Route summary: Adelaide – Naracoorte – Coonawarra – Penola – Mount Gambier – Beachport – Robe – Langhorne Creek – Adelaide
From a mysterious azure lake to prehistoric caves and pristine beaches, the Limestone Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. But that’s not all — foodies will be well catered for as you eat and drink your way through the incredible line-up of local produce. This is a couples getaway that ticks all the boxes!
Day 1
Adelaide – Naracoorte
Driving distance: 330km
Morning:
- Depart Adelaide in the morning and stop for a stretch of the legs and some seriously good pastries at The Bake Shop in Tintinara on route.
- Keith is a lovely little town for an additional stop along the way, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can take a walk at the nearby Mount Monster Conservation Park.
- Arrive in Naracoorte and pick up a light lunch at Avenues Cafe & Bar.
Afternoon:
- Head to your accommodation to check in for your two-night stay at Aloha Naracoorte.
- Pop down to the Sheep’s Back Museum to learn about the local wool industry and maybe pick up a little souvenir to take home.
- You might want to stop into the local store for some groceries so you can enjoy brekky in your accommodation for the next couple of days.
Evening:
- Freshen up back at your accommodation before stepping out for a good old-fashioned pub meal at the Bushman Arms Hotel in town.
Image credit:: The Bake Shop | Sheep’s Back Museum | Bushman Arms Hotel
Stay: Aloha (2 nights)
Centrally located within walking distance of the Naracoorte retail precinct, Aloha’s boutique, self-contained apartments provide the perfect base to explore the region!
Image credit:: Aloha
Day 2
Naracoorte
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast in your accommodation before heading out for the day (BYO brekky provisions)
- Set off for Naracoorte Caves National Park to explore the giant caverns draped in stalactites and stalagmites. Heading underground, the one-hour guided tour of Victoria Cave will take you straight through a magnificent underground cathedral to the ancient Fossil Chamber.
Afternoon:
- Head to Kalv & Co. Cafe and Wine Bar for a casual bite to eat.
- After lunch, delve deeper into the town’s fascinating history along the Naracoorte Heritage Trail, or if you’re visiting in the warmer months, cool off in the huge Naracoorte Swimming Lake.
Evening:
- Head to Pearl Continental Restaurant for the best local Indian and Persian cuisine in town!
Day 3
Naracoorte – Coonawarra
Driving distance: 40km
All day:
- Have brekky in your accommodation before checking out and hitting the road for Coonawarra.
- Make a beeline for Bellwether Wines, where you can drop your bags and then prepare for a day tour like no other with Coonawarra Experiences. Local guides Simon and Kerry have all the insider knowledge on the best places to visit on the Limestone Coast. Whether you’re keen for another day exploring the many cellar doors dotted throughout the region, or you want to learn a little about the culture and history of the coast, these passionate locals will curate a bespoke experience that ticks all the boxes.
Stay: Bellwether Wines (1 night)
Enjoy an immersive glamping experience at Bellwether Wines, where you can dine on local produce, sip some of the region’s best wines, and stargaze until your heart’s content!
Image credit :: Bellwether Wines
Day 4
Coonawarra – Penola – Mt Gambier
Driving distance: 62km
Morning:
- Rise and shine with a home-cooked brekky outdoors, and set off for Mount Gambier, with a stop on the way in Penola — a picture-perfect country town with a fascinating history.
Afternoon:
- On arrival in Mount Gambier, head to Blue Lake/War War to enjoy a refreshing swim or an energetic walk. The track runs the full 3.6km circumference of the lake and offers stunning views of the ever-changing colours of the water.
- Make a pit-stop in the main street of the town for a wander and choose from one of the many delightful cafes for a casual lunch on the go.
- After lunch, make your way to Kilsby Sinkhole for an experience you won’t forget — a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear freshwater sinkhole, followed by a tasting of the locally-produced Sinkhole Gin! (Be sure to book this experience in advance, as there’s limited availability)
Evening:
- Dinner at Thyme on The Lakes is a must for fine dining with a view!
Image credit :: Kilsby Sinkhole | Thyme on The Lakes
Stay: Kilsby Sinkhole (1 night)
In a prime location, just metres from Kilsby Sinkhole, you’ll find yourself right at home in these villas. They’re stylish, comfortable, and offer all the modern amenities you’d expect, plus breathtaking views of the surrounding farmland.
Day 5
Mount Gambier – Robe
Total driving distance: 130km
Morning:
- Stop in town for a big brekky at Presto Eatery before hitting the road to Robe, the final destination on your Limestone Coast journey.
- With so much to see and do in Robe, the choice is yours, from foodie delights to beachside fun!
Afternoon:
- Hit the foodie trail to taste your way around Robe, stopping for world-famous jerky at Mike’s Beef Jerky, and Sky Seafoods for the freshest local catch. Next up, visit Robetown Chocolate Company for a sweet treat, then wash it all down with a pint from Robe Town Brewery.
- If you want to enjoy the great outdoors with some coastal fun, take a stroll to Robe Lighthouse, frolic on the beach, or swim out to the pontoon.
- Then it’s time to check into a very special retreat for your final two nights.
Evening:
- Dinner is sorted at The Caledonian Inn, a historic English-style pub, affectionately known by locals as The Cally.
Image credit :: Presto Eatery | Robetown Chocolate Company
Stay: Stony Rise Lodge (2 nights)
Enjoy laid-back luxury in your suite at Stony Rise Lodge, where they’ve literally thought of everything. The beds are comfy, the decor is stylish and the sundowners served each night certainly hit the spot after a big day of exploration.
Image credit :: Stony Rise Lodge
Day 6
Robe
All day:
- Today is a free day for you to enjoy a leisurely schedule for your last day in the region. Sleep in and enjoy a lazy brekky at Stony Rise Lodge, relax on the beach for a few hours, enjoy pizza and pasta for lunch at Olives Robe, and visit Transmutation for some quirky, sustainable gifts to take home.
Image credit :: Olives Robe
Day 7
Robe – Langhorne Creek – Adelaide
Driving distance: 330km
Enjoy breakfast at one of the many local cafes in Robe, then set out for Adelaide, with an optional stop in Langhorne Creek for one last indulgent lunch at Bremerton Wines — you won’t be sorry!
