Melbourne to Mount Gambier Road Trip: A Weekend of Nature, Detours & Hidden Gems
Thanks to my brother-in-law (and his excellent driving), we packed ourselves into the car and made our way to South Australia for a weekend escape to Mount Gambier.
On Saturday, our plan was to reach our accommodation in Portland by the end of the day. Along the way, we stopped at Lismore for breakfast, then made a refreshing detour to Hopkins Falls on the Hopkins River, near Wangoom—a perfect spot to stretch our legs and soak in a bit of nature. The falls were flowing beautifully after recent rain, and the short stop was definitely worth it.
The next morning, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side—mostly showers, with the sun making only brief appearances. We would’ve loved to explore more of Mount Gambier’s natural wonders, but we made the most of what the weather allowed.
Despite the grey weather, Mount Gambier didn’t disappoint. From its vivid blue lakes to hidden sinkholes, the town charmed us in just one day. It was one of those quiet adventures—low-key but memorable.
The next morning, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side—mostly showers, with the sun making only brief appearances. We would’ve loved to explore more of Mount Gambier’s natural wonders, but we made the most of what the weather allowed.
Despite the grey weather, Mount Gambier didn’t disappoint. From its vivid blue lakes to hidden sinkholes, the town charmed us in just one day. It was one of those quiet adventures—low-key but memorable.
Umpherston Sinkhole:
Cave Gardens:
Blue Lake:
Centenary Tower:
Mount Gambier is such a quaint and charming place—definitely worth a visit if you’re planning a South Australia road trip from Victoria. While we only had a day to explore, it gave us just enough of a taste to know we want to come back for more. One day simply isn’t enough to take in everything, especially with the weather slowing us down a little.
On our way back to our hotel, we made a short stop at the Petrified Forest, which sits between Portland (where we stayed the night before) and Mount Gambier. If you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth a detour. The view is stunning—rugged, windy, and a little eerie in the best way.
Here are a few snaps from the Petrified Forest:
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that leave you wanting more—and that’s exactly how this one felt. A little bit spontaneous, a little bit slow, and full of small surprises along the way.
Until next time, Mount Gambier.
On our way back to Melbourne, we stopped for lunch at the Coffee Eatery.
