Things to do on the Limestone Coast
From rolling hills to stretches of coastline, the Limestone Coast is a place to escape and linger longer. Whether venturing to the classic holiday spot of Robe, or exploring off the beaten track, there’s so much to discover on the Limestone Coast.
Things to do
Uncle Ken Tours
On a day trip or twilight net-fishing tour like no other, Uncle Ken’s Bush Adventures are about nature, native bush tucker, the region’s indigenous history and stories. The Port MacDonnell-based treks include either lunch or a cook-up over the fire. Ken Jones is a NAIDOC Male Elder and member of the Boandik community. The former commercial cray and shark fisherman has also worked with fisheries and wildlife organisations. His tours take a “deep dive into the natural world”, from foraging and fishing to fireside tales, sharing his family’s heritage and “taking you on a journey through time and nature”.
Echo Farm
Children will always love close encounters and even cuddles with farm and native animals, so this is one perfect event to add to a family holiday. Echo Farm in Mt Gambier is a working family property where the animals are well loved and respected. Apart from oh-so calming and charming interactions with animals, there are historic displays and an old farmhouse to see. A guide-yourself farm trail with map allows ambling at your own pace, although rest assured the owners are always on hand for help and chats. Groups visits and events can also be arranged.
Head for the markets
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It comes as no surprise that this great food-and-wine bowl has markets aplenty. There is an all-charm market every Saturday in Kalangadoo. Stalls of produce, baked goods and hand-made gifts are in the church area, where you can also stop for a cuppa. In Beachport, a great Limestone Coast base, the main street is blocked for Saturday markets. In Millicent, a market and boot sale are at the showgrounds on first Saturdays. Hatherleigh’s Makers and Growers Market sells out of baked goods so be early on fourth Sundays. For updates, visit the Wattle Range Council website.
Pool of Siloam and Beachport Lagoon
Pack a picnic and togs for an incredibly relaxing day out. Even the swimming will be effortless because the lake known as Pool of Siloam is said to be seven times saltier than the sea. This means all who swim will be super buoyant and easily float. The pool is widely hailed for its therapeutic benefits. Picnic tables, change rooms and “summer showers” are provided. Nearby, the Beachport Lagoon is rimmed by a walking trail, sculptures and water features if you feel like expending a tad more energy. More picnic facilities, play areas and loos are in place.
Robe Obelisk
Lock in time soon to see the historic red and white Robe Obelisk, because it is an endangered attraction. It stands on the point of Cape Dombey, built in 1855 as a landmark for navigation at the entrance into Guichen Bay. It’s visible from about 20km out to sea. Extreme craggy shoreline erosion has experts predicting the obelisk may teeter and fall in years to come. Much has been discussed about saving it, including plans for a replica, so it might well be a sight future visitors will not be able to visit.
Golf and wine tour
The newest day out by My Coonawarra Wine Tours is the “ultimate” golf and wine getaway. The customisable blend of scenic golfing, wine and stays can be anything from two days to a week. Choose tee times and tastings using a self-drive format or allow yourself to chauffeured in a 11-seater van with a trailer for all that golfing gear. Included options are rounds at Naracoorte, Blue Lake, Penola, Robe and Mount Gambier with tours through Coonawarra cellar doors. Accommodation will be booked to suit. You can tailor add-ons such as dinner at the exclusive Mayura Station, breakfasts and buggies.
Kilsby Sinkhole
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Snorkelling and diving often go with camping or long drives to park sites. Kilsby Sinkhole has it all luxuriously close. The only privately-owned sinkhole in Australia is considered one of the best dive sites of its kind. Guided snorkelling and site tours include all gear and a supervisor, or you can arrange scuba and freediving. Four new villas near the sinkhole accommodate groups of two to 20. An added benefit is the distillery for the popular Sinkhole gin and Limoncello gin is on site. Tastings after you snorkel or dive, please. Not keen on a dip? There are landlubber ways to learn about this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Starling Flowers
Just outside of Robe, the artisan Starling Flowers farm blooms all year round. Green thumbs will love the spectacle as well as the opportunity to participate in a private class or workshop. Book ahead to sort your own time or to join a group. The idea is to learn how to grow and cut garden flowers. Wander around the farm and cut a bucket of the blooms you most like, ready to arrange back at the delightful old stone flower studio. For a longer-lasting take-home souvenir, a recently published book, Secrets from the Flower Farm, reveals all.
Delgattie House
This is one supreme experience for a couple or a crowd. The grand old villa has undergone exceptional renovation and is now a set of three lavish boutique hotel suites which can be booked together or as singles. It’s a wonderful getaway for three couples, and with The Commodore right next door, an even larger group is well accommodated. A generous breakfast hamper will be delivered each morning. At other times, choose from chef’s menu packages, served in the magnificent dining room. The Delgattie is part of an accommodation group in the area, including The Henty, The Commodore and Colhurst House.
Stony Rise Lodge
Enjoy time in an elegant suite or come out and share the luxurious main living spaces with only a few other guests, or even better, a group of 12 friends using the entire lodge. It is sleek living in Robe, with stunning views and sunsets to match. Breakfasts are included and the hosts will organise twilight drinks and snacks, or special dinners as you like. A sandstone open fire is a warm spot to nestle, or on finer days the views are the draw out to an infinity lawn and firepit area. What a wonderful coastal base for a group pampering.
This article first appeared in the 2025 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
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