Limestone Coast itinerary

Welcome to the Limestone Coast, the land of natural wonders and wine.

From a mysterious azure lake to prehistoric caves and volcanoes, the Limestone Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. The region is also home to some of the world's most sought-after wine and produce. From the best places to stay, to where to eat and unmissable sights, here's our guide to the best things to do in the Limestone Coast.

WHERE TO STAY

Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra

Cuddle up next to a roaring campfire with a glass of Coonawarra red before retreating to your own private glamping tent. Surrounded by 400-year-old gum trees and located in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region, Bellwether is the perfect couple-friendly base for a romantic escape to the Limestone coast.

 Tempest, Robe

Sip your morning coffee sprawled out on the deck as you watch sunrise over the harbour and boats drift out to sea for the day. A quick stroll from the beach and Robe's main street, Tempest Robe is a luxury beachside abode which sits you centre-stage to the famed azure waters of the coastal town. Wake up with a morning stroll along Long Beach or around the marina or stroll down to the main street for breakfast.

Blue Lake Holiday Park, Mount Gambier

Blue Lake Holiday Park is, as the name suggests, a short stroll from the famed Blue Lake and set on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Plonked in a prime location with Mount Gambier’s biggest attractions, a golf course and the region’s wineries all on your doorstop, and with an impressive playground, swimming pool and tennis courts on-site, it's the perfect base to explore Mount Gambier.

Start planning with more Limestone Coast accommodation inspiration here.

Where to eat and drink

MAYURA STATION, Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast’s gentle rolling hills and lush green pastures produce unparalleled-quality, award-winning Wagyu beef. At Mayura Station, diners can indulge in The Tasting Room, where they’ll learn tricks of the trade from the chef before tucking into the most exclusive cuts, usually unavailable for purchase in Australia due to overseas demand.

 Brand's Laira, Limestone Coast

Brand’s Laira is home to one of the most charming cellar doors in the Coonawarra wine region. Oozing rustic charm and steeped in history, the stone cottage was originally the personal cellar of Eric Brand, the winery’s founder. Exposed wooden beams, old wine barrels and Eric’s old wine collection create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a glass or two of the winery’s award-winning wine. Add a generous ploughman’s platter and you’re set.

Presto Eatery, Limestone Coast

For a wholesome lunch or brunch in Mount Gambier, look no further than Presto Eatery. Tucked in a heritage building on Commercial Street, this thriving eatery dishes up insta-worthy breakfasts and lunches seven days a week. With options ranging from beef burgers to buddha bowls, great coffee and huge cake offering, this is one of Mount Gambier's best lunch spots, so you’ll want to come hungry.

What to see

UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE, Limestone Coast

Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole is a beautiful sunken garden, right in the middle of town. Once an underground limestone cave, a giant crater was formed when the chamber’s roof collapsed many years ago. Over time, the sinkhole was transformed into a picturesque garden. It is now blanketed with flowers, plants and lush green grass. Travelling with the family in tow? Here's our guide to the ultimate family-friendly trips across South Australia.

Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake, Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast is a natural wonderland. The once volcanic landscape has given way to some of South Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, the most renowned of which is the Blue Lake. Once an active volcano, the 72-metre-deep crater is now filled with cobalt water which mysteriously changes shade to a deep, turquoise blue during spring. Its lesser known but equally impressive counterpart, Little Blue Lake, also boasts eye-piercingly blue waters - that you can dive straight into.

NARACOORTE CAVES, Limestone Coast

A trip to the Limestone Coast wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Naracoorte Caves. Join a guided tour, where you’ll be led through underground chambers dripping with glistening stalactites and stalagmites. Feast your eyes on fascinating fossils and limestone formations or kick things up a notch with an adventure caving tour. Afterwards, explore Naracoorte, home to cafes, a popular swimming lake and heritage trail for history buffs.

What to do

Kilsby Sinkhole, Limestone Coast

Tucked away beneath a rural farming property 15 minutes outside Mount Gambier lies a magical underwater world. The Limestone Coast’s Kilsby Sinkhole is world-renowned as one of the best sinkhole dive sites, with crystal clear water and breathtaking visibility. Jump on a scuba diving, snorkelling or site tour and explore this serene underwater wonder with a qualified guide. Divers are well catered for on the Limestone Coast with the spectacular Ewens Ponds Conservation Park just a short drive away from Mount Gambier. The National Park contains three interconnected diving hotspots, all fed by crystal-clear natural springs. 

Robe, Limestone Coast

Boasting beautiful beaches, a stunning range of boutiques, restaurants and high-end accommodation, Robe has something for everyone. Spend the day sprawled out on Long Beach, stretching 14km of sandy-white bliss or drive right on to the sand and spend the day enjoying the surf. Take a quick dip, then stroll along the beautiful Obelisk Coastal Trail, passing Robe’s historic Old Gaol Ruins, jetty and marina before finishing off the day with a local brew at Robe Town Brewery.

COONAWARRA, Limestone Coast

Known affectionately as Australia’s other Red Centre, the Coonawarra’s limestone-rich terra rossa soil produces world-famous cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Despite its small size, the region boasts over 24 cellar doors. Spend the best part of a day sipping at Rymill Coonawarra, Brands Laira and Katnook Coonawarra Cellar Door, or book with Coonawarra Experiences wine tours for a unique hosted experience.

Bush Adventures, Limestone Coast

For a different kind of tour, why not try an intimate exploration of the Limestone Coast through the lens of Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Ken. Providing unique tours of the Limestone Coast, Uncle Ken shares stories from his own youth and Boandik Country. Enjoy a sensory journey foraging for bush tucker, fishing, cooking and learning about the beautiful features – and creatures – of the coastal region.

Keep exploring

In search of more sun, surf and natural wonders? Continue your adventure with a road trip on the Southern Ocean Drive.