The eco-friendly guide to a weekend in South Australia’s Limestone Coast
Sick of Sydney? ‘Meh’ about Melbourne? Blah about Brisbane? You’re not alone. The Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns in Australia’s major cities have sent thousands of Aussies sprinting for a tree change in the nation’s bushland. And when it comes to pristine countryside regions to offer serenity and solitude, it’s hard to beat South Australia’s Limestone Coast — an ideal (and underrated!) location for travellers who want to reduce their environmental footprint while uncovering new sights, tastes and adventures.
We at Mountain Path Meadows have rounded up our suggestions for some of the top eco-friendly eateries and sustainable activities, plus accommodation options focused on preserving the region’s natural beauty (trust us, there’s plenty of that!). Use this as your itinerary for exploring Mount Gambier’s sights and discovering the region's hidden gems — while staying green.
Uncover a geologic wonderland: What better way to get acquainted with an area than taking a tour of its natural wonders? The Limestone Coast is riddled with incredible geologic features that few Aussies know about. Under your feet lie networks of channels made of limestone (hence the region’s name) and remnants of a volcanic history. Caverns, craters and caves dot the landscape, and you’re sure to see plenty while taking a drive or even a stroll through town. Cave Garden / Thugi, for example, sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Mount Gambier. We also recommend a visit to Umpherston Sinkhole / Balumbul — we’ve heard it described as a magical fairy garden, and that’s a pretty accurate description if you ask us. There’s a catch, though — there’s a giant sawmill at the back of Umpherston Sinkhole, so if that brings a frown to the environmentalist inside of you, consider skipping it. Alternatively, if you’re up for a little drive, the Naracoorte Caves and Tantanoola Caves feel a bit more pristine.
Swim in a Cenote: Did you know that you don’t have to fly all the way to Mexico to swim in a cenote? There’s a reason why Australian Traveler dubbed Mount Gambier “the city of cenotes.” Just be sure to pack a wetsuit (or hire one at Allendale General Store) — the water in our favourite Little Blue Lake stays a chilly 12 degrees Celsius year-round… brrr!
Mountain Path Meadows: Just a stone’s throw from Little Blue Lake you’ll find us, Mountain Path Meadows, right at the base of dormant volcano crater Mount Schank. Unplug from the craziness of everyday life by glamping at our eco-friendly accommodation — the only of its kind in the Limestone Coast! — scheduled for a soft launch opening in October 2022, when you’ll be able to score some limited-time deals. Create memories with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in one of our geodesic domes (or timber igloo, as some prefer to call it). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the details on how and when you can book!
Renovators Warehouse: Looking to pick up an eco-friendly treasure on your travels? If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to swing by The Renovators Warehouse Direct. While most of the items for sale are probably too large to fit in your suitcase, there are always some smaller collectibles on offer — plus, owners Nathan and Mel are happy to help you sort out shipment and delivery if you have your heart set on a cast iron tub or vintage leadlight windows for your upcoming renovation.
Limestone Coast Pantry / Unpackaged: Every good trip includes at least a few memorable feeds, and we suggest heading over to Limestone Coast Pantry to fill your belly. The cosy vibe and roomy dining area make you feel right at home … plus there’s plenty of room for prams / strollers if you have little ones. The staff is as friendly as they come and the menu features loads of fresh, homemade, tasty options which give local produce a starring role. What could make this place even better? They recently became the new home to Unpackaged, a bulk food and eco ware store focusing on reducing plastic waste and helping customers get back to basics. We here at Mountain Path Meadows think that’s pretty dang cool.
River Red Gums in Penola Conservation Park: After more than 270,000 votes, the ABC recently named the River Red Gum as Australia’s Favourite Native Tree for 2022. Take a short drive up the road to Penola Conservation Park and it’s easy to see why. Sit and enjoy the vast greatness of these giants, the Eucalyptus camaldulensis … it might just become your favourite, too.
There’s so much to do in the region that we found it hard to narrow down the list! What suggestions are we missing? Drop us a line on Facebook and Instagram to let us know about other eco-friendly attractions in the area.