Overview
Mount Gambier is South Australia's second largest city with 33,233 residents (2021), sitting midway between Adelaide and Melbourne just 15 km west of the Victorian border. The city is famous for its volcanic crater lakes — the Blue Lake turns a vivid blue each November and stays that way until March, while Valley Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake offer easier walking trails.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Family Travel · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Motels line Commercial Street East. Budget options include Old Gaol hostel. Rooms from $55 at Jubilee Motor Inn. Chalets available at Clarendon Lodge.
Connectivity
Major Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) provide coverage. WiFi available at cafes and tourist sites.
Food
Restaurants cheaper than major cities. Commercial Street has diverse options from Italian to KFC. Late-night food at Mobil servo or Cave Garden Deli on weekends.
Money
ATMs available throughout town. Most shops and restaurants accept cards via EFTPOS. Cash readily accessible.
Transport
Mount Gambier Airport (10 min from town) has REX flights from Adelaide. Car hire available at airport. Princes Highway (A1) passes through town.