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Below you will find General Information on and around Mount Gambier.
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Mount Gambier, Port MacDonnell, Millicent
At the bottom end of Lower South Australia, Mount Gambier is the
largest town of the district, close to the Victorian border and the
famous scenery of the Great Ocean Road. Mount Gambier's scenery is
nothing to be sneezed at either, beautifully set on the slopes of the
extinct volcano from which the town takes its name. The volcano's main
crater is also the town's major drawcard, holding the brilliantly
coloured waters of the amazing Blue Lake. During the warmer months,
the lake mysteriously changes colour from a wintery steel grey to
a striking blue that simply has to be seen to be believed. The five
kilometre scenic drive which circumnavigates the lake provides many
excellent vantage points to soak in the views, as well as access to the
mountain's wildlife reserve, walking trails, and generous scattering of
picnic areas.
The actual township of Mount Gambier is pretty to look at as well,
boasting many fine Victorian buildings (particularly the grand old
hotels on the main street), together with well-kept parklands and
gardens. Places to stay and eat are in also in abundant supply, as are
other things to do in and around town. The helpful tourist centre on
the Jubilee Highway is an attraction in itself, featuring a replica of
the Lady Nelson among other local memorabilia.
On the coast 28 kilometres directly south of Mount Gambier, the once
thriving town of Port MacDonnell used to be South Australia's
second busiest port, exporting large amounts of wool and wheat during
the 1860's and 70's. The impressive two-story customs house, is one of
a number of imposing buildings bearing witness to it's early
prominence. These days, Port MacDonnell travels at a much gentler pace,
concentrating on the more peaceful pursuit of rock-lobster fishing. The
town's lobster fishing fleet has grown to the largest in the state, and
during the afternoons between October and May, fresh lobster can be
bought straight from the jetty on their return. Not far from the outskirts of
town, there are several worthwhile walking trails skirting the area's
rugged coastline and wetlands. Further out, more enthusiastic hikers can
follow a steep trail to the crater of the extinct volcano Mount Shank.
Less than fifty kilometres north-west of Mount Gambier, Millicent
is a bustling commercial centre, surrounded by the largest soft-pine
plantation in the country. The town makes the ideal base for visiting
the nearby Canunda National Park, famous for its enormous sand dune
system and abundant coastal flora and fauna. Millicent's excellent
visitors centre (also houses the award-winning National Trust museum
and Admella Gallery) at the southern end of George Street can provide
camping permits and further park information.
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