Limestone Coast Drive

A round trip of nearly 920 kilometres starting in Adelaide and heading to Kingston via Tailem Bend, Meningie and down the Coorong - 295 kilometres, then Kingston to Robe - 45 kilometres, Robe to Mt Gambier via Beachport and Millicent - 139 kilometres.  The return journey takes the inland route from Mt Gambier to Penola - 51 kilometres, then Penola to Naracoorte via Coonawarra - 51 kilometres, and Naracoorte to Adelaide via Padthaway, Keith, and Tailem Bend - 337 kilometres.

The Limestone Coast drive is a journey through famed wine country and famed fossil sites.

From Adelaide, head south toward Tailem Bend, then south west to Meningie. It's set on the shores of Lake Albert and known as the northern gateway to the Coorong. Stop to walk to Meningie Hill Lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of Lake Albert.

Continue on south - you're now in the Coorong National Park, an area of international significance. This is a habitat for numerous species of migratory birds and provides refuge for ducks, swans, cormorants, seagulls, terns, grebes and pelicans. The park is also an archaeological site, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation over many thousands of years.

The 50,000 hectare Coorong National Park extends along the coast. Follow this until you reach the town of Kingston SE. Attractions here include the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, further out on the coast.

Then head down to Robe, a popular seaside town known for its crayfish. You can purchase the best catch from local outlets or order it at local hotels and restaurants. If you've brought your fishing gear along, you'll be delighted with the choice of fishing locations here, including Guichen Bay, Lake Butler Boat Haven Channel or off the new jetty.

Keep following the coast to Beachport, boasting the sea on two sides and Lake George beside it. Bowen Scenic Drive has coastal dunes offering spectacular views of the rugged coast of the Southern Ocean. Further on, Millicent offers Lake McIntyre, a reclaimed quarry that has been rehabilitated into a natural wonderland of birds and native wildlife. It's a terrific spot to stretch your legs and stop for a picnic.

Head on to Tantanoola and the Tantanoola Caves, approximately 17 kilometres from Millicent.  See the beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites in one of the only pink dolomite caves in Australia. The cave features ease access ramped walkways and allow wheelchair access.

From here, drive to Mount Gambier, South Australia's second largest city. This town is home to the Blue Lake, which, early in November, mysteriously changes to an intense deep turquoise blue almost overnight. The colouring remains until late February.

Then it's time to begin the return journey, turning northwards now to Penola. This is home of the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and School House and Petticoat Lane. It's not much further before you reach Coonawarra. This wine region boasts more than 20 cellar doors and wineries, all set among beautifully maintained landscapes.

Further north, in the heart of the Limestone Coast, Naracoorte is home to the famous World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves, Bool Lagoon and wetlands. The caves are a must-see.

Continue on to Padthaway,  with its rows of vineyards interspersed with majestic gum trees and its cellar doors.

Head to Keith, a modern country township, and take advantage of its outstanding traveller's rest area with a heritage style rotunda, lawned picnic area and playground with monorail train.

Next stop, Tintinara. Known as the 'Heart of Parks' Tintinara is central to 10 national Parks, most notably Coorong National Park and Ngarkat, Messent and Mount Boothy Conservation Parks. You'll pass through Coonalpyn and Coomandook as you head back toward Tailem Bend.

You'll need several days to take in this magnificent drive, combining the Coorong, wine country and caving country. Limestone Coast drive attractions include:

• The many caves and sinkholes surrounding Naracoorte, including the incredible World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves Fossil Site.
• Famed wine regions the Coonawarra, Mount Benson, Padthaway and Wrattonbully.
• The Wonambi Fossil Centre recreates the environment and landscape from approximately 200,000 years ago.
• Beachport jetty, the second longest in South Australia.
• The Big Lobster in Kingston SE.
• Millicent's Living History Museum.
• Woakwine Wind Farms outside of Millicent - the largest wind farm development in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre in Mount Gambier.
• Mount Gambier's Centenary Tower for a remarkable view.
• Picnic at the Valley Lake Crater in Mount Gambier.
• Possums coming out for an evening feed at the Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier.
• John Riddoch Centre in Penola, for a look at the fascinating economic, agricultural and social history of the area.