Things to do in the Limestone Coast

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The Limestone Coast is predominantly a self-drive destination, which leverages the famous Melbourne to Adelaide touring route – one of Australia’s most prolific self-drive itineraries.

With a maximum travelling time of approximately one and a half hours to any of the Limestone Coast’s many attractions, Carolynne’s Cottages  in Naracoorte is the perfect place to base yourself while you explore our region.  The township is of Scottish heritage and comfortably blends the past with the present offering friendly hospitality, fresh local produce and fine wine.

Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Fossil Site

Situated at the Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia’s only World Heritage site, a very popular visitor attraction. The park boasts an extensive range of activities including guided tours through the caves and fossil sites, adventure caving and the popular Fossil Kids programme during the school holidays. The renowned Wonambi Fossil Centre presents an insight into the past with life size creations of extinct mega fauna and the Bat Observation Centre is not to be missed with its unique view of the secret world of the southern bent wing bat. Open 7 days  9.00 – 5.00 pm.

Wine Tasting

Naracoorte is the centre of the Limestone Coast Wineries with Coonawarra and Penola a half an hour to the south and the Padthaway Wine district a half an hour north.  Just twenty minutes to the south east, the Wrattonbully Wine region radiates a spectacular vista of vines set in shallow terra rossa soil over limestone ridges.  Then to the west, an hour away, are the spectacular vineyards and wineries of Cape Jaffa and Mount Benson.  The superb wines of all these areas must be tasted for their irresistible flavor and diverse intensity.

Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, Penola

The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and the Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse situated in Penola with displays, photographs and history commemorates the life and work of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint and also Father Julian Tennison Woods.  It was here that Mary established her first school in a disused stable to provide an education for poor and rural children. Greatly inspired and encouraged by Father Woods Mary co-founded the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1886.

Bourne's Bird Museum

Situated 35 kms south west of Naracoorte near Bool Lagoon is a display of over 300 mounted birds, nests and mammals as well as the well renowned Reg Attiwell local birds' eggs collection.  Open 10 -5pm every day except Tuesday.  Closed mid July to end of August.

Mini Jumbuck Centre

The home of the pure woollen doona.  Visitors may watch from a viewing platform to see how these wonderful products are made and all have the opportunity to buy direct from the factory.

Check out their website. Open 7 days from 9.00 – 4.00pm Monday to Saturday and 11.00 – 4.00pm on Sundays.

Sheep's Back Museum

Incorporated with the Naracoorte Visitor Centre the Sheep’s Back is one of South Australia’s renowned small museums creating a portrayal of the stories and history of the people and the wool industry in this district.

Naracoorte Golf Club

The Naracoorte Golf Course is well known for its lush watered fairways and greens, undulating course with bunkers and is one of the best courses in South Australia.  It is just a little under a kilometre from Carolynne’s Cottages.  Open 7 days.

Naracoorte Community Playground and Skate Park

A large, modern and family friendly park with playground equipment that is suitable for all ages. The playground is fully fenced and includes a gazebo and barbecue area for family picnics. The Skate Park is adjacent to the playground and is also fully fenced.

Naracoorte Swimming Lake

Seven times the size of an Olympic Swimming Pool with a concrete floor and walls, reticulated and chlorinated water, beach area and a safety fence is the Naracoorte Swimming Lake.  Surrounded by green lawns and shady trees, a canteen, barbecue facilities and amenities block.  Lifeguards patrol the area. 

Tiny Train Park and Mini Golf

Located at the Naracoorte Holiday Park and provides a wonderful place to treat the children. Open 7 days 9am – 5 pm.  Entry Fees apply

Naracoorte Creek Walk

Approximately 5 kms in length and can be done  as a complete loop or in sections.  The Naracoorte Creek navigates the township and the creek walk is pedestrian, bicycle and gopher friendly.  Also encompasses part of the Naracoorte Nature Park where wild life abound. There are tables and chairs along the way to take a rest or enjoy a picnic.

Kingston

One hour's drive away is the beautiful coastal town of Kingston and is an ideal place for scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing and fishing.  It is also the home of the Big Lobster as it is the northern gateway to the Southern Ports cray fishing region.

Robe

A little further south from Kingston is the historic seaside resort of Robe which lies at the southern end of Guichen Bay. Enjoy the stunning beaches, rugged cliffs and mountainous sand dunes. Explore the friendly hotels, cafes, homewares stores, galleries and clothing boutiques down Victoria Street, the main thoroughfare.

Mount Gambier

Also an hour south of Naracoorte is Mount Gambier, the city of craters, lakes, caves and sinkholes.  A must visit is the famous Blue Lake along with the Valley Lake, Browne Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake.  The Lady Nelson Visitor Centre and the Cave Gardens situated in the centre of the city are not to be missed.

Where to Eat in Naracoorte?

There are so many great places to eat in Naracoorte, visit Trip Advisor to find your type of Eatery.

Plan your Itinery

To help plan your itinery use the tool below which uses map-based functionality with categories covering ‘Drink’, ‘Eat’, ‘Stay’, ‘See and do’, ‘Events’ and ‘Trails’ in and around Naracoorte. This tool was developed by the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council so it features all the local wineries to visit.

We have also included an Itinerary on our blog 'How to Spend a Weekend in Naracoorte'.