WHERE: Canunda National Park

WHAT: Nature, beachcombing, and fishing.

The limestone cliffs, sea stacks, sand dunes, and surf beaches found inside Canunda National Park are mostly the domain of experienced four-wheel drivers, who come here for the challenge of tackling 40km of sandy tracks through rolling dunes and along Geltwood Beach. Two-wheel drive access is possible in the northern and central sections of the park, and at the Cape Banks campsite in the south. Keep an eye out for sea lions on the tidal rock shelves beneath the historic Cape Banks Lighthouse. Bushwalkers and birdwatchers come here too, and there are excellent fishing opportunities, with mulloway and salmon considered prize catches. Choose from six different campgrounds to stay in.

Stay: Cape Banks Campground, Canunda National Park. Six unpowered campsites costing $17.50 per night. Book at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/canunda-national-park.

Cape Banks Beach is gorgeous at sunset

WHERE: Robe

WHAT: History and beaches.

Follow a heritage route through the streets of one of the country’s best-preserved 19th-century port towns on foot. Learn about the town’s seafaring history, important role during the Gold Rush days, and the origins of cottages and commercial stores now repurposed as holiday accommodation, restaurants, and wine bars. Order a beer over the bar at the historic Caledonian Inn, then head onto Guichen Bay’s Long Beach (4WD only) from the Third Ramp boat launch at low tide and stop for a swim or surf without anyone else around. At dusk, watch the sun setting over The Obelisk at Cape Dombey.

Stay: Stony Rise Campground, Little Dip Conservation Park. Campsites cost $17.50 per night. Book at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/little-dip-conservation-park/booking/71598. Smaller RVs only.

The Cape Banks Lighthouse played an important part in the area

WHERE: Beachport

WHAT: Beaches and birdwatching

Sharp headlands protect this popular summer getaway from the gnashing ocean waves at the northern end of Rivoli Bay. Float atop the salty Pools of Siloam, then hike out onto its 19th-century pier — the second longest in the state. Step back in time at the Old Wool and Grain Store Museum. Swim in the Salmon Hole, a sublime 600m-long curved beach protected by jagged bluffs. Take in the rugged coastal scenery on the Bowman Scenic Drive, the Limestone Coast’s version of the Great Ocean Road. Go birdwatching in the Beachport Conservation Park, where you can also try windsurfing on Lake George.

Stay: 3 Mile Bend Campground, Lake George Road, Beachport Conservation Park. Campsites $17.50 per night.

The salty Pools of Siloam

WHERE:

Mount Schank

WHAT:

Easy hiking.

Dubbed Australia’s ‘youngest’ volcano despite erupting 4500-5000 years ago, visitors can climb hundreds of limestone steps to enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, with its richly textured patchwork of fertile paddocks and the ocean beyond. A basic trail traces the crater rim and descends deep within the dormant landmark.

Stay: Cape Northumberland Lookout, Port MacDonnell. Free. One night maximum.

Looking down from the Mount Schank crater

WHERE: Naracoorte

WHAT: Caves and fossilised megafauna.

South Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site contains Australia’s largest, most diverse and best-preserved collection of fossil deposits. More than 130 species of animals have been identified here, including Thylacoleo carnifex — the marsupial lion — wombat-like Diprotodon that were as big as rhinoceroses, and Macropus titan, the giant kangaroo. Most simply fell into the caves and were unable to escape. There are 28 caves in the park, five of which are open to visitors. The highlight is Victoria Fossil Cave, where some of the skeletal remains are close to half a million years old. Bats populate other caves, and novice spelunkers can try adventure caving in Stick Tomato Cave. Entry fees apply.

Stay: Naracoorte Caves Camping & Accommodation. Ten powered sites costing $33.50 per night for up to four people.

Remnants of prehistoric life

WHERE: Ewens Ponds Conservation Park

WHAT: Snorkelling and diving.

Shallow channels connect three spring-fed ponds, all a few metres deep. Located 10km east of Port MacDonnell, the best way to see them is by snorkelling or scuba diving. Kids will love it, but be warned: the water is cold year-round, so full-length wetsuits are highly recommended. One-hour snorkelling or diving permits cost $16 for adults or $11 for kids. Snorkelling equipment can be hired from the Allendale East General Store for $35 per adult or $10 per child. Closed from September–November.

Stay: Eight Mile Creek Campground. Small, grassy area. No facilities. Free.

Wetsuits are recommended, as the water is often chilly

WHERE: Mount Gambier

WHAT: Sinkholes, lakes, and historic architecture

With a population of around 30,000, Mount Gambier ranks as South Australia’s second largest city. The town is built around the slopes of an extinct volcano where the water inside its crater lake turns a vivid shade of blue from November to March. Marketing boffins call it a ‘cauldron of coolness.’ The neighbouring Valley Lake is more amenable, fringed by parks and gardens generously populated with picnic benches and barbecue facilities. There’s an adventure playground for kids and an 18-hole disc golf course that’s great family fun, with discs available for free from the Visitors Centre on the Jubilee Highway. Plus, there’s a wildlife park housing kangaroos, emus, and koalas with free entry.

In town, Mount Gambier’s limestone housing and impeccably neat streets and parks have been built around gaping holes in the ground. The Cave Gardens are in the centre of town next to the library. Umpherston Sinkhole is a sunken garden that was initially developed in the 1880s as a cool summer retreat for its farm owner. At the time, visitors skimmed across a natural pond in rowboats, and terraces and walkways were cut from the rock. Tours through Engelbrecht Cave, beneath the city streets, last 45 minutes to an hour; you might even see divers lowering themselves into the water.

Stay: Mount Gambier Showgrounds, 1 Pick Ave, Mount Gambier. Powered sites $25 per night, unpowered $13.

Beachport Jetty is well-known by all

WHERE: Little Blue Lake

WHAT: Swimming.

A natural rock hole that social media influencers have been drawn towards because of its picturesque setting and intimate dimensions. Snorkel around the edges or launch yourself into the water from lofty rock ledges. Plunging to depths of 25m at its shallowest, there’s no chance of ever hitting the bottom.

Stay: Cape Northumberland Lookout, Port MacDonnell. Free. One night maximum.

The Woolshed’s shearing processes were never mechanised

WHERE: Glencoe

WHAT: Woolshed.

Built by two Scottish pastoralists in 1863, The National Trust-preserved limestone woolshed now serves as a museum for blade shearing and wool handling processes, having never been converted to mechanised shearing. Walk over the creaking floorboard beneath arched blackwood ceiling beams while a soundtrack carries you back to our pioneering days. Adult entry fees are $6. Collect the entry key from the Glencoe General Store.

Stay: Tarpeena Recreation Reserve, Riddoch Highway, Tarpeena. Free. Three nights maximum.

Heading into the water

WHERE: Southend

WHAT: Nostalgic beach town.

Bookending the southern shores of Rivoli Bay, summer holidays in unaffected Southend can be a throwback to youth. Go on cliff top walks around Cape Buffon, and cast a fishing line into the water from the pier or see if you can snag a juicy crayfish that the town is known for. Tackle the ocean waves beyond the cape on a surfboard. Four-wheel drive through the dunes and beaches of Canunda National Park.

Stay: Kotgee Campground, Canunda National Park. Campsites cost $17.50 per night. Book at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/canunda-national-park/booking/71593.

Wynns Coonawarra Winery

WHERE: Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park

WHAT: Snorkelling and diving.

Marvel at the gin-clear water as you drift above the depths of The Chasm (it’s actually 120m deep), where experienced cave divers can explore an underwater cavern called The Cathedral. Spot short-finned eels slithering between aquatic reeds. Schools of pygmy perch pass by your nose, close enough to touch. Diving and snorkelling permits required - costs apply. See more at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/piccaninnie-ponds-conservation-park.

Stay: Brown Bay Car Park. Cold outdoor shower, toilets. One night maximum. Free.

Coonawarra railway siding

WHERE: Coonawarra

WHAT: Wineries.

Thirty-four wineries are crammed into a slender, cigar-shaped strip of land famed for its rich red soils, producing bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varietal grapes. Cellar doors include pioneering brand names like Wynns, the original and largest winery in the area where the cellar door is housed inside the distinctive 1896 gables building adorning each Wynns bottle label. Don’t miss a visit to Brand’s Laira so you can peek inside its rustic cellar.

See the winemaking process unfold from elevated viewing platforms at Rymill Coonawarra. Join a pastamaking session at Di Giorgio Family Wines. There’s even a Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail that includes six iconic wineries, removing the hassle of planning your own route.

Stay: Bellwether Wines, 14183 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra. Powered sites $55, unpowered $40. As guests, get a 10% discount on any wines purchased.

Brand’s Laira Winery Cellar, Coonawarra

Please note, prices subject to change!

Category: Destinations
Written: Wed 01 Dec 2021
Printed: December, 2021
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