Explore Australia

Port MacDonnell and District Maritime Museum The long maritime history of this stretch of coast is littered with stories of shipwrecks and bravery. Here photos and salvaged artefacts bring the old days to life. A particularly tragic story is the crash of the Admella on an off-coast reef in 1859. Only 24 of the 113 people aboard survived. The ship's bell and cannon are on display in the museum. There is also a focus on community history and on the rock lobster industry. Open 12.30–4.30pm Wed, Fri and Sun; Meylin St; (08) 8738 7259. Clarke's Park: popular picnic spot with natural spring; northern outskirts. Fishing: anglers will enjoy fishing from the jetty and landing. Boat charters available for deep-sea catches of tuna; details from visitor centre. Heritage walk: includes historic cemetery with hidden headstones; contact visitor centre.

Ewens Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds conservation parks For a unique snorkelling or diving experience, visit the crystal-clear waters of these parks. At Ewens Ponds (7 km E) there are 3 ponds, connected via channels. Snorkel on the surface to see the amazing plant life underwater, or go diving for the ultimate experience. The deep caverns in Piccaninnie Ponds (20 km E) offer visitors an insight into the underwater world. Snorkellers can gaze into the depths of the Chasm, while divers can explore the limestone-filtered waters of the Cathedral, so named because of its regal white walls. While no experience is necessary for snorkelling, divers require qualifications. Inquiries and bookings to SA Parks and Wildlife; (08) 8735 1177.Cape Northumberland Heritage and Nature Park: a coastal park famous for sunrises and sunsets. Other highlights include a historic lighthouse, a penguin colony and unusual rock formations; just west of town. Dingley Dell Conservation Park: the historic 1862 restored cottage that is located here was once the home of Australian poet Adam Lindsay Gordon and features displays on his life and work; tours 10am–4pm daily; 2 km W. Germein Reserve: 8 km boardwalk (loop track) through wetlands; opposite Dingley Dell. Southern Ocean Shipwreck Trail: over 89 vessels came to grief on the section of coast from the Victorian border to the Murray River mouth. The drive trail includes 10 interpretive sites; brochure from visitor centre.

Nelson 27 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

---

Portland 86 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

---

Konong Wootong Reservoir 105 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

---

Port Fairy 140 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

---

Warrnambool 161 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

---

Lake Wartook 189 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

---

Lake Bolac 193 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

---

Peterborough 199 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

---

Lake Bullen Merri 211 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

---

Dimboola 212 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

---

Picnicking around Mount Gambier 25 km

Mount Gambier has some extraordinary picnic spots around collapsed caves that are now beautiful sinkhole gardens. Try Cave Gardens or the stunning Umpherston Sinkhole, which has free barbecues and good facilities.... Find out more

---

Mount Eccles National Park 108 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

---

Picnicking at Lake Pertobe Reserve 160 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

---

Grampians National Park 172 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

---

Little Desert National Park 181 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

---

Indigenous tours, Grampians National Park 189 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

---

Diving and snorkelling - Port Campbell, Peterborough and Warrnambool 210 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

---

Port Fairy Golf Club 142 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

---

Flying Horse Brewery 165 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

---

Purrumbete Brewing Company (Red Duck) 222 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

---

Piccaninnie Ponds camping area 21 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

---

Simsons Camp (walk-in camping) 26 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

---

Princess Margaret Rose Caves camping area 27 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

---

Kywong Caravan Park 27 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

---

Lasletts camping area (canoe-based camping) 28 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

---

Hutchessons camping area 31 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

---

Pattersons Camp (walk-in camping) 32 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

---

Cape Banks Lighthouse camping area 33 km

Small clearings for self-sufficient camping are found in the coastal scrub at the southern end of the park. Access is from Cape Banks Rd, 3.2 km north of Carpenter Rocks. Self-registration stations have permits.... Find out more

---

McLennans Punt camping area 33 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

---

Bowds camping area (canoe-based camping) 34 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

---

Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park 1 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

---

Blue Lake Holiday Park 24 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

---

Kywong Caravan Park 27 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

---

Kalganyi Holiday Park 29 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

---

Millicent Lakeside Caravan Park 60 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

---

Portland Tourist Park 85 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

---

Henty Bay Beachfront Van and Cabin Park 85 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

---

Beachport’s Southern Ocean Tourist Park 87 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

---

Narrawong Holiday Park 91 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

---

Discovery Holiday Parks – Robe 128 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

---

Grampians Eco YHA 190 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

---

Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 197 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

---

Pomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 210 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

---

Mount Gambier Park Area 26 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

---

Princess Margaret Rose Caves Camp Area 26 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

---

South Australian-Victorian Border Rest Area 33 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

---

Glenelg River Park Area 52 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

---

Fort O'Hare Camp Area 53 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

---

Forestry Info Rest Area 61 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

---

Penola South Rest Area 65 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

---

Greenrise Lake Park Area 74 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

---

Annya Road Rest Area 77 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

---

Casterton Park Area 81 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

---

Clay Wells Rest Area 84 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

---

Coonawarra Rest Area 88 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

---

The Sawpit Camp Area 89 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

---

Fitzroy River Rest Area 95 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

---

Father Woods Rest Area 96 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

---

Branxholme Park Area 99 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

---

Bool Lagoon Camp Area 105 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

---

Bool Lagoon Turnoff Rest Area 106 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

---

Lake Surprise Camp Area 107 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

---

Wannon Falls Camp Area 109 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

---

Nigretta Falls Camp Area 116 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

---

Cavendish Rest Area 132 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

---

Black Cockatoo Bush Camp 132 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

---

Penshurst Park Area 141 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

---

Killarney Beach Camp Area 145 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

---

Morambro Creek Rest Area 145 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

---

Kingston South Rest Area 148 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

---