Off the Beaten Path in Mount Gambier

by Tattugran, 2 more photos
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The boat houses

Donovans is a quiet little town situated on the only section of the Gleneig River that flows in South Australia An interesting note : fishing permits ARE NOT requiered on this sectin of the river. As you walk along the river bank you can see rows of boat houses and the occasional rhouse boat


	See the sea	Tip Rating:

By alisonr

on March 14, 2004

by alisonr
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About 25 mins drive to the South of Mount Gambier is the seaside town of Port Mac Donnell. better known as Port Mac or The Bay. This scenic little spot is the southern rock lobster capital of the world, which basically means they catch a lot of lobster here (crayfish) You can buy it from local seafood merchants if you love it enough. It can be quite expensive at times. Here is a shot of the jetty at the bay. good for fishing off of, but take a jumper! even if it is a nice hot sunny day in the mount, it will be windy and cold at the bay, I guarantee it!


	Mt Schank	Tip Rating:

By Kate-Me

on April 11, 2004

by Kate-Me
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Mt Schank crater

I've been to Mt Gambier so many times now over the years, as I love it so much, and we've driven past Mt Schank numerous times, but this was the first time we'd made the effort to drive up to the foot of it to take the walk, so I imagine it's the same for many other people, missing this great walk or saving it for another day.
It's about 15 minutes drive south from Mt Gambier, on the route to Port MacDonnel.
There are 2 main walks you can take: one of 1 hour duration and another of 1 1/2 hours.
You can walk right around the rim of the crater, and there is a zig zagging path right down into the base of the crater itself.


	Little Blue Lake	Tip Rating:

By alisonr

on February 15, 2004

by alisonr
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This is a mini version of the blue lake, hence its very creative name! Locals call it the little blue. Connected by underground water table, the lake changes colours during the year like the big one. A fave spot for swimming.

Drive out towards Port Mac on Bay Road, turn right at the Bellum (follow the signs). On the right half way down, in paddocks, so watch for signs or you will miss it.


	Valley Lake	Tip Rating:

Updated By dlandt

on December 9, 2003

by dlandt
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Valley Lake

This is another lake, not as pretty as Blue Lake, but still a worthwhile lookout. The view of the surrounding area is a little better from here, as its higher.


	Naracoorte Fossil Caves & Fossil Centre	Tip Rating:

Updated By Kate-Me

on September 13, 2006

by Kate-Me
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Wonambi Fossil Centre

Many people may visit Mt Gambier, see the many caves in the area, and then leave, forgetting about Naracoorte, 100 kms further up the highway.
Sure, Naracoorte is a tiny little town in comparison to the greener, more interesting Mt Gambier, but Naracoorte's caves are just as spectacular, and more numerous. Mt Gambier caves tend to be wet caves, whereas Naracoorte caves are more dry. I highly recommend Victoria Fossil cave, where many fossils of ancient Australian animals have been excavated, and some are on display. The caves range from very easy guided tour caves, to more difficult Adventure Caving.
The Wonambi Fossil centre, across from the cafe and booking office, is well worth a visit to learn more about the amazingly rich fossil history of the immediate area.


	Fishing

By alisonr

on February 14, 2004

Around Mt Gambier there are a number of places to tempt the keen fisher person.
The Glenelg River at nelson is a great spot, for semi-freshwater fish. The Port Mac area to the south is the crayfish capital of Australia, and lots of other sorts of fishies can be caught here too.
There are a few tourist boats but they are very expensive.
Go to Donovans landing on the river, drive towards Nelson and turn off at the signs. Drop your line here with some cockles on it, and catch yourself some brim. Please be aware that size and bag limits apply and in VIC you will need a licence if you fish anywhere else but Donovans on this river.

Port Mac - drive up Bay Road, past the blue lake, keep going till you hit the sea. The jetty can get a bit cool, even after hot days, so take your parker and jumper. The locals are friendly and will help you out.


	Along the highway between Mt Gambier & the Coorong

By Kate-Me

on September 13, 2006

by Kate-Me, 1 more photos
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I believe this giant monument speaks for itself. :-)


	Dairy farmland

By Kate-Me

on April 11, 2004

by Kate-Me
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dairy farms

Mt Gambier's surrounds, with its almost endless supply of underground water and quite good rainfall is a very good place for dairy farming.
(The level of the Blue Lake never drops and at the sink hole ponds near Nelson & Pt McDonnell where the clear water comes up through the limestone, millions of litres flow out of the already very deep ponds (average 9 - 11 mts at Ewen ponds and into the sea nearby)


	Since VT don't have a page for this one..

Updated By alisonr

on November 19, 2006

by alisonr, 1 more photos
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Wrens on Glenelg

Nelson, Victoria. About 20 mins away in the car. A wonderful little river/beachside village. Fantastic for fishing, boating or just relaxing and getting away from it all! We go across the border all the time, mainly for fishing on the Glenelg River. This time we decided to stay at a little place called Wrens on Glenelg. It is 5 star, 2 person, self contained accom, beautifully appointed, huge spa bath, lovely decor, a lovely big kitchen, dvd's, books, all the comforts of home! It is very secluded, and the hosts leave you to your own devices, of course you can ring them if you need anything! They are 300 meters from the river, so take your rod. There you will find your own private landing! They even provide deck chairs and en eskie for you to take down there! They really have thought of everything!!
They are a 10 minute walk to the township, where you can have tea at the pub.