Limestone Coast

Stretching from the Coorong to the Victorian border, South Australia’s Limestone Coast is a region of dramatic geological wonders, world-class wine regions, and pristine coastline. Here, you can explore ancient volcanic craters, sip award-winning cabernet sauvignon, and spot kangaroos on wild beaches – all linked by easy drives through rolling farmland. It’s a destination best savoured slowly, with each stop revealing another layer of natural beauty and local character.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake & Umpherston Sinkhole – The electric-blue crater lake changes colour each November; nearby, the sunken garden at Umpherston Sinkhole is a surreal oasis where possums come out at dusk.
• Coonawarra Wine Region – Australia’s most famous terra rossa strip produces bold reds. Join a cellar-door tasting at Wynns Coonawarra Estate or Penley Estate, then lunch at the Ottelia.
• Naracoorte Caves National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with fossil-rich limestone chambers. The guided ‘Fossil Trail’ tour reveals prehistoric megafauna skeletons.
• Canunda National Park – Wild surf beaches, limestone cliffs, and coastal dunes. Walk the short boardwalk to the blowhole at Carpenter Rocks, or go fishing off the beach.
• Robe – A historic fishing port with a long jetty, great seafood, and a laid-back vibe. Climb the Cape Dombey Obelisk for panoramic views.
• Beachport – Home to the second-longest jetty in South Australia and the dramatic Beachport Conservation Park, with its pink salt lake and emu sightings.
• Penola – The gateway to Coonawarra, this charming town has heritage-listed stone cottages, the John Riddoch Centre, and excellent farm-gate produce.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three to four days allows a comfortable loop from the Coorong down to Mount Gambier, with stops at Coonawarra, Naracoorte, and the coastal towns. If you’re a wine enthusiast or keen cave explorer, add an extra day to linger in Coonawarra and take a second cave tour at Naracoorte. The region is perfect for a self-drive itinerary; roads are quiet and distances manageable.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coorong National Park – A wetland wonderland of lagoons and birdlife, just north of Kingston SE.
• Glenelg River & Discovery Trail – Canoe or hike along the river through the Lower Glenelg National Park, near the Victorian border.
• Mount Gambier’s Volcanic Complex – Beyond the Blue Lake, explore the Valley Lake crater and the eerie Cave Gardens in the town centre.
• Padthaway Wine Region – A smaller, scenic wine area between Naracoorte and Keith, known for its shiraz and riesling.
• Great Ocean Road (Victoria) – Extend your trip east into Victoria to see the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast, a few hours’ drive from Mount Gambier.

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