The top daytrips destinations across the Limestone Coast
As more people ditch expensive holidays in favour of cheaper daytrips, we’ve taken a look at some of best spots around the Limestone Coast.
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With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on Australians’ domestic and international travel plans, many South Australians are opting to seek affordable adventures in their own backyard rather than an expensive trip away.
New data from the SA Tourism Commission has found day trips are fast becoming our go-to form of tourism, boosting SA tourism by $2.3bn.
David Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Big Red Group, said it’s clear that the cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on the Australian tourism and experience industry - and the uptake in day trips appears to be a knock-on effect of this.
“Heading out on day trips enables Aussies to get their adventure fix and enjoy new experiences - whether that be activity or culture-led - without the expenses associated with longer vacations, like airfare and accommodation, or the need to travel for hours on end.
“Right now we’re seeing a huge increase in ‘non-traditional’ tourism bookings, with Aussies jumping into a range of day trip experiences including everything from food tastings and wineries to quad biking and even 4x4 off-road drives.”
Tourism bookings in the Limestone Coast and Mount Gambier region have increased by 257 per cent year-over-year, according to booking data collected by Big Red Group.
“For tourists, the rise in day trips means a chance to make the most of their time exploring new destinations without having to break the bank. Staying within a short day trip away also allows for Aussies to contribute to their local economy and support local experience operators,” Mr Anderson said.
So what daytrip options are around the Limestone Coast? Here’s our list.
Little Blue Lake & Kilsby Sinkhole
For people seeking a dip or an underwater adventure on those warmer days (or all year round for those who don’t mind the cold), you can’t go past Little Blue Lake or Kilsby Sinkhole.
A 15-minute drive from Mount Gambier, Little Blue Lake is a popular venue for visitors and locals to enjoy a naturally cool swim in a beautiful sinkhole.
The lake has a diameter of about 40m, with its bordering cliffs approaching a height of about 8m above water level and a maximum depth of about 47m. The shallowest point is a depth of about 25m.
Stairs and a floating pontoon have been added to the lake in recent years for easier and safer access.
If you’re after more adventure then a casual dip, the nearby Kilsby Sinkhole offers guided walking tours, snorkelling tours and scuba diving (if certified) pending booking online in advance.
The Kilsby Sinkhole is located on a sheep farm located amid beautiful rolling countryside just 14km south of Mount Gambier.
It has been part of the Kilsby family for four generations who, as the sinkhole has grown over the time, have developed exciting tours and experiences so visitors can enjoy this unique geological wonder.
Naracoorte Caves
About 10 minutes out of Naracoorte, the world heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves are a destination for all seasons and ages.
With five different caves open to explore, an immersive fossil centre revealing what the Naracoorte of 200,000 years ago, a new adventure playground, cafe, campgrounds and an above-ground accessible loop-walk, the caves offer experiences to keep the whole family entertained all day.
Cape Jaffa Lighthouse & cottage ruins
If above-ground history is more your style, take a daytrip to Kingston SE and tour the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse.
Starting operation in 1872, the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse stood 8km out at sea upon the once-notorious Margaret Brock Reef for 101 years.
After it was decommissioned in 1973, locals rallied for the preservation of the monument and history was made when the National Trust of South Australia undertook the task of dismantling and reconstructing the lighthouse on the shore of Kingston SE.
It was opened as a museum on in January, 1976, and now visitors can explore the eight-room dwelling and learn about life as a lighthouse keeper. Tours can be booked online here.
In addition to visiting the lighthouse, round out your daytrip with a scenic walk or four-wheel-drive to the original lighthouse cottage ruins off the coast of Cape Jaffa.
If you look out to sea from the ruins, you can see the original stand on which the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse stood for 101 years.
The Domain, Millicent
For young families wanting to keep the cost down, tire out the little ones at Millicent’s The Domain.
The Domain integrates Millicent’s art, culture, library, sports, parklands and play facilities a vibrant hub of community, all located on Ridge Terrace.
Star attractions of The Domain include Millicent’s mega-playground, skate-park, nature play area, and also a community artwork hub, football, netball, basketball, tennis and soccer grounds and large sealed areas for squares and checker games.
Echo Farm, Mount Gambier & Warrawindi farm experience, Penola
For families or groups of animal lovers, the Limestone Coast has multiple farms ready to greet visitors and let them get to know a wide range of farm and native animals.
Echo Farm is owned and operated by the Harrison family who live and work on the property. Visitors can step back in time thanks to the property’s assortment of historic displays dotted around the farm, as well as the 1940s old farmhouse while experiencing interactions with a variety of farm and native animals.
If you’re a Mount Gambier local wanting to get out of town for the day, Warrawindi, a family-operated farm near Penola, offers a similar, unique farm experience, with offers of a morning tea (smoko) somewhere special or an unforgettable sunset and stars experience with refreshments and grazing board.
Coonawarra
While data shows the face of SA tourism may be changing, it seems apparent a day at a winery never goes out of style, and the Limestone Coast is home to one of Australia’s most internationally celebrated wine regions, Coonawarra.
An oldie but a goodie, why not grab a group of friends for your next daytrip and hit up a winery or three for a relaxing day of fine wine and good times at Coonawarra?
Robe Obelisk, Gaol and cliffside walk
Looking for another cost-effective and active way to make the most of a daytrip? Jump in the car and make your way over to Robe to stroll along the cliff sides and take in one of the region’s most iconic views before it disappears forever.
A long-time staple for Robe, the Obelisk stands proudly on the point of Cape Dombey and was constructed by local builder George Shivas in 1855.
The iconic red-and-white structure was used to create a landmark to navigate the entrance into Guichen Bay and to store rocket-fired lifesaving equipment for stricken ships.
Since it was built, the soft sandstone cliffs on which the obelisk stands have eroded significantly, meaning it will eventually – sooner rather than later – fall into the sea.
In addition to the Obelisk, Robe is also home to some of the most picturesque beaches and delicious eateries in the region, making it one of the Limestone Coast’s premier daytrip destinations.
And finally … Mount Gambier
This one clearly isn’t for Mount Gambier locals but for other residents of the Limestone Coast – it’s hard to go past a daytrip to the heart of the region and second largest town in South Australia.
From the Blue and Valley Lakes, to the cave gardens, Umpherston Sinkhole, multiple shopping precincts, extensive eatery and beverage options and family-friendly entertainment in the form of cinemas, playgrounds, bowling alley, mini golf and indoor adventure parks, Mount Gambier serves as the perfect daytrip destination for people from the surrounding towns.
So what do you think Limestone Coast residents, did we miss any? What are your favourite daytrip destinations?
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