The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Mount Gambier, South Australia
Mount Gambier, sitting atop an inactive volcano, is halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, just 30 minutes inland from South Australia’s celebrated Limestone Coast. The region is dotted with incredible natural caves and sinkholes where you can swim, dive and explore. The freshwater Blue Lake earns its name due to high levels of calcite in the pure waters at certain times of year, and delectable Aussie wineries are a short drive away. Want to visit? All the best hotels in Mount Gambier are bookable right here on Culture Trip.
1. Federal Hotel, for central comfort
Hotel
The dazzling pink and blue exterior signals a warm welcome at this centrally located heritage hotel. Of the 13 rooms, the upstairs economy twin rooms have shared bathroom facilities, and the ground floor offers studio twin, queen and family rooms with en-suites. Dining is all sorted at the on-site House of Schnitzel bistro where you can choose from their stellar range – our favourite is the Godfather with bacon, pepperoni, chorizo, napoli sauce and cheese. But, if that’s not for you, there are 23 other combinations to choose from.
2. Apartments on Tolmie, for espresso living
Apartment
Sip your morning cappuccino as you settle into one of the soft leather couches or retreat to the private courtyard of one of these four self-catering two- or three-bedroom apartments, set in a quiet residential area just 1km (0.6mi) from the centre of town. All have open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas. The decor pops with red cushions and feature walls. The two-bedroom apartment is pet-friendly, just bring your pooch’s favourite bedding (and don’t let them jump into the jetted tub). All apartments are easy walking distance from the beautiful nearby Blue Lake.
3. MG, for chic holiday living
Apartment
Options abound in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, modern purple-hued home that can accommodate up to eight guests. There are two living areas, a modern kitchen with a dishwasher and a fully equipped laundry. Keep warm with fully ducted heating on those cooler days. Just 45 minutes away is the renowned Coonawarra wine growing region, perfect for exploring the cellar doors and bringing a bottle back to taste and enjoy around a BBQ in the huge outdoor dining area.
5. Comfort Inn the Lakes, for great local seafood
Hotel
Comfort Inn the Lakes stands atop one of the highest points in town, with views over the surrounding countryside and the beautiful Blue Lake. Swim in the indoor swimming pool or work out in the adjacent gym under steel beams. There’s a large range of accommodation, from a single executive room through to family rooms catering for up to seven guests. Enjoy the in-house restaurant and bar, Thyme at the Lakes, with extraordinary modern cuisine. We love the crispy skin barramundi, from a menu that features freshly caught delicacies from the fleet in the nearby coastal town of Robe.
6. 8 Lake Terrace, for Blue Lake views
Villa, Lodge
Directly opposite Botanic Park and just a short stroll to the Blue Lake Lookout with views across Mount Gambier Valley Lake, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom house allows for various configurations for up to six people. You’ll love the fully equipped kitchen, laundry, open-plan kitchen diner and lounge. There is a BBQ on the wraparound upstairs balcony, the perfect place to recline and enjoy the views of the sun setting across the nearby lake.
7. Southgate Motel, for a convenient location and a lap pool
Motel
The rooms may be modern, but you can expect an old-fashioned warm welcome at this regional motel, featuring rooms which range from deluxe king through to a three-bedroom apartment. The Gates Restaurant is open for breakfast, dinner or, if you prefer, room service meals. There’s a great range of modern Aussie classics to choose from, including a large range of steaks. You’ll drool over the surf and turf Scotch fillet, served with creamy garlic prawns and crispy squid. Promise.
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