Something Intriguing - Limestone Coast

Follow the coastal road where rugged cliffs and sandy beaches link the seductive seaside ports of Kingston SE, Robe, Beachport and Port MacDonnell. Steeped in history each town has its own unique tale to tell. Learn the treachery of the Southern Ocean, experience the unusual buoyancy of the Pool of Siloam, discover the seafaring heritage of Robe or take a detour off the main highway and acquaint yourself with the Ngarrindjeri people, hear their story and learn of their connection to the land.

A trip to the Limestone Coast is not complete without a visit to the Naracoorte World Heritage Fossil Site. Explore the many Limestone Caves and unearth Australia's prehistoric past at the Wonambi Fossil Centre. For something a little different wind your way through the largest wind farm development in the southern hemisphere or descend into the heart of an extinct volcano and explore the volcanic craters that have shaped the landscape around Mount Gambier.

For a truly inspirational experience visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre in Penola and relive the story of Mary MacKillop, Father Tenison Woods and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Discover the history behind the many charming old buildings and uncover the regions artistic heritage in the works of famous poets Adam Lindsay Gordon and John Shaw Neilson.

This is only a sample of the discoveries on offer - the others you will have to uncover yourself. As you travel the unwinding roads of the Limestone Coast the biggest decision you'll have to make is where to head first. Don't be afraid to take a few detours along the way, after all that is what a great Australian road trip is all about. No matter which time of the year you choose to visit this charming, year-round holiday destination you will be left far from disappointed.

Must Stay:

Padthaway Homestead
Step back in time in the luxurious Padthaway Homestead.  Situated amongst the vines this beautiful Victorian retreat is the perfect distraction from modern life.  The Homestead boasts 6 Large, comfortable and elegantly appointed bedrooms and just a stroll down the path is their cellar door offering tastings of their Padthaway Estate Wines during the day.

Poltalloch Station
Enjoy a unique Australian country experience in a spectacular setting at Poltalloch Station near the Coorong National Park.  Relax in one of the well appointed lakeside cottages or take a tour of the station, one of Australia's most historic farms. The original shearing shed, blacksmith, general store and carpenter's workshop are all preserved for you to enjoy.

Must Experience:

World Heritage Fossil Site at Naracoorte Caves
Explore the caves of the World Heritage Fossil Site at the Naracoorte Caves National Park. This is the only World Heritage listed site in South Australia and is also the only site on Earth that preserves a continuous fossil record of the past 500,000 years. With tours available for all ages, this is an experience not to be missed. 
Call 08 8762 2340 or visit the Environment SA website for details.

Aboriginal Heritage
Located in the pristine wilderness of the Coorong National Park, visit the Aboriginal owned and operated Coorong Wilderness Lodge. Experience nature at its finest and learn first hand about the Aboriginal heritage of the Coorong. Visit the Cultural Museum at Camp Coorong to listen to the stories of the Ngarrindjeri people and learn traditional basket weaving techniques. Or take a guided tour to learn about the environment, animals, medicine and foods of the Coorong.

Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre / Petticoat Lane
For a truly inspirational experience visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre in Penola. Learn about the Blessed Mark MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods and wander through their original schoolhouse. Hear the echoes of the past as you walk down Petticoat Lane. Petticoat Lane is a significant example of a 'turn of the century' country lane and authentically depicts the self-sufficiency of early South Australian town life.

Must See:

Blue Lake and Crater Lakes Precinct
Stand in awe at the magnificent Blue Lake, a dormant volcanic crater lake at Mount Gambier.  Enjoy spectacular views from the various lookouts on the 3.6 kilometre road and walking trail that circumnavigates the crater. The crater lakes area offers many holiday and recreational experiences - walking trails, picnic and barbecue facilities, wildlife park and boardwalk, adventure playground,18 hole golf links and tours to the surface of the Blue Lake. Call 1800 087 187 for more information.

White Kangaroos in Bordertown
Be sure to stop and take a look at the White Kangaroos at the Bordertown Wildlife Park. Bordertown, between Melbourne and Adelaide on the Dukes Highway, is home to the only known colony of White Kangaroos in Australia. You can drive or walk around the 4.5 hectare park, and the animals are clearly visible through fences. Other animals in the park are Red, Grey and Western Grey kangaroos, emus, Red Neck and Dama wallabies as well as a variety of birdlife.

Must Eat:

Meningie Cheese Factory Restaurant and Museum
Enjoy the ambience of the Cheese Factory where history and culinary delights await. This award winning restaurant combines fine dining with displays of historical and present day artefacts. The adjoining museum has a wonderful collection, ranging from rocket parts to commodes, old telephones to cow pats, cheese making equipment to tractors, showcasing the colourful lives of the Meningie townfolk. Call 08 8575 1914 for more information.

Old Mundulla Hotel
Dine in a traditional Australian pub at the Old Mundulla Hotel. Situated south west of Bordertown. this National Trust building has been fully restored and coombines a museum, arts and crafts sales and tearoom and a licensed restaurant. Spend the night at one of the local bed and breakfasts, and enjoy an excellent meal at the Old Mundulla Hotel.