas and a bedroom with a queen size bed and bunk. It’s more than comfortable, but the showstopper is the family glamping tents near the playground area, each boasting its own private fire pit. It’s a lovely set-up and parents can sit back and relax, watching the kids in the playground or on the jumping pillow just metres away.

Pine Country Caravan Park owners Nathan and Emma took the establishment over in 2018, with a view to transform it into a verdant, peaceful place to stay – somewhere guests could relax with a glass of wine, soaking up the sounds of rural life rather than urban noise. They ticked every box.

Visit Mount Gambier

So much more than just a stopover on a road trip, Mount Gambier is a town full of surprises. And with the lush vines of Coonawarra, freshwater pools of Piccaninnie Ponds and gorgeous beaches along the coast all nearby, Pine Country Caravan Park provides the perfect base from which to explore this perfect patch of South Australia.

No matter what adventure your family is looking for, the Mount Gambier region is set to take your breath away. Plan to take your time and enjoy every moment – these are memories you won’t forget in a hurry.

One location. Unlimited Experiences.

This article was produced in partnership Discover Mount Gambier and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

Lead image: Ewens Ponds Conservation Park

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