Port Macdonnell to Robe
Don't miss these towns and attractions along the road from Port Macdonnell to Robe on the Limestone Coast:
Mount Gambier is South Australia's second largest city and the Blue Lake, filling an ancient volcanic crater, is it's most striking attraction. The lake is at its most stunning in late November, when it mysteriously takes on a brilliant turquoise blue hue. Walk the 3.6 kilometre trail around the lake's rim, or take a tour to the water's edge.
The Limestone Coast's unique subterranean composition means you can delve below the city's roads to tour the Engelbrecht limestone caves. Umpherston Sinkhole, formed when a cave roof collapsed, encloses lush, well-tended gardens complete with palm tress, lawn and ferns.
The Lady Nelson Visitor Centre, which take the form of an early sailing ship, is a great place to visit to find out about the regions attractions.
Fifty kilometres north-west of Mount Gambier is Millicent, which is the heart of the local timber industry.
Only 15 minutes south of Millicent is Tantanoola, home of the legendary Tantanoola Tiger. Early in the area's history, local farmers banded together to hunt down a rogue tiger thought to be killing their sheep. The tiger, actually an Assyrian wolf, stands stuffed in the Tantanoola a Hotel. Legend has it that the wolf was washed overboard from a passing ship.
Continue 32 kilometres along the Southern Ports Highway to the historic whaling port of Beachport, at the entrance to the large Lake George. The state's second longest jetty is here. It's popular for fishing, while the Pool of Siloam offers a uniquely buoyant swimming experience, with water seven times saltier than the sea.
Beachport also offers two distinct beach experiences, the calm town beach and a spectaular string of rugged, rough back beaches fronting the Southern Ocean. A large midden heap at Three Mile Rocks is a reminder of the area's rich Aboriginal heritage.
Robe's stunning sweep of white sandy beach is a favourite summer holiday destination for families. The 17 kilometre stretch of Long Beach can be driven onto at First Ramp.
Visit the National Trust's Customs House where there's a memorial to the 16,500 Chinese who landed in South Australia in the 1850's to avoid paying a Victorian landing tax, before trudging across the border to the goldfields.
Walk out to one of the coasts's much loved landmarks, the distinctly striped obelisk at rocky Cape Dombey.
Maps
Download a Limestone Coast map for an overview of the region. You'll also find interactive Google maps of the Limestone Coast on its home page on SouthAustralia.com.
