The Limestone Coast

Header Image Credit: Long Beach, Robe - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

 

Whether you’re a South Aussie looking to explore more of your own backyard or a traveller who’s keen to drive the scenic route into Adelaide, the Limestone Coast is the answer.

Your Limestone Coast caravan park stays are all sorted with G’day Parks, so we’ve assembled a journey from Mount Gambier to Murray Bridge. Sparkling ocean waves, heritage treasures, natural wonders, and world-class vineyards … this journey has got it all!

Mount Gambier

 

Image Credit: Blue Lake/Warwar - Jaxon Foale

We’re starting strong in Mount Gambier. This regional city offers a warm welcome as you cross the border into SA. It was shaped by Australia’s most recent volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Now, Mount Gambier is home to both a bustling community and feats of nature that flourish inside and around volcanic craters and sinkholes. In the city centre, you’ll find a vibrant café culture, boutique shops, and dining options to suit all tastes and budgets.

 

Image Credit: Little Blue Lake - Lucy Adamopoulos

The most famous of its attractions is the Blue Lake/Warwar, which changes colour throughout the year, notably striking a bright turquoise shade from November to February. There’s a 3.5km circuit around the crater lake to get the best views from every angle, and if that makes you excited for a swim, head to the local favourite at Little Blue Lake.

 

Image Credit: Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul - Offroad Images

The Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul is another marvel. By day, step into a ‘sunken garden’ which has grown over a collapsed cave (and by night, bring a torch so you can feed sliced fruit to friendly possums). For more cave exploration, take a guided tour through the two caverns of Englebrecht Cave.

Pine Country Caravan Park

 

 

Pine Country Caravan Park is the perfect blend of convenience and country charm. With large, open spaces and a tranquil atmosphere, you’ll hardly believe this park is less than five kilometres from the city centre. For a daily dose of fun, there’s a playground, bouncing pillow, and individual campfires for hire during winter. Plus, with pet-friendly cabins and an off-lead dog paddock, your canine companion is all set to join the road trip. Take your pick of cabins or campsites (unpowered, powered, and ensuite), or feel like an emperor as you wake up to the countryside in a Glamping Tent.

 

 

Penola

 

 

Forty minutes north, the Coonawarra Wine Region promises vineyard bliss. Famous for its red soil (or terra rossa in Italian) and cab sav, you can taste world-class reds, whites, and bubbles at more than 25 cellar doors. From behind-the-scenes tours to hands-on experiences, there’s equal opportunity to sit back and relax as there is to dig into the art of winemaking.

 

Image Credit: Woods MacKillop School House - Mike Haines

Penola is especially gorgeous in autumn, when the vines and trees turn red, orange, and gold. Head to Greenrise Recreational Reserve for picnics, birdwatching, and the Greenrise Arboretum Trail. In the historic township, stroll along the self-guided heritage trail through the charming streetscapes, or learn about Australia’s first saint at the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre. There are two collections to explore—one telling the story of Mary’s life and canonisation, with a special focus on her years in Penola, and another about priest and geologist Julian Tenison Woods.

 

Image Credit: Naracoorte Caves - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission

If you’d rather spend your time adventuring, drive an extra half hour to reach Naracoorte Caves National Park. This World Heritage-listed site is home to remarkable limestone caves and prehistoric fossil displays.

Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park

 

 

Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park is nestled in the heart of the Coonawarra. On the edge of town, the park is within walking distance of the main street, where you can enjoy cafés, restaurants, specialty shops, and a playground. There’s something for every traveller: unpowered and powered sites, pet-friendly accommodation, and self-contained cabins. A Two-Bedroom Cabin makes a neat holiday home among the gum trees, set in a nature-rich environment with a welcoming and relaxed country feel.

 

 

Beachport

 

Image Credit: Beachport Caravan Park

It’s time to put the ‘coast’ in Limestone Coast. Head straight for the water’s edge at Beachport, less than half an hour away. Beachport is home to one of the state’s longest jetties – clocking in at 772 metres – for a scenic walk, fishing, or dolphin spotting. Rivoli Bay beckons for swimming, surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on the sand. Beautiful local walking trails include the Beachport Lighthouse Walk and Woolley Lake Walk, which offer incredible views.

 

Image Credit: Bowman Scenic Drive - South Australian Tourism Commission/Mike Annese

This place is big on scenic driving. Beachport Conservation Park is a haven for 4WD enthusiasts, along with birdwatchers and nature lovers. If you don’t have a high clearance vehicle, fear not, because all cars are welcome on the Bowman Scenic Drive—a breathtaking coastal journey with stunning lookout points.

 

Image Credit: Pool of Siloam - Adele Barnes

That said, if there’s one attraction Beachport is known for, it’s the Pool of Siloam. Keen for the most relaxing holiday soak ever? This unique saltwater lake is rumoured to be seven times saltier than the ocean, and as a result, it’s famous for its buoyancy and healing properties.

Beachport Caravan Park

 

Image Credit: Beachport Caravan Park

Your first port of call for a seaside holiday, Beachport Caravan Park has absolute beachfront campsites and accommodation. Park features include modern BBQ and camp kitchen facilities, a playground, activity room, and kiosk. Bring your furry friends along for the ride, with select dog-approved cabins and sites. Steps from the sand, right next door to the golf course, and close to town for easy access to cafés, shops, and restaurants … you couldn’t ask for a better location. A Surfside Luxury Apartment is the ticket to 180-degree beachfront views—or, if you’re travelling in a large group, book their spacious 12-berth Beach House for the ultimate summer vacay!

 

Image Credit: Beachport Caravan Park

 

Robe

 

Image Credit: Long Beach - Mark Fitzpatrick

A breezy, half-hour drive along the coast will lead you to Robe. This beachside town is popular with tourists and SA locals alike, with heritage buildings, fishing spots, and the 17-kilometre-long paradise of Long Beach. This is one of the few SA beaches where you can drive straight onto the sand. Then, get ready to swim, surf, and soak up the sun.

 

Image Credit: Cape Jaffa Wines - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

Robe has an exquisite foodie scene, especially thanks to a handful of local wineries. From live music to lunch platters, top picks include Cape Jaffa Wines, Karratta Wines, and Wangolina.

 

 

Set off on the Robe Coastal Walk from the lighthouse to the Robe Obelisk, the town’s red-and-white-striped landmark which overlooks the sandstone cliffs and waves below. While you’re there, explore the Robe Gaol Ruins, where a historic prison site meets coastal scenery. The Robe Jetty and marina are ideal for fishing and boating, and if you can’t get enough of the rugged coastal landscape and 4WDing, go to Little Dip Conservation Park for bushwalking, fishing, and birdwatching around the lakes, dunes, and clifftops.

Discovery Parks - Robe

 

 

Discovery Parks - Robe is a family favourite, with in-park facilities including an adventure playground, heated indoor pool, bouncing pillow, activity room, and pedal karts for hire, along with BBQs, camp kitchen, and a kiosk. The park is pet-friendly, too, with dogs allowed on sites and in selected cabins. Camp on powered, ensuite, or unpowered sites, or book a spacious cabin. We’re telling you, a Deluxe Two-Bedroom Waterfront Cabin has the best view in the park! With the beach so close you can almost taste the salty sea spray, this is a coastal escape like no other.

 

 

Nestled in between the coastline and Lake Fellmongery, Robe Lakeside Tourist Park is a peaceful nature retreat. Here, you get lush lawn sites, modern cabins with all the best trimmings, and a convenient location near vibrant cafés, wineries, and historic sites. Outdoor enthusiasts will adore nearby walking and cycling trails. This pet-friendly park allows seasonal campfires and has a playground, camp kitchen, and BBQ and picnic areas to share meals by the lake. From lakefront sites to a four-berth Deluxe Villa, this is the best place to chill out amongst serene surroundings.

 

 

Kingston SE

 

Image Credit: The Big Lobster - South Australian Tourism Commission

Another half hour down the road, you’ll reach Kingston SE. This beachside town is home to one of the Limestone Coast’s most famous residents—Larry the Lobster! This supersized lobster takes his job as one of Australia’s famous ‘Big Things’ very seriously, so you’d better drop by to say ‘g’day’ and get a photo with him.

 

Image Credit: Going Surf Fishing - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

Kingston SE is a top fishing destination. Try your luck at the jetty or head out on a fishing charter. You might reel in mulloway, snapper, King George whiting, trevally, mullet, squid, or salmon. The Kingston Jetty is also a popular sunset spot, so time your evening stroll to catch the colours at their best.

 

 

There’s no shortage of walking trails to explore Kingston SE’s scenery and history, from Butcher Gap Conservation Park to the town’s self-guided heritage trail. The foreshore trail and Maria Creek loop promise outstanding views, or you can explore Kingston SE’s rich maritime past on a guided tour of the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Finally, don’t forget to order the region’s fresh seafood for dinner.

Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park

 

Image Credit: Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park

For a laid-back coastal vibe, Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park is a short walk away from cafés, shops, and attractions, with sights of the sea and lighthouse. Their BBQ and camp kitchen facilities are perfect for family cookouts, plus direct beach access means there’s nothing separating you from the ocean. Bring your caravan, camper, or tent for beachfront sites or book a cabin—the Sunrise Villa is our pick, with a deck overlooking the ocean. Please note, dogs are only allowed on sites, during non-peak periods.

 

Image Credit: Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park

 

Padthaway

 

 

It’s time to drive inland for an hour and swap the sand for the vines of the Padthaway Wine Region. Sample premium wines at Padthaway Estate, one of the region’s most celebrated cellar doors, housed in a historic 1850s homestead. Along the vineyard-lined Riddoch Highway, you’ll find more great cellar doors, like Farmer’s Leap.

 

Image Credit: Padthaway - John Montesi

It's not all about the wine, though. Head to Padthaway Conservation Park to go bushwalking and wildlife spotting through native woodlands. Take the hourlong Orchid Track or extend your hike along the Banksia Loop or Currawong Loop. As you explore, make sure to pick up fresh local produce from nearby farm stalls.

Padthaway Caravan Park

 

 

Surrounded by vineyards, Padthaway Caravan Park is close to scenic walking trails, heritage sites, and renowned cellar doors. Road trippers and wine lovers love nothing more than a stay in one of their spacious sites (powered or unpowered) or charming cabins. The two-bedroom Blue Wren Cabin is ideal for families, while the Lorikeet Lodge sleeps larger groups (up to 14 people). The park boasts a BBQ area, camp kitchen, spotless facilities, and picnic spots beneath the red gums in a beautiful garden setting—all the ingredients for a peaceful getaway.

 

 

Murray Bridge

 

Image Credit: Murray Bridge Foreshore Reserve - John Montesi

Cross the finish line of your Limestone Coast adventure at Murray Bridge, a two-hour drive away. Here, the river is the town’s centrepiece, promising days filled with boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, and waterfront walks. A Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruise is a ship-shape way to see the river on a three-hour-long lunch cruise. If you’re up for a light-hearted scare, visit the Murray Bridge Bunyip, a unique toast to the town’s Indigenous heritage.

 

 

For a slice of Africa, Monarto Safari Park is the largest open-range zoo in Australia. Here, lions, hyenas, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos roam freely, and the zoo runs experiences to safely get up close to meet these magnificent creatures. Pack a picnic lunch, attend keeper presentations, and move between zones on the hop-on, hop-off bus.

 

Image Credit: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend - Josh Geelen

Adrenaline junkies can raise their heartrate with a thrilling lap around the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, or watch sprintcars race at Murray Bridge Speedway. Other ways to get active include playing a round at the Murray Bridge Golf Club or trekking along the Lavender Federation Trail.

Avoca Dell Caravan Park

 

 

Avoca Dell Caravan Park is more than just a place to stay—it’s a launching pad to the very best Murray Bridge has to offer. Located beside the mighty Murray on the quiet outskirts of town, the park has river views with a large public waterskiing and picnic reserve (and boat ramp) just across the street. There’s an 18-hole mini golf course, playground, undercover BBQ area, and a large, air-conditioned dining room and camp kitchen that’s primed for mealtime gatherings. Need a pet-friendly campsite? What about a self-contained cabin—small, medium, or large? It’s not hard to see why this park was awarded as the SA winner of the G’day Parks Traveller’s Choice Award in 2024!

 

 

 

Image Credit: Beachport Conservation Park - Offroad Images

From Murray Bridge, it’s an easy hourlong journey back into Adelaide—and there you have it! Seven destinations that showcase the best of SA’s beaches, wineries, and historic treasures. This Limestone Coast road trip is sure to be a winner for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, so don’t hesitate—book your getaway now on the G’day Parks app!

 

Exclusive deals are waiting on the G’day Parks app or online—and while you’re at it, why not sign up as a G’day Rewards member? For just $50, unlock 10% off stays (up to $50) at G’day Parks for two years, plus member offers and discounts.