Sometimes all you need is a weekend nestled amongst nature to rest and rejuvenate the soul. For those who feel most at peace amongst natural wonders, wide open skies and magnificent marine wildlife, South Australia is a dream destination to reconnect with Australia’s natural beauty.
Relaxation in Mt Gambier
Mount Gambier is part of the Limestone Coast and is known for its abundance of volcanic craters, nutrient rich soils, beautiful blue lakes, and magnificent marine parks.
Surrounded by the awe inspiring Southern Ocean, the region is home to thousands of hectares of renewable rainforest, making it the perfect green getaway destination for travellers seeking tree lined solace.
Located a short 15 minute walk from the Comfort Inn – The Lakes, Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake is the biggest crater lake in South Australia, stretching over a kilometre wide and an estimated 75 metres deep. The lake is surrounded by a 3.5km walking trail which provides stunning views over the lake and surrouonding parklands.
Visit the Blue Lake in early November to see the lakes placid blue colour mysteriously change into an intense turquoise green overnight. In February/March the lakes colour returns to its calm sombre blue.
For travellers with a taste for deep diving, the Engelbrecht Caves are world renowned for underwater exploration. From it’s entry the caves look like a national park, but once inside the cave unfolds into an intricate maze of water-filled passages, secret tunnels and historic rock formations, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring .
Need a place to stay?
Comfort Inn The Lakes offers convenient, quiet accommodation just a short walk from Mount Gambier. Located on the edge of the Crater Lakes with spectacular views over the city. Enjoy easy access to South Australian treasures including world famous Blue Lake, Valley Lakes Precinct, Riddoch Art Gallery and the Engelbrecht Cave Tour.
Natural wonder in Barmera
Barmera, situated on the picturesque banks of the Murray River, is a region known for its relaxed pace, peaceful waterways, and unparalleled pristine bushland. First time adventure enthusiasts are likely to be left speechless by the regions plentiful offerings (canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding to name a few), while nature lovers and bird watchers will be astounded by the regions ochre coloured cliffs and diverse array of wildlife.
For travellers keen on angling and baiting, the Murray River is world renowned for its incredible fishing. Home to an incredible array of fish, including the Murray cod, golden perch, trout and others, Barmera is the perfect location to perch and spend a day on the water. Early mornings and late evenings are the best time for fishing in this region, and the rivers deep holes, sand bars and under logs are ideal river features to look for when selecting your perfect fishing spot.
The instantly recognisable Lake Bonney is a dream sunset destination, when the lakes dead river gums provide a strikingly beautiful frame for the sunset over the pristine and tranquil lake.
For animal enthusiasts, the Waikerie bird watching trail, which traverses through the Riverland region, is a tour of 11 lookouts, lagoons and reserves that are home to rare and almost-extinct native birds. The trail can be explored in as little as a half day, or over several days, and is recommended for adults and children alike. Birds that may be spotted on the trail include, but are not limited to, the Blue Billed Duck, Red-Backed Kingfisher, Regent Parrot, Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo, Black Falcon, and White Breasted Sea Eagle.
Sometimes it takes sitting beneath a clear night sky to truly zoom out. The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is one of only 15 dark sky reserves across the world, and is the perfect place to experience the solar system in its magnitude for visitors in the region. Located on the northern border of the Murray River, the reserve, accredited by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), is a part of the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program, founded in 2001 to protect and preserve places with dark, unpolluted night skies.
Need a place to stay?
Warm, country hospitality awaits you at the Comfort Inn & Suites Riverland. With larger than average rooms, golf course views, a seasonal outdoor pool, and grassed tennis courts ready for entertainment, this accommodation is perfect for leisure guests and family holidays. Additional amenities include free WiFi, guest laundry facilities, and free onsite parking. Conveniently located within the Riverland region of South Australia, providing easy access to local boutique wineries, trendy restaurants, historic homesteads, inviting pubs and much more.
