2023/24 - 5 Day Tour - Mt Gambier, Naracoorte & Robe
Locally the area around Mount Gambier is simply called The South East (of South Australia) – because that’s where it is on a map! Other names have been put forward – The Greater Green Triangle, reflecting the area’s brilliant greenness and geometrical shape. The Limestone Coast, evoking its ancient geology, once submerged under the Southern Ocean and the limestone that underpins the area’s famous vineyards. Or the Lakelands - with the fascinating mix of lakes in volcanic craters, sinkholes and underground rivers and waterways. Kanawinka is another name - the geographical fault line that runs like a spine through the landscape. Each name is apt - but not all encompassing when describing the bounty and diversity of the South East.
Day 1 (D): Melbourne to Mount Gambier (Monday)
Welcome to our 5 day tour to Mt Gambier and the south east region of South Australia. Sit back and enjoy the service and facilities aboard our Touring Coach as we depart Melbourne and travel to Geelong - and then follow the Princes Highway through to Warrnambool for a lunch break (own cost). This afternoon, our journey takes us through Port Fairy and Heywood across the border into South Australia to Mount Gambier. Mount Gambier has a population of about 23,000 people.
Their water supply comes from the famous Blue Lake - the largest of the many crater lakes in the area. Between November and April, the steely grey waters of the lake changes to a brilliant blue, almost overnight. There are many theories about why this occurs but scientists continue to be baffled by this yet to be explained phenomenon. Before checking into our accommodation we make a stop at the Lady Nelson Tourist Centre which contains the Discovery Centre. Interactive exhibits display a history from the explorers and local aboriginal people to our country as it is today, unfolding some of the mysteries of our history and geology (Meal inclusions: Dinner in the motel).
The Presidential Motel, Mount Gambier – 2 nights
Day 2 (BD): Mount Gambier & The Lakes (Tuesday)
Our first appointment this morning is at the Blue Lake Visitors Centre where we will meet our guide for a tour of the Blue Lake Pumping Station. We hear a fascinating story with comprehensive information about this most unique volcano, its folklore & legends, mysterious annual colour change, wildlife and facts about the water supply of the city of Mt Gambier.
We will even hear about the antics of Adam Gordon Lindsay – a well know national poet who was also an accomplished horseman and leading steeplechase jockey.
He almost came to grief one day at the Blue Lake! From here we re-join the coach to visit Umpherston Cave - a sinkhole that has been landscaped with terraced gardens close to the city centre. It is an impressive garden with palm trees reaching to the sky and plants hanging over the edges of the sinkhole. After a break for lunch in the main commercial area of Mount Gambier (own expense) we take a drive south of the city to Port MacDonnell and the Cape Northumberland Heritage and Nature Park. This is South Australia’s most southerly point and is a rugged coastline with natural vegetation uninterrupted views and an historical lighthouse site. Our afternoon stop is at Dingley Dell – the one time home of Adam Lindsay Gordon. We will be entertained by the curator here – a self confessed Adam Lindsay Gordon fanatic! We will hear some of his poetry, learn about his wild adventures and see the restored cottage in which he lived. From here we return to our motel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the motel
Day 3 (BLD): World Heritage Caves (Wednesday)
We head inland this morning to the delightful village of Penola. The town was established in the 1850’s and has a colourful history. Fortunately a lot of this history has been preserved and is on display along Petticoat Lane and throughout the Saint Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre. We see and hear the story of the co-founders of the Institute of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart – initially to provide a Catholic education for poor, isolated and rural children. The Interpretative Centre brings together the other buildings on the site – the School House, the Church, Shrine and Old Convent around a central square and a reflective pool that adds stillness and peace to this special site. Adjacent to the Interpretative Centre is Petticoat Lane. This intriguing heritage site portrays the pioneer living standards of the 1890’s. The story of Christopher Sharam, his wife and 15 children is detailed at a site just behind the original slab hut cottage. North of here is the Wonambi Fossil Centre located within the Naracoorte Caves National Park. Here we have the opportunity to step back in time' and discover what Naracoorte was like over 200,000 years ago. The Centre contains fossil displays and a walk-through diorama with life-sized models of extinct animals in their ancient habitats.
The interpretive centre also illustrates how the caves have acted as pitfall traps, dens and roosts for more than 500,000 years, leading to the vast accumulation of skeletal remains of reptiles, birds and mammals. We have also arranged a guided tour of Alexander Cave and a light lunch.
This afternoon we travel into Naracoorte. The name Naracoorte is believed to be derived from the Aboriginal words for “running water” or “large waterhole. We call at the Sheep’s Back Museum and enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of the town before checking into our accommodation. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch at the Naracoorte Caves)
Comfort Inn William McIntosh Motor Lodge, Naracoorte – 2 nights
Day 4 (BLD): Historic Robe (Thursday)
We are off to Robe today – one of the State’s most popular seaside resorts. On arrival we head straight to the Whistling Fish Bookshop & Coffee House . After morning tea and the chance to look around this rather quaint book shop we are joined by our local guide for a brief sightseeing tour of the town followed by some free time to take a stroll through Robe. Our lunch today is at the Vic Street Pizzeria. This afternoon we stop at Cape Jaffa Wines. Their cellar door is built out of limestone collected on the property and has panoramic views of the surrounding hinterland and olive grove. The winery is the first fully certified biodynamic vineyard on the Limestone coast - the production of better fruit with no artificial fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. Using natural alternatives instead encourages healthy soil which ripens fruit earlier, making for better balanced wines. At the cellar door we’ll find wine, olive oil and local almonds and a warm atmosphere!
We finish the day with a cheese tasting at the Limecoast Cheese Company at Lucindale. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the motel/Light lunch)
Day 5 (B): Heading Home (Friday)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we begin the trip home. Our track today takes us via Edenhope to Horsham. We take a lunch break at Ararat and then travel into Melbourne to complete a sensational 5 day tour. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the motel)
Tour Price
$1,300 per person (sharing a twin or double room)
The tour price is dependent on a minimum of 40 paying customers. Should the number of bookings not reach the minimum of 40 the following prices apply –
Minimum 35 - $1,335 per person
Minimum 30 - $1,375 per person
Minimum 25 - $1,430 per person
Minimum 20 - $1,520 per person
Add $250 for a guaranteed single room
Fares subject to change and availability of services. Includes most meals, local guides and entry fees.
Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended
Tour Inclusions
Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner) deluxe touring coach with seatbelts, attractions/entries as noted.
Next Steps
To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.
Read some testimonials from past groups here.
Tour Conditions
A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.
Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.