Planning your next trip to the land Down Under? South Australia should be the place on your list. If you’re driving from the state of Victoria into South Australia, the first region you will arrive in is the Limestone Coast. Home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders, this is one of the top regions to visit in South Australia. Here’s a four-day travel itinerary around the coast to get you going.
1. Blue Lake
Be amazed by the blue sky and lake in amazing South Australia. Photo: Ockert le Roux
After crossing the Victoria and South Australian border, make your first stop at Blue Lake in Mount Gambier. Once you get there, the breathtaking scenery of the cobalt blue lake, sat in a volcanic crater, will have you staring at it for hours. The lake changes colour to steel grey seasonally, so be sure to check for the best time to visit. With four lookout platforms available nearby, be sure to stop at each one to capture a few different and magnificent photos worthy of your social media.
Can’t get enough of nature’s beauty? Take a walk on the man-made trail around the lake, or go for a quick run (for travellers looking to stay fit on their holiday).
2. Umpherston Sinkhole
Walk around the sunken garden oasis at the Umpherston Sinkhole. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
Located nearby is Umpherston Sinkhole, another of South Australia’s natural wonders. As one of the most spectacular gardens in the regional city of Mount Gambier, the sinkhole was once a typical cave, formed by the corrosion of limestone rocks by the seawater. When the chamber roof collapsed in 1886, the sinkhole was created to what it is today. Surrounded by lush greenery and home to a colony of possums, this sunken garden oasis includes viewing platforms, benches, sculptures and walking paths.
3. Tantanoola Caves
Wander around and explore the extraordinary display of cave decorations. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
From the sinkhole, take a 24-minute drive to one of the most visited destinations in South Australia. The Tantanoola Caves, known for its scenic beauty, consists of a chamber that’s 30m wide with a height of 8m. Boasting an extraordinary display of decorations, the caves can be explored at leisure and is wheelchair accessible. Before venturing around on your own, an experienced guide will lead you inside while providing insightful information and answers to any question.
4. Mayura Station
Feast on the best cuts of Mayura Station’s award-winning full-blood wagyu beef. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
After that, head northwest to Mayura Station to fill your tummy and be delighted with an award-winning culinary experience. First established in 1845, this restaurant has been making headlines as a boutique beef producer specialising in full-blood wagyu beef. Presenting three full-blood wagyu beef labels – Gold, Platinum, and the Signature Series – you get to choose a set menu featuring a choice of three or four-course dining options. The chef then prepares your menu with the best cuts of the day. Bookings are essential at this high-quality steakhouse.
5. Bellwether Wines
Glamp in a luxurious bell tent and wake up to chirping birds, after a good night's sleep on a bed with fresh linen. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
Need a place to stay for the night? Try glamping at Bellwether Wines. Similar to but better than camping, it includes amenities like power, WiFi and hot water bathrooms. During summer, you can choose to have a BBQ dinner, or if you want a quick and easy meal, cook in the camp kitchen that includes a kettle and toaster. For families with kids, you can either play n the treehouse, at the swings in the garden, or meet friendly farm pets like cows, sheep, donkeys and chickens.
Based at the 1868 Glen Roy Shearing Shed in the Coonawarra wine region, Bellwether also offers wine tasting sessions. Visitors are even invited to witness and get involved in the winemaking process.
6. Long Beach
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to drive on a sandy beach. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
Ready for some fun in the sun? Long Beach at Robe is the perfect place, especially for families. With a wide-sweeping shoreline, Robe is one of the most popular holiday coastal towns on the Limestone Coast. Besides the fantastic beach activities, you can drive on the sand as it is surprisingly accessible to all vehicles. Just be sure to stick to the firm sand at low tide.
7. Larry The Lobster
A selfie with Larry The Lobster is a must before leaving Limestone Coast. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
Before leaving the coast, stop to meet and take a few selfies with Larry the Lobster, literally the biggest local around! Standing at 17m and regarded as one of Australia’s most impressive "big things", this crustacean is a star attraction in the town of Kingston SE. While you’re there, feast on a value-for-money meal or have a coffee break at the café before continuing on to your next destination.
For more information on South Australia, click here. You may also follow their social media pages on Facebook (@SeeSouthAustralia), Instagram (@southaustralia) and Twitter (@southaustralia) to learn more.
