MELBOURNE TO MOUNT GAMBIER

Welcome to our tour through the stunning region of Mount Gambier and the South East of South Australia! Today, we'll start our journey with chauffeured pickup from home, and transfer to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Our first stop will be in Geelong, where we'll indulge in a delightful morning tea break, enjoying a warm cup of coffee or tea and some delicious treats. After re-energizing, we'll continue our journey towards Camperdown, a charming town known for its picturesque Botanic Gardens, serene Lake Bullen Merri and rich history, including the iconic Clock Tower built in 1896 that still stands tall today. After lunch in Mortlake, we'll continue our westward journey, passing through the quaint town of Heywood before crossing the border into South Australia. As we approach our final destination, Mount Gambier, you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us, from rolling hills to picturesque vineyards.

OVERNIGHT: The Barn, MOUNT GAMBIER

MOUNT GAMBIER

Unlock the secrets, folklore and legends of Mount Gambier when we visit the Blue Lake Pumping Station to hear the fascinating story about the unique Blue Lake and its mysterious annual colour change. Next, we visit Riddoch Art Gallery, the largest regional gallery in South Australia. The collection includes over 1,500 paintings and prints that depict the people and history of the Limestone Coast, a significant collection of Aboriginal art from Utopia and a large collection of 20th Century Australian art. We travel out to Port Macdonnell, South Australia’s most southerly point which has a rugged coastline with natural vegetation and a historical lighthouse.  After lunch we visit the Port Macdonnell & District Maritime Museum where we meet our guide and begin to uncover the stories behind the port. We then make our way to Dingley Dell Conservation Park – the one time home of Adam Lindsay Gordon. He was not only known for his cavalier nature as a horseman (with the tale of his leap at Blue Lake in 1864, which is a part of local folklore), but also for his flamboyant parliamentary life, courageous deeds and poetry that romanticised the Australian bush. We will see the restored cottage and gardens in which he lived.

OVERNIGHT:  The Barn, MOUNT GAMBIER

CAVES AND GARDENS

Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey today as we begin by driving through the magnificent pine forests of Mount Burr enroute to Tantanoola. This part of South Australia is renowned for its profusion of caves and Tantanoola boasts one of the finest examples. What's more, Tantanoola Cave is a rare gem that is easily accessible, making it an absolute must-see attraction. This remarkable cave formed within an ancient coastal cliff, boasts breathtaking formations such as exquisite columns, shawls and helictites. Boyce Lane discovered the Tantanoola Cave in 1930, adding to its historical significance.  Later, as we return to Mt Gambier, we have lunch at the Sorrentos Café, located within the iconic old Mount Gambier Post Office. From here, we can enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the picturesque Cave Garden while we dine. We will have ample time to explore the Cave Garden, where early settlers used the sinkhole as their primary water source, and the water flowing here is believed to be part of the underground system leading to the stunning Blue Lake.

OVERNIGHT: The Barn, MOUNT GAMBIER

GLENELG RIVER NATIONAL PARK

We have some free time this morning before we make our way to Nelson just over the Victorian border where the beautiful Glenelg River flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, entering the Southern Ocean. The very best way to see the national park is by boat and so today we have arranged a river cruise to see this dramatic region. After a fabulous cruise and a great lunch we return to Mt Gambier and make a visit to Umpherston Cave, a large limestone sinkhole that has been transformed into a beautiful garden, thanks to James Umpherston, a Scottish settler who created the garden in the late 1800s. What makes Umpherston Sinkhole so special is the fact that it features a natural cave, which is accessible via a staircase that leads to the bottom of the sinkhole. Once inside the cave, visitors are treated to a truly mesmerizing sight as they gaze up at the sky above, which can be seen through the opening at the top of the sinkhole.

OVERNIGHT: The Barn, MOUNT GAMBIER

ROBE, MILLICENT AND BEACHPORT

This morning we drive to Millicent and take a look at a collection of murals representing the diverse history of the town. One mural features a historic pictorial of the bridge area and depicts Millicent in the 1890s. At the southern end of the town there is a mural depicting the era when this building served as a garage and features a sedan, ute and petrol pumps of the 50s. We then head to the popular seaside resort town of Robe. The port of Robe is an old town, with streets of heritage cottages and public buildings and loads of character.  We have some free time to look around town before lunch. This afternoon we visit the seaside town of Beachport. It is situated on a rugged but beautiful stretch of coastline and offers some superb views of the coast on our return journey this afternoon. Whilst in Beachport, we stop to visit the Old Woolgrain Store which now houses an interesting museum, and then we make our way back to Mount Gambier for our final night’s stay.

OVERNIGHT: The Barn, MOUNT GAMBIER

MOUNT GAMBIER TO MELBOURNE

Today, we embark on the journey home after a wonderful time away. As we cross the border, we'll make a brief stop at Coleraine, where we'll visit the renowned Glenelg Fine Confectionery store. Get ready to indulge your senses in the finest German-style continental chocolates, made with only the best natural ingredients. From handmade truffles to creamy delights, this shop has it all and you won't want to leave empty-handed! After satisfying our sweet tooth, we'll continue our journey, making our way to the charming town of Dunkeld. Here, we'll take a break for lunch, then, with full bellies and hearts, we'll make our way back home, where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very door – all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.