Limestone Coast South Australia: information: accommodation: tour packages: general information: south australia - A Tourist Guide to South Australia

Maxwell's Tour South Australia.

LIMESTONE COAST

The Limestone Coast region stretches south down the coast from the Coorong National Park to the Victorian border, reaching inland through farming country to the famous wine region The Coonawarra. Choose between energetic exploration or luxurious laziness for your holiday – or a bit of both.

CAVES AND CRITTERS

The Limestone Coast takes its name from the limestone that dominates the region. Many caves form in this limestone, including the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves. At this extensive fossil site you can take guided tours to view delicate cave decorations, fossil deposits and bats.
The Wonambi Fossil Centre recreates the world inhabited by giant ancestors of today’s wildlife in a series of animated displays. At Tantanoola Cave, between Millicent and Mount Gambier, the variety of natural cave decorations must be seen to be believed.

Above ground it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise all the way down the Coorong coastline. Thousands of birds shelter in this 130km stretch of shallow lagoon, which is protected by the dunes formed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean. Amongst them are rare and endangered Australian species and migratory birds from as far away as Siberia. The national parks of this region offer well-signposted walks and driving tracks.

The prime seaside holiday spots are Beachport, Kingston and Robe and are well-equipped to help you find a fishing boat, a tour of South Australia’s early seafaring history or a good coffee with a great sea view.

FINE WORDS AND WINE

A short drive inland though native vegetation and paddocks dotted with sheep brings you to historic, quaint Penola and The Coonawarra Wine Region, a long strip of terra rossa soil that produces some of Australia’s best red wine. Explore Penola for local arts and crafts. Time your visit to coincide with the popular annual writers’ festival for a feast of ideas or learn about Mary MacKillop, soon to be proclaimed Australia’s first saint.

Dozens of wineries line the road, many of them award winners, and at all of them you will find knowledgeable folk happy to chat. At Balnaves Winery, garden enthusiasts can also learn one bloom from another from the named plants in the rose garden and native plantings, while at Rymills you can admire the noble fighting horse sculpture and view the winery workers and vineyards from on-high in the new cellar door facility.

TOP SECRETS

• Visit the Naracoorte World Heritage Fossil Site
• Explore the Coorong National Park
• Discover the secrets of Tatiara Country
• Limestone Coast wine regions including Coonawarra
• Picturesque fishing villages

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

• Port MacDonnel Bayside Festival – January
• Mount Gambier Festival of Country Music – February
• Lucindale’s South-East Field Days – March
• Penola Festival/Coonawarra Unearthed – May
• Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations – October
• Robe Village Fair – November

LIMESTONE COAST SELF – DRIVE TOUR

The Limestone Coast is halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne – a four hour drive or one-hour flight from either city.

DAY 1

Head for Meningie and the Coorong National Park with the coastal fishing village of Robe as an ideal spot for an overnight stay complete with charming local walks, a gallery and fine cafés and restaurants.

DAY 2

From Robe, Mount Gambier is your target for lunch but don’t rush, it’s not that far. Call into the historic whaling port of Beachport, now a major lobster centre and fishing spot. A tour of the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre in Mount Gambier will help you gather more information about touring options, attractions and activities.

DAY 3

Drive to Penola and Coonawarra’s 22 cellar doors for moderate tastings and, perhaps, a meeting with one of the winemakers.
Your next stop is the Naracoorte Caves National Park for lunch. The Stonehaven Winery in Padthaway is worth a visit and there’s good coffee available at the Morning Loaf Bakery in Keith.