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Blue Lake The lakes formed in the craters of the extinct volcano have become an important recreational area for locals and visitors alike. The most spectacular is Blue Lake, so-called because the water's dull, blue-grey winter colour changes to a vibrant blue each Nov and stays that way until Mar the following year. Discover the area on the 3.6 km walking track around the shores. Aquifer Tours offers a trip in a lift down an old well shaft. The area also includes a wildlife park and an adventure playground; southern outskirts of town; (08) 8723 1199.Old Courthouse: a National Trust dolomite building with a local history museum; open by appt; Bay Rd; (08) 8725 5284. Lady Nelson Visitor Information and Discovery Centre: full-scale replica of HMS Lady Nelson, interactive displays on the region's history and geography, and free local information packs; Jubilee Hwy East. Riddoch Art Gallery: changing exhibitions of local and touring art and sculpture; open Tues–Sun; Commercial St East. Cave Garden: a cave used as a water supply for early settlers, now a rose garden with a suspended viewing platform; Bay Rd. Umpherston Sinkhole: a sunken garden on the floor of a collapsed cave; floodlit at night; Jubilee Hwy East. Engelbrecht Cave: guided tour of the limestone cave system under the city; contact visitor centre for details. Centenary Tower: views of the city, the lakes area and surrounding countryside; top of Mt Gambier, 190 m above sea level. Heritage walk: self-guide tour of historic buildings, many constructed of white Mt Gambier stone; brochure from visitor centre.

Haig’s Vineyards: wine-tastings and sales; 4 km SE. Mt Schank: excellent views of the surrounding district from the summit of an extinct volcano. Note that the 2 summit walks are very steep; 17 km S. Nelson and Lower Glenelg National Park: over the Victorian border; see Portland (Vic).  

Nelson 31 km

The Glenelg River is situated at Nelson near the border with SA. The long river is one of the state’s premier fisheries for bream to 1.8 kg, estuary perch and mulloway to about 20 kg. Victoria has some excellent... Find out more

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Konong Wootong Reservoir 86 km

Coleraine in the Western District is in the heart of prime wool- growing country. The small town is famous for its chocolate factory, but less well known is the trout fishery in the picturesque 60 ha impoundment just out... Find out more

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Portland 92 km

‘I reckon Portland is Victoria’s best kept angling secret,’ local angler Bob McPherson told me in 2004. At the time, I believed he was right. Within two years Portland was no longer a secret, becoming... Find out more

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Port Fairy 142 km

Port Fairy is an unimposing historic seaport between Warrnambool and Portland. While it might come across as a sleepy, seaside resort, Port Fairy always seems to attract exciting piscatorial headlines. During the 1960s... Find out more

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Warrnambool 162 km

Warrnambool is a big, tidy city. It’s a great place to take the family for a holiday, particularly if you have fishing on your mind. All forms of angling are available, but the most popular water is the Hopkins... Find out more

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Lake Wartook 170 km

Drought and changes to irrigation have left dry many of Victoria’s former favourite fishing lakes. Drive through the cropping plains of the Wimmera and you come across once-famous lakes, including Toolondo,... Find out more

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Lake Bolac 183 km

One of my favourite fishing activities after a hot summer day is to wander along the banks of the Barwon River in Geelong, casting lures for redfin. Redfin are feisty, competitive fish that bite readily and taste great.... Find out more

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Dimboola 188 km

At first sight the Wimmera River didn’t look special. Barely flowing, it consisted of sandbars and fallen trees interspersed with shallows and a few deeper holes below the timber. I was fishing with local anglers... Find out more

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Peterborough 202 km

Peterborough has beach and estuary fishing. The estuary system is Curdies River, a noted bream river with fish to 1.5 kg common. The best place to access the river is upstream at a place called Boggy Creek – a name... Find out more

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Lake Bullen Merri 209 km

Lake Bullen Merri at Camperdown is less than 20 mins drive from Lake Purrumbete. A deep, volcanic lake with saline water, it is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, Atlantic and Chinook salmon, and Australian bass.... Find out more

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Mount Eccles National Park 105 km

At Mount Eccles you can walk for 2 kilometres around the rim of a volcanic crater then descend for a swim in the lake at its heart. It is a great spot for a picnic, with koalas and kangaroos, and the camping facilities... Find out more

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Grampians National Park 155 km

There are many, many reasons to go to this remarkable 1680-square-kilometre national park: its spectacular spring wildflowers, its dramatic cliffs and sandstone features, its bushwalking, the stunning views from its... Find out more

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Little Desert National Park 156 km

This park contains one-fifth of all flowering plant species in Victoria. The elusive mallee fowl and rare scrub robin live amid the 600 kilometres of tracks that go out to remote sections of the park near the South... Find out more

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Picnicking at Lake Pertobe Reserve 161 km

Lake Pertobe Reserve on Warrnambool’s foreshore is known as one of the best adventure playgrounds around, with plenty for kids of all ages. There are paddleboats and canoes, a maze and flying fox, free barbecues... Find out more

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Indigenous tours, Grampians National Park 172 km

Brambuk, the Grampians National Park and Cultural Centre, houses an Aboriginal cultural centre explaining much of the history and stories associated with the area. There is also a bushfoods cafe, where you can try emu,... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling - Port Campbell, Peterborough and Warrnambool 213 km

Best known in diving circles for its multitude of shipwrecks, most of which are reached by boat dives, this area also has some great snorkelling and shore dives. Recommended spots include the Port Campbell jetty, Wild... Find out more

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Port Fairy Golf Club 144 km

An endearing quality of the great links layouts of Britain and Ireland is their natural setting. Wild, windswept holes rolling between sand dunes that have stood tall for centuries are the norm. The links of Port... Find out more

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Sage & Muntries Restaurant

There’s a bright cafe atmosphere here but the food reflects a restaurant-like desire to present imaginative, regional cuisine. Interesting lamb, rabbit and wagyu beef dishes bob up on the menu regularly, while many... Find out more

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Sorrento’s Cafe

At this affable all-day eatery, you can dine outdoors or in an all-weather atrium courtyard. The emphasis is on quality local ingredients and easy dining, with gourmet pizza and focaccias plus heartier risotto, stir-fry... Find out more

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The Barn Steakhouse

From hay store to ‘Palais’, and now accommodation and fine dining, The Barn has been a landmark for generations. The Steakhouse is housed in renovated stables that create a warm, elegant space. While seafood... Find out more

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Flying Horse Brewery 166 km

Whales and ales are now the twin attractions for the pretty seaside Victorian city of Warrnambool, following the development of the sprawling Flying Horse Bar & Brewery complex by joint owners Matt Monk, Matt Stewart... Find out more

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Purrumbete Brewing Company (Red Duck) 220 km

Scott and Vanessa Wilson-Browne are another couple of ‘ale changers’ who swapped busy Melbourne careers to move to the country, bring up their young family, and brew and market craft ales. Along the way, they... Find out more

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Princess Margaret Rose Caves camping area 25 km

Underground pools, cave coral, shawls and delicate, unpredictable helictites are just some of the memorable sights within Princess Margaret Rose Cave, one of the star attractions of the national park. A number of walking... Find out more

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Lasletts camping area (canoe-based camping) 27 km

Canoeists beach themselves at Lasletts to stage impromptu picnics, or to rest for the night before setting out for Princes Margaret Rose Cave. It’s one of the handful of campsites in Lower Glenelg National Park... Find out more

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Piccaninnie Ponds camping area 28 km

This camping area with 6 sites is 3.5 km south of Nelson Rd, 27.8 km south-east of Mount Gambier; the sites are 600 m past the access road to the ponds. Pick up a permit from the self-registration station. You... Find out more

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Simsons Camp (walk-in camping) 30 km

The 17 km trail that leads from Pattersons Camp to Simsons Camp affords some spectacular views of the limestone cliffs of the Glenelg River Gorge. From this point on, you leave the environs of the Glenelg River behind... Find out more

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Hutchessons camping area 30 km

There’s not much to see at Hutchessons beyond the reed-lined riverbank and the surrounding trees – which is just the way that visitors like it. The turn-off for the 250 m track to the campground is on River... Find out more

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Kywong Caravan Park 31 km

At Kywong Caravan Park, you can spend your days swimming, fishing and saying hello to the local kangaroos and wallabies. Don’t forget to pay your respects to beautiful Lower Glenelg National Park while you’re... Find out more

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Pattersons Camp (walk-in camping) 31 km

From Murrells Camp, it’s a hike of 8.5 km to Pattersons Camp. Along the way the trail passes Sapling Creek, where you can detour onto a nice short nature walk. You can also paddle a canoe along the Glenelg River to... Find out more

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McLennans Punt camping area 32 km

Nestled on the northern shore of the Glenelg River, McLennans Punt has only a couple of sites on offer and is a peaceful spot to erect a tent. The fishing is often very good due to the large numbers of finned creatures... Find out more

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Bowds camping area (canoe-based camping) 33 km

Bowds is one of a number of camping areas in the park that are primarily for canoeists making their way down the Glenelg River, although these sites can be made available to powerboat operators at the ranger's discretion... Find out more

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Wilson Hall camping area 36 km

If you’re towing a boat and coming into the national park from Dartmoor, you may want to take advantage of the boat ramp here – there are a limited number of launching places on this side of the river. The... Find out more

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Blue Lake Holiday Park 2 km

Located south of the city centre, this wellshaded quality park adjoins the golf course and is adjacent to Mount Gambier’s premier attraction, the spectacular Blue Lake. This is a fabulous base for exploring the... Find out more

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Kalganyi Holiday Park 3 km

This is a very good park set in a quiet, treed area on the northern outskirts of Mount Gambier. It has extensive facilities including ensuite sites. This is a good base from which to explore the Mount Gambier region.... Find out more

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Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park 25 km

A good value, budget-priced park situated on the beachfront, about 1.5 km from the centre of Port MacDonnell, this place has good facilities and is an ideal location from which to explore the historic region. There is a... Find out more

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Kywong Caravan Park 31 km

Located on the northern side of town, this large budget-priced park has good facilities. It is about 1.5 km from the centre of the small township. There is good value here. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and... Find out more

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Millicent Lakeside Caravan Park 47 km

This is a spacious, neat and tidy park with good basic facilities. A convenient, wellstocked shop is adjacent, at the town’s excellent swimming complex (an artificial lake). Bookings are required in peak periods,... Find out more

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Beachport’s Southern Ocean Tourist Park 78 km

This large, spacious park in a popular resort town has very good amenities and sites are reasonably priced. It is situated in an area where fishing and recreational water activities are the main attractions. Bookings are... Find out more

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Henty Bay Beachfront Van and Cabin Park 90 km

This large, spacious park is located on the beachfront 6 km north-east of the centre of town. The park has a well-stocked shop with takeaway food and a good selection of fishing tackle and bait. Bookings are required at... Find out more

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Portland Tourist Park 91 km

Set in a residential area of town about 1.6 km from the town centre, this owneroperated park has good facilities and a corner store is conveniently located opposite the park. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter... Find out more

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Narrawong Holiday Park 94 km

This pretty park is in a fabulous, quiet beachside and riverfront position off the Princes Highway. Offering a range of accommodation, it is close to Portland and has good fishing and swimming, and a range of facilities... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Robe 115 km

This good quality park is an easy walk across the road from a popular beach, about 2 km from the centre of the coastal resort town. This is a great place to stay. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long... Find out more

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Clarendon Chalets

Set among 6 hectares of bush and farmland, this quartet of fully self-contained units offer a serene sanctuary. Though a mere 8 kilometres south of town, it’s like a little corner of arcadia. The three principal... Find out more

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Colhurst House

This graceful two-storey mansion dates from 1878 and now houses five spacious luxury suites, each with its own style and features. Options range from the sleek, ultra-modern Colhurst Suite with its exclusive and... Find out more

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Eliza Cottage

Though humble in scale – it’s only four rooms – this faithfully restored Victorian-era cottage is presented with polish and style. There’s every comfort and feature for a couple to feel pampered,... Find out more

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Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 172 km

Set on 117 hectares of bushland beside Little Desert National Park, the lodge has 24 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, or 16 bunkrooms with shared facilities. By staying here, you are helping support projects such as the... Find out more

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Grampians Eco YHA 173 km

At this eco-hostel you sleep under roof tiles that are actually solar panels. Any extra power generated is fed back to the electricity grid. The passive solar building, featuring rammed earth walls, also has solar... Find out more

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Pomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 186 km

With solar power, rainwater tanks and tree planting to offset carbon emissions, these three self-contained timber cabins are a great accommodation option near the north-eastern edge of Little Desert National Park.... Find out more

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Coorong Wilderness Lodge 248 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more

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Mount Gambier Park Area 1 km

North-east side of town Parking area at the Lady Nelson Visitor Information Centre. GPS: S37 49.570 E140 47.267... Find out more

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South Australian-Victorian Border Rest Area 17 km

18 km SE of Mt Gambier (L) or 70 km NW of Heywood (R) Small area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S37 50.29 E140 58.42 ... Find out more

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Princess Margaret Rose Caves Camp Area 25 km

T/O 12 km SE of Mt Gambier (R) or 76 km NW of Heywood (L) Small area located in a pleasant natural bush setting near the river 19 kilometres south of the highway in Lower Glenelg National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

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Forestry Info Rest Area 36 km

16 km S of Penola (L) or 35 km N of Mt Gambier (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 30.652 E140 49.105  ... Find out more

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Penola South Rest Area 40 km

12 km S of Penola (R) or 39 km N of Mt Gambier (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 28.586 E140 49.717... Find out more

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Glenelg River Park Area 45 km

48 km SE of Mt Gambier (L) or 40 km NW of Heywood (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 55.40 E141 16.37 ... Find out more

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Fort O'Hare Camp Area 46 km

T/O at Dartmoor Large grassed area well off the highway among numerous large trees. Very good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 55.33 E141 17.06 ... Find out more

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Greenrise Lake Park Area 49 km

3 km S of Penola (R) or 48 km N of Mt Gambier (L) Large open grassed area around a few trees just off the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 23.802 E140 50.194... Find out more

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Casterton Park Area 62 km

East side of town Large grassed area under trees on the eastern bank of the Glenelg River. Good shade. GPS: S37 34.938 E141 24.600  ... Find out more

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Coonawarra Rest Area 63 km

38 km S of Naracoorte (R) or 13 km N of Penola (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 16.128 E140 50.215  ... Find out more

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Clay Wells Rest Area 68 km

77 km S of Kingston (R) or 28 km N of Millicent (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 23.36 E140 14.15 ... Find out more

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Father Woods Rest Area 71 km

31 km S of Naracoorte (L) or 20 km N of Penola (R) Large area just off the road. Good shade. GPS: S37 11.757 E140 50.645  ... Find out more

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Annya Road Rest Area 74 km

T/O km 81 km E of Mt Gambier (L) or 7 km W of Heywood (R) Large secluded area located 7.5 kilometres north of the highway among numerous trees in the forest. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S38 01.07 E141... Find out more

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Bool Lagoon Camp Area 81 km

T/O 18 km S of Naracoorte (R) or 33 km N of Penola (L) Large open grassed camp area located 7 kilometres west of the highway at the lagoon. GPS: S37 06.333 E140 43.217... Find out more

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Bool Lagoon Turnoff Rest Area 81 km

18 km S of Naracoorte (L) or 33 km N of Penola (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 06.163 E140 47.576... Find out more

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Branxholme Park Area 90 km

Middle of town Large area just off the highway adjacent to the recreation area. Limited shade. Good facilities. GPS: S37 51.29 E141 48.09  ... Find out more

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The Sawpit Camp Area 91 km

T/O at Narrawong Large secluded area located 3 kilometres north the highway in the forest among numerous large trees. Good shade and facilities. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S38 14.06 E141 41.14  ... Find out more

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Wannon Falls Camp Area 95 km

Henty Highway, Portland to Calder Highway - 16 km W of Hamilton via Glenelg Highway Glenelg Highway, Princes Highway to Ballarat - 46 km E of Casterton (R) or 17 km W of Hamilton (L) Large secluded area well off... Find out more

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Fitzroy River Rest Area 97 km

35 km SE of Heywood (R) or 48 km W of Port Fairy (L) Large area just off the highway near the river. Limited shade. GPS: S38 13.15 E141 45.48 ... Find out more

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Nigretta Falls Camp Area 103 km

Henty Highway, Portland to Calder Highway - T/O 8 km N of Hamilton (L) or 124 km S of Horsham (R) Glenelg Highway, Princes Highway to Ballarat - T/O 46 km E of Casterton (L) or 17 km W of Hamilton (R) Large open... Find out more

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Lake Surprise Camp Area 103 km

T/O at Port Fairy Large campground located 48 kilometres north of the highway (9 kilometres east of Macarthur) in a pleasant open forest setting near Lake Surprise in Mount Eccles National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

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Black Cockatoo Bush Camp 107 km

T/O at Naracoorte Large campground in a natural bush setting 14 kilometres north-east of Naracoorte via Cadgee Road and Chapples Road. Good facilities and shade. Some powered sites and other accommodation available.... Find out more

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Cavendish Rest Area 117 km

North side of town Large area 300 metres off the highway among the trees adjacent to the recreation area. Good facilities and reasonable shade. Fees payable to caretaker for overnight stay. GPS: S37 31.22 E142 02.46... Find out more

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Morambro Creek Rest Area 121 km

83 km S of Keith (L) or 25 km N of Naracoorte (R) Large area just off the highway under some large trees at the junction with Bordertown Road. Good shade. GPS: S36 44.924 E140 37.724... Find out more

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Kingston South Rest Area 130 km

11 km E of Kingston (L) or 94 km N of Millicent (R) Small area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 51.01 E139 58.21  ... Find out more

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Penshurst Park Area 133 km

Middle of town Parking area just off the highway adjacent to the caravan park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 52.438 E142 17.509... Find out more

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Hynes Reservoir Camp Area 135 km

T/O 68 km N of Hamilton (L) or 64 km S of Horsham (R) Large secluded campground located 9 kilometres west of the highway near the reservoir. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 13.29 E142 06.18  ... Find out more

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Padthaway Park Area 139 km

South side of town Parking area just off the highway via the service road. Good facilities. GPS: S36 36.152 E140 29.734 ... Find out more

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Killarney Beach Camp Area 146 km

T/O at Killarney Small grassy campground located 2 kilometres east of the highway behind the dunes at the beach. GPS: S38 21.17 E142 18.27  ... Find out more

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Buandik Camp Area 147 km

T/O 65 km N of Hamilton (L) or 67 km S of Horsham (R) Small secluded area located 9 kilometres east of the highway in a pleasant bush setting in Grampians National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road... Find out more

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