If you’re looking for a cosy winter getaway in South Australia, then look no further than Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast. This vibrant city is well known for its unique and interesting limestone and volcanic landscapes, including a Blue Lake, caves and sinkholes.

Wondering what makes it a great getaway? Well, we can tell you! Here’s our top 5 recommendations of things to do there this winter.

A romantic weekend away

This one is all about indulgence! From enjoying fine dining at The Barn Hotel and Steakhouse,   to spoiling yourself with superior accommodation at either Walija Cottage or Clarendon Chalets. A little retail therapy never goes amiss either – the Collectormaniac Antique Store nearby is great for treasure hunters.

A little out of town, Coonawarra is a 45-minute drive north from Mount Gambier, and is one of Australia’s renowned wine regions. And you know what that means – plenty of gorgeous wineries to explore, wine to taste and exquisite food to devour.  We suggest ‘setting up camp’ first, either at the local glamping site, Coonawarra Hex Bubble Tents or at The Winemakers House – a boutique BnB. Then you can wake all refreshed and ready to hit the wine trail.

Ottelia has the most incredible sourdough pizzas, and of course they have a range of inexpensive wines to take home. Brands Laira winery is another one for the list, with its mini museum and if the sun is shining, you can make the most of the deck and lawn games. If you’d rather join a tour, as opposed to driving yourself, check out Coonawarra Experiences.

A city break in Mount Gambier

For a more local experience, book yourself into the Hay Suite at the incredibly beautiful Delgattie Estate where you can curl up by their gas fire with a book. You could enjoy a couple of meals in house, but when you feel like venturing out, dinner at The Commodore is highly recommended.

Hit the coast

Robe is a coastal settlement an hour and a half north west from Mount Gambier. Its rugged landscape also comes complete with an amazing history, dating back over 150 years when it was the second most active sea-port in South Australia. From exploring the historic buildings, to enjoying all the great tourist attractions on offer here, it’s a fun day trip from Mount Gambier – or you could even stay a night or two.

The Robe Town Brewery is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon, and a coastal walk is a must to check out the Robe lighthouse and obelisk and gaol ruins.

Great days out

Keen to fill some of your South Australia winter escape with some action-filled days? We thought so, so here’s a few places to start:

• The Kilsby Sinkhole walking and snorkel tours truly has to be seen to be believed. What was once a watering hole on a working farm is now a unique geological feature that can be experienced in a number of ways.
• The Mount Schank walking trail offers a fascinating volcano crater rim walk of 2.7km, and forms part of the Mount Schank State Heritage Area.
• Ghost Mushroom Lane is a seasonal tour that only happens during May and June, where a luminous mushroom, known as the Ghost Mushroom, grows in a local pine forest. Native to Australia, they emerge in late autumn after good rain and continue into winter, reaching a size of up to 20cm wide. Its soft green glow is a result of a chemical reaction and the glow can be bright enough to read words on a page!
• Herbert Vineyard is a locally-owned Mount Gambier winery that is well worth the visit when you’re in town. It’s by appointment, or they also offer an afternoon trade.

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