WELCOME TO THE LIMESTONE COAST, HOME TO THE UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE

HOW TO GET TO THE UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE

Hire a car in Adelaide with Hertz, Thrifty or Avis.

Drive four-and-a-half hours to the Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier or drop in on your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.

HIT THE ROAD WITH OUR THREE-DAY ITINERARY

Descend into an underground oasis – Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole – on a three-day road trip through South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

From a mysterious azure lake to prehistoric caves and volcanoes, the Limestone Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Grab your explorer’s hat and start the journey.

DAY ONE

ARRIVE AT ROBE’S FAYREFIELD HOUSE

Three-and-a-half hours’ drive away from Adelaide or six hours’ drive away from Melbourne lies the seaside town of Robe. Boasting beautiful beaches, a stunning range of boutiques, restaurants and high-end accommodation, Robe has something for everyone, whether you’re arriving in a Range Rover or trusty Commodore.

Built in the 1880s, Robe’s historic Fayrefield House is perched just three minutes’ drive away from town with views of the ocean, lakes, sand dunes and native bushland. Inspired by classic English country estates, Fayrefield House’s décor is opulent, airy and elegant. The three-bedroom house caters for up to six guests and includes a commercial kitchen and open fireplaces.

WALK THE OBELISK TRAIL AND TAKE A DIP AT LONG BEACH

Robe dazzles with natural charm. Once you’re unpacked and settled-in, drive down 17 kilometres of pure white sand, overlooking lapping azure waters on the aptly named Long Beach. Take a quick dip, then stroll along the beautiful Obelisk Coastal Trail, passing Robe’s historic Old Gaol Ruins, jetty and marina.

COOL OFF AT ROBE TOWN BREWERY, THEN GRAB DINNER

Robe is close to a number of great wineries, but for a truly unique drinking experience, you can’t go past the Robe Town Brewery. Under the eaves of the hand-made cobbled brew house, beer is made in true ye olde style with straw filtration, wood-fired kettles and open fermentation. Their limited release Moby Dick Ambergris Ale (not for the faint-hearted) is made with ambergris – the secretion that forms in the gut of a sperm whale to assist with digestion. Enjoy.

Post-beer, tuck into a well-deserved feast at Robe’s Vic Street Pizza.

DAY TWO

VISIT MOUNT GAMBIER’S BLUE LAKE AND UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE

Spend your morning discovering geological wonders in Mount Gambier, just an hour-and-a-half’s drive away from Robe. Once an active volcano, the 72-metre-deep Blue Lake is now filled with cobalt water which mysteriously changes shade during spring. Walking trails surround the lake, enticing you to get out of your car and experience its striking blue water up-close.

Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole is a beautiful sunken garden, right in the middle of town. Once an underground limestone cave, a giant crater was formed when the chamber’s roof collapsed many years ago. Over time, the sinkhole was transformed into a picturesque garden. It is now blanketed with flowers, plants and lush green grass.

VISIT THE PICCANINNIE PONDS CONSERVATION PARK OR THE NARACOORTE CAVES

A trip to the Limestone Coast wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Naracoorte Caves. Join a guided tour, where you’ll be led through underground chambers dripping with glistening stalactites and stalagmites. Feast your eyes on fascinating fossils and limestone formations or kick things up a notch with an adventure caving tour.

Alternatively, explore the spectacular underwater world of the Piccaninnie Ponds, just over 20 minutes’ drive away from Mount Gambier. The National Park contains three diving hotspots, all fed by crystal-clear natural springs. The ‘First Pond’ is about 10 metres deep with lush surroundings. The ‘Cathedral’ is an enclosed area with a depth of 35 metres, while the gigantic ‘Chasm’ is an incredible 100 metres deep. Please note, you’ll need a diving licence to snorkel or scuba dive.

INDULGE @ ROBE FOR DINNER

Head back to Robe and grab dinner at Indulge @ Robe. Open six days per week for lunch and dinner, you’ll be served a selection of the region’s very best produce from succulent seafood to beef, lamb and pork.

DAY THREE

SIP AND SAVOUR THE COONAWARRA

Known affectionately as Australia’s other Red Centre, the Coonawarra’s limestone-rich terra rossa soil produces world-famous cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Despite its small size, the region boasts over 24 cellar doors. Spend the best part of a day sipping at Rymill Coonawarra and Jamieson’s Run.

TASTE THE LEGEND AT MAYURA STATION

The Limestone Coast’s gentle rolling hills and lush green pastures produce unparalleled-quality, award-winning Wagyu beef. At Mayura Station, diners can indulge in The Tasting Room, where they’ll learn tricks of the trade from the chef before tucking into the most exclusive cuts, usually unavailable for purchase in Australia due to overseas demand.

LINGER LONGER

Three days is just enough time to take-in the Limestone Coast’s natural wonders, but there’s so much more to explore. Check out our Limestone Coast essentials below and extend your stay.