 Visit the Limestone Coast of SA
The Limestone Coast of South Australia is a scene of alluring beauty; changing colour; thriving contrasts; wild coastlines; unique wetlands; underground wonders and fossil secrets.
Easily accessible the Limestone Coast stretches from the Glenelg River on the Victorian border to Tailem Bend and back to Bordertown. Explore unique wetlands that attract wildlife from as far away as the Arctic Circle. Explore underground wonders in the limestone foundation which have been eroded away over time by water to create the spectacular caves and sinkholes. Experience a time long gone and watch the earth give up its fossil secrets which were hidden deep within the World Heritage area of the Naracoorte Caves.
Take in the breathtaking scenery and surf, swim and walk along some of South Australia's most spectacular beaches. Or go bushwalking or bird-watching in the extensive network of national parks.
The lakeside town of Meningie is at the northern end of Coorong National Park. The Coorong itself stretches from the mouth of the Murray River to just north of Kingston. This area is made up of 145 kilometres of both enormous diversity and stunning scenery.
While the Coorong National Park is just 3kms wide, its depth of attractions is far greater. The fragile scrub is a sanctuary for native wildlife and rare coastal flora, while the shallow lagoons and waterways are home to more than 200 bird spices. This inland sea is perfect for canoeing and yachting. It offers up the mullet, mulloway, flounder, salmon and bream to the fisherman. The secluded beaches provide plenty of opportunities for camping, picnics, and four-wheel drive adventures.
Heading down the coast to Kingston you will find safe beaches, regular sightings of sea lions, seals and dolphins. This area offers fantastic conditions for scuba diving, fishing, windsurfing and sailing. Cape Jaffa, located on the southern tip of Lacepede Bay, remains largely unexplored, except by fishermen in the know who have been taking advantage of this great fishing spot for years. Excellent fishing can be found from the beach, jetty or by boat around the Margaret Brock Reef. Walkers will find secluded beaches with the chance of seeing migrating whales in season, dolphins, and seals resting on the beaches.
Robe is the heritage centre of seafood, wine and coastal delight. It is the preferred tourist destination for visitors who enjoy a relaxing coastal retreat that offers fresh local gourmet produce and wine. The diverse coast offers rugged, winter coastal walks, renowned surfing, sparkling family beaches, four wheel driving over pristine sand dunes and fishing off boat or jetty, Robe's coast has something for everyone. Robe's cliff tops tower above wild, crashing waves near the Obelisk and old Gaol. Walking trails present gentle vistas of the serene boat harbour and tranquil Guichen Bay. Little Dip Conservation Park offers a drive through bird-filled native bush to glassy surf waves breaking over reefs and beaches surrounded by mountainous dunes.
Activities in Robe include swimming on Long Beach where cars may be driven on the beach, surfing, wind surfing and wave surfing, sailing on Guichen Bay for dinghies and keel boats, and regattas at the Robe Yacht Club, Lake Butler boat haven boat ramp for recreational craft, fishing from rocks, harbour, breakwater and jetty, fishing charters and diving charters.
Mt Gambier is unique in that it is built on the slopes of an extinct volcano. The remarkable Blue Lake, which has formed in the largest crater, is Mt Gambier's star attraction. The Blue Lake, while unique at any time of the year, changes water colour dramatically from late November. It turns from a steel blue-grey to a brilliant turquoise blue. The Valley Lakes provides a full days entertainment with picnic grounds, a wildlife park, boardwalks, hiking trails and a spectacular adventure playground. A 3.6 kilometre walking trail takes you around the rim of the Blue Lake, while picturesque sinkholes allow you to delve deep into a natural paradise. Getting away from nature you can also experience rock climbing, paintball and go-karting or ride the exhilarating Valley Lake Mountain Bike Trial.
Ewens Ponds Conservation Park
This park is located 35 kms south of Mount Gambier. It is a popular snorkelling and cave diving spot consisting of three connected, spring fed, limestone ponds located in the southern portion of the park. These ponds are particularly known for the clarity of the water. It is so clear that plants can grow underwater as far as 6 metres deep. You can may also see crayfish, pygmy perch and galaxiids. The great part about these pond systems is you don't need to be a cave diver to participate. Snorkelling is permitted and the minimum divers requiremetn is 'Open Water'.
The world famous Piccaninnie Ponds is another local attraction. Located in the Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, this premier cave diving location is a complex system of freshwater springs containing several spectacular karst features including 'The Cathedral' and 'The Chasm'. Located 28 kms south-east of Mt Gambier, you can snorkel across the top of 'The Chasm' and peer into the dark depths below. For anyone wishing to dive in this sytem, these sites are only for trained and experienced divers. Permits are compulsory for snorkelling and diving.
Tatangoola Caves Conservation Park
Travel 29kms north-west of Mount Gambier and visit Tatangoola Caves Conservation Park. This is home to one of South Australia's most beautiful caves. Filled with formations developed over thousands of years the Tantanoola Cave is truly amazing. You can take a guided tour or walk along a walking trail that provides spectacular coastal views.
Port Macdonnell is known as the Rock Lobster Capital because of its strong reputation for bountiful rock lobster. Its no wonder that fishing is also a popular pursuit with the jetty and the local landing being a popular spot with anglers. Many also head off shore to chase Tuna, Mako Sharks and other deep-sea fish.
Bushwalkers will also appreciate the ruggedness of a trek through the Germein Wetlands, while the wild coastline provides hidden coves and swimming spots.
Your last stop along the coast as you head towards the Victorian border is Nelson. Located on the Glenelg River, Nelson is a popular destination offering a unique blend of ocean, estuary, river and two national parks. Popular for watersports including water skiing, canoeing and fishing. Secluded camp spots are located within the Lower Glenelg National Park and bushwalkers also use the town as a starting point for the famous 250 kilometre Great South West Walk.
Heading inland Naracoorte is a lush pastoral area. The Naracoorte Caves National Park is 10 kilometres south of Naracoorte and is a must-see destination. You can head underground to a labyrinth of richly decorated caverns, spacious chambers and World Heritage Listed prehistoric fossils. Take a peek into the secret world of bats or join and adventure caving tour. You can visit the Bool Lagoon, 21 kilometres south of Naracoorte. This wetland system is internationally significant and after seasonal rains contains one of the largest and most diverse fresh water lagoon systems in South Australia. It is home to a wide range of wildlife including the spectacular Brolga.
Bordertown is the entry point for many visitors to the Limestone Coast from Victoria. This area is steeped in history and is ideal as a stop over or touring base for the surrounding Tatiara district. This town boasts the only known colony of white kangaroos in Australia, it is the southern gateway to the desert parks of Ngarkat and Big Desert. While in Bordertown visit Poocher Swamp, a wetlands reserve set amongst magnificent red gums several centuries old. During the winter months, when the swamp is flooded, you may see water swirling down a large runaway hole into vast underground tunnels.
For more information regarding South Australia's National Parks and Conservation Parks please visit SA National Parks and Wildlife Service.
This information was compiled with the help of resources available from South Australia Tourism. Please visit their website at www.southaustralia.com for a more detailed rundown of this exciting region and others.
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