Dream Australia

Visit the Limestone Coast Region

There is so much to see and do at the Limestone Coast including the beautiful World Heritage-listed caves, diving among the gorgeous shipwrecks or feasting in gourmet heaven, no matter what your doing you are bound to have a memorable experience.

Coorong National Park

Stretching more than 130 kilometres, Coorong National Park protects a string of saltwater lagoons which are protected from the Southern Ocean by the sweeping sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula.

A wetland of international significance and important archaeological site, the Coorong is of enormous cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri people, with ancient mounds of discarded shells revealing archaeological evidence of Aboriginal campsites over thousands of years.

The distinctive landscape is an important breeding area for the Australian pelican and is a refuge for ducks, swans, cormorants, terns, grebes and numerous species of migratory birds.

The park can be explored by the various walking trails, paddling along waterways by kayak, or four-wheel driving along designated tracks and the beach. The diverse number of birds that visit the area also provides ideal birdwatching and photographic opportunities. Scenic campgrounds are located on both sides of the lagoon.

Naracoorte Caves National Park

Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia's only World Heritage site. The site was officially recognised in 1994 because of the importance of the fossils in the caves.

The park's tourist caves boast a glorious display of stalagmites and stalactites. A variety of tours are on offer, showcasing amazing fossil and limestone formations. Adventure caving, allowing you to crawl, slide and squeeze through tight tunnels and chambers, is also available.

The Blue Lake

As one of the most-visited tourist spots in Mt Gambier, the Blue Lake is considered as one unique and breathtaking attractions of the town and South Australia.

Nestled on a gorgeous volcanic landscape, the Blue Lake inhabits on one of the extinct volcanic craters of Mt Gambier. While offering some awe-inspiring scenic spots of Mount Gambier and its volcanic crater, the Blue Lake also boasts dense cerulean water during the month of November till February. While in November the lake water turns dark turquoise blue, it turns back to somber grey during April. There are a number of theories behind the mysterious colour change mechanism of this lake water.

The Blue Lake offers a walking trail of 3.6 kilometre long that offers the guests an access to numerous viewing points and also to the underpass between the Leg of Mutton Lake crater and the Blue Lake.

Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park

Explore the spectacular underwater world of Piccaninnie Ponds which have been recognised as a wetland of international importance. Snorkel across the top of The Chasm and peer down into the dark depths below or dive down into the large underwater cavern known as The Cathedral.

The crystal clear waters have been slowly filtering through the limestone and forming the Pond's features over thousands of years. The freshwater rising to the surface under pressure has eroded a weakness in the limestone to form The Chasm. This same process has formed the large underwater cavern known as The Cathedral creating its majestic white walls of sculptured and scalloped limestone. Be sure to visit the Lower South East Marine Park which also offers plenty of diving experiences.

On land, take a walk along the beach and see the freshwater springs bubbling up onto the sand. These springs are used by birds for freshwater and are also a favourite spot for shellfish.

There is also a walking trail through coastal wattle and beard heath to the ponds outlet. The walk then leads inland via boardwalks into silky tea-tree and cutting grass to a lookout where views of the wetland and bamboo reed and bulrush can be seen.

Limestone Coast Food and Wine

The Limestone Coast is home to the Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Mount Benson and Padthaway wine regions. There are more than 40 cellar doors to choose from.

To help turn your wine and food experience into a real holiday highlight; the regions producers have formed the Limestone Coast Real Food and Wine Trail. It features more than 50 farm gates, cellar doors, restaurants, cafés and retailers. From emu mettwurst to fine wine, pick up a full colour brochure from a Visitor Information Centre to plan your Real Food and Wine Trail adventure.

Wine lovers will enjoy the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail, with five wineries along a five kilometre strip. You will be warmly welcomed into each of the cellar doors as you taste some of Australia's finest Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties.

Stop by the Food Group Farmers’ Markets. Held in various locations around the region, fill your basket with a variety of fresh produce, amazing pickles, preserves and homemade jams.

Feed your senses on the Limestone Coast. 

To find out more about the great places to visit in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia: here