Roadtrip Adelaide to Mount Gambier – Exploring Natural Wonders
Roadtrip Adelaide to Mount Gambier following this itinerary which focuses on exploring spectacular natural wonders and attractions in interesting towns along the way. We’ve reduced the long driving hours and included plenty of pit stops too. You’ll enjoy unique experiences as you drive into the stunning Limestone Coast region of South Australia, renowned for its beauty and amazing geological formations made of limestone and where Mount Gambier is located. It’s a top spot to visit and the entire roadtrip will take you around 4.5 to 5.5 hours by car, travelling around 435 km from Melbourne.
Day 1: Adelaide to Robe via Strathalbyn and Coorong National Park
- Distance: Approx. 343 km
- Drive time: Approx. 5 hrs (without pit stops to reduce driving fatigue)
- Pit Stop 1: Strathalbyn – You’ll love historic High Street antique shops, galleries and cafes. And you can ride the SteamRanger train or chill in Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens and don’t miss the monthly market for local goodies and vintage finds. Of you’re into history, head to the Courthouse Museum, or go for a hike on the Lavender Federation Trail.
- Pit Stop 2: Arrive at Langhorne Creek Wine Region. Fancy lunch and a wine tasting at visiting one either Lake Breeze Wines, Bremerton Wines, or Kimbolton Wines overlooking the vineyards?
- Pit Stop 3: The Coorong National Park – good picnic area or hop on a cruise through the Coorong’s pristine waterways, full of wildlife. Bushwalk or 4WD or enjoy bird watching at one of the park’s scenic spots. For a cultural experience, visit the Coorong Discovery Centre to learn about the area’s indigenous heritage.
- Welcome to Robe – home to a rich maritime history! Walk the cobblestone streets with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and enjoy the waterfront promenade, checking out the fishing boats and some nice little eateries serving fresh seafood from the Southern Ocean. Swim, fish or surf and don’t miss the Cape Dombey Obelisk, built in 1855 to guide ships into the harbor. History lovers will like the old Robe Gaol and there’s guided tours to join.
Day 2: Roadtrip Adelaide to Mount Gambier : Robe to Kingston
- Distance: Approx. 43 km
- Drive time: Approx. 30 min
- Pit Stop 4: Beachport – Grab some fish and chips at the historic jetty if peckish or enjoy a stretch of the legs, seaside.
- Welcome to Kingston – home to Larry the Lobster! Take a photo op and explore Kingston SE and stroll along the waterfront, taking in views of Lacepede Bay.
Day 2: Kingston to Meningie via Salt Creek
- Distance: Approx. 147 km
- Drive time: Approx. 2 hr and 8 min
- Pit Stop 5: Salt Creek – A must see is the stunning Pink Lake of vibrant pink hues.
- Welcome to Meningie – home to the best bakery just off the main highway, with juicy steak sambos, fantastic pies and huge sausage rolls! Have a good look around Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and visit the Cheese Factory Museum and learn about the region’s dairy industry or check out the foreshore of Lake Albert – really special at sunset having lunch or dinner at Freshies Cafe and Bar on Fiebig Rd.
Day 3: Meningie to Mount Gambier
- Distance: Approx. 139 km
- Drive time: Approx. 3 hr and 24 min
- Pit Stop 6: The Coorong National Park – If you missed it earlier, there’s another access into Coorong National Park from here.
- Welcome to the Mount Gambier – Don’t miss taking a walk around the spectacular Blue Lake – a crater lake with ever changing colours. It’s one of the most iconic natural wonders of the region and so is the very unique Umpherston Sinkhole (or Sunken Garden) with its lush garden nestled within a limestone sinkhole in the heart of town. Hike, or picnic in the Valley Lake Conservation Park and if have extra time, stop by at some cellar doors in the Coonawarra wine region, famous for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
Day 5: Mount Gambier to Adelaide
- Distance: Approx. 435 km
- Drive time: Approx. 5 hr
- Pit Stop 7: The Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park. Enjoy discovering the caves on your own, or join a guided tour to explore the spectacular limestone formations here. This area also offers fabulous bushwalking within stunning natural surroundings.
