At Enhanced Lifestyles, we know how important it is to get out and about, enjoy the outdoors and have great experiences. With an office in Mount Gambier, we want to help our customers, whether they are locals or visitors to the area, find accessible activities throughout the Limestone Coast that everyone can enjoy.
10 awesome and accessible activities in the Limestone Coast
1. Robe Walking Trails & Loop Path
Details
Where: Obelisk Rd, Robe.
When: Any day.
Cost: Free.
Enjoy fresh air and exercise in beautiful surroundings! There are currently three walking trails in the township of Robe, two of which are made from hardened gravel suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids:
- Starting at the Robe Obelisk and travelling south 1.4km to the lighthouse on Blacker St.
- Starting at the Robe Obelisk and travelling east 2.1km to Victoria St
Along these trails, you’ll discover the Encounter Signal, the Old Gaol jetty, and of course the Obelisk, as well as take in the stunning coastline.
Accessibility features
The Walking SA website advises that the two paths mentioned are built of crushed limestone, suitable for wheels. The new shared-use path is designed for walkers, cyclists, people with mobility issues and prams.
2. Mount Gambier Rail Trail
Details
Where: Pick Ave, Mount Gambier.
When: Any day.
Cost: Free.
This trail was once an abandoned railway line. It runs through the centre of the City of Mount Gambier, showcasing the former railway station and featuring a play area, wetlands, public art and picnic areas.
The trail is 5.4km in length one-way and takes about 1.5 hours to traverse. Whether you’re new to Mount Gambier or know the area well, this historic trail is worth your time.
Accessibility features
The Walking SA website advises the trail is flat and accessible to wheelchairs and mobility aids.
3. Naracoorte Caves National Park Rooftop Loop Walk
Details
Where: 89 Wonambi Rd, Naracoorte.
When: 9am – 5pm every day except Christmas Day, or days of catastrophic fire danger.
Cost: Free entry to park and Rooftop Loop Walk. Fees apply for cave entry.
This walk allows people of all ages and abilities to experience the intriguing underground world of Naracoorte Caves from above ground, with parts of this World Heritage Site viewable from platforms accessible to wheelchairs and mobility aids.
The Loop Walk has plenty of interpretive signage and the use of cave markers indicate when you are over a cave. The 850m-long walk links the Wonambi Fossil Centre with the Bat Observation Centre, Bat Cave and Blanche Cave.
Picnic tables and seating along the walk provides opportunities to take breaks and relax in a natural setting. As well as megafauna figurines, you might see kangaroos, echidnas, or bats flying in or out of their underground homes.
Accessibility features
The Naracoorte Caves website advises the Rooftop Loop Walk is suitable for wheelchair and mobility aid users, families with prams, the visually impaired and for those guests not wishing to go into a cave.
4.Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Details
Where: 32047 Princes Hwy, Tantanoola.
When: September to April: 10am – 3pm daily. May to August: 10am – 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Closed Christmas Day. Open for SA and VIC school holidays and all public holidays.
Cost: Entry to the park is free. Cave entry is $15.50 for an adult, $12.50 concession.
Tantanoola is one of only a few caves in Australia that feature wheelchair accessibility. The stunning formations within the cave have formed over thousands of years, and are beautiful to view and photograph.
The tours at Tantanoola are hosted. You will be given an introduction by staff and then allowed to view the cave at your own leisure.
Accessibility features
The National Parks and Wildlife Service website advises that the cave is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Assistance dogs are welcome as long as they remain under your effective control. Toilets and disabled toilets are available in the park.
Bool Lagoon. Photo by KaZKaptureZ
5. Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Details
Where: Bool Lagoon Rd, Bool Lagoon, about half an hour’s drive south of Naracoorte.
When: Open daily except on days of Total Fire Ban.
Cost: Vehicle entry to the park is free. Campsite fees apply. Check the boards at park entrances for details.
Bool Lagoon is one of the biggest and most diverse freshwater lagoon systems in southern Australia. It is home to a wide range of birds and other wildlife, acting as a refuge in times of drought.
A one-kilometre boardwalk will take you over the water and amongst tea trees, where you may see evidence of nesting. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and listen to the sounds of the wetlands, particularly the birds, insects and frogs.
Accessibility features
The National Parks and Wildlife Service website advises their Tea Tree boardwalk is wheelchair accessible. Assistance dogs are welcome as long as they remain under your effective control. There are flushing toilets at the Bool Lagoon campground.
6. Coonawarra Rail Trail
Details
Where: 19km long trail extending from Penola township through the Coonawarra wine region.
When: Daily.
Cost: The trail is free, but there are wineries and food outlets along the way.
Coonawarra Rail Trail runs for 19 km through the Coonawarra Wine Region, past vineyards and wine cellars, some dating from 1890.
The trail begins in Penola and follows the unused Wolseley to Mount Gambier rail corridor, terminating near Father Woods Park, where several sculptures are located.
The trails are as follows:
Penola to Coonawarra Railway Siding (10.5km)
Pass through vineyards and grazing properties, and see the old rail yards and station precinct. The trail is straight and flat, but take care at road crossings.
Side Trail – Coonawarra Railway Siding to Coonawarra Township (1.3km)
This trail will take you to the township of Coonawarra, where there are several food outlets and cellar doors, including Wynns Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines and Zema Estate. The central community park offers seating areas, public toilets and a playground.
Coonawarra Siding to Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd (8.5km)
Running north from the Coonawarra Siding, the trail is straight and continues through grazing country and vineyards to Glenroy to Bool Lagoon Road.
Side Trail – Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd to Father Woods Park (7.0km)
The final section that leads to Father Woods Park involves a stretch along the Riddoch Highway. Exercise great caution due to traffic and highway speeds.
Accessibility features
All 19km of trail is sealed. Take care at road crossings. Public toilets are available in Coonawarra township.
7. Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre
Details
Where: 7 Margaret St, Mount Gambier.
When: Check their website for details, as opening hours vary depending on the facility you wish to use.
Cost: Casual entry ranges from $7.50 for a casual swim, to $18 for an All Access Day Pass.
If you’re in Mount Gambier, head on down to Wulanda, where you can spend the day enjoying a heated pool, a coffee at the café, or a workout at the Health Club. Wulanda has all the latest gym equipment and has something for everyone to enjoy.
Accessibility features
The Wulanda website advises their facilities, services and programs have been designed for people of all abilities. They have accessible designated parking, wheelchair access, accessible changing rooms, gradual railed ramp entry to a warm water pool and lift access to their Health Club. Carers Card Holders receive a concession entry for swimming. Free entry is permitted to companions with a companion card.
8. Echo Farm
Details
Where: 249 Tollner Road, Mount Gambier.
When: Closed on days of extreme weather, Christmas Day, and until 1pm on ANZAC Day. Self-guided visits are available Sunday to Friday – 10.30am to 5pm (Wednesday 12pm – 5pm). Last admittance 3.30pm. Allow at least an hour for your visit.
Cost: Child (2 to 16 years) $12. Adult $15. Family pass (2 adults/3 children) $50. Prices include food for animals.
Echo Farm is owned and operated by the Harrison family who run and live on the farm. Parts of Echo Farm were built before the 1890’s, and there are several buildings still standing from the 1920s.
In 2007, the farm began operating as a museum that displays how early European farming was carried out. Friendly farm animals were also introduced for visitors to feed and interact with.
Bring your own picnic to enjoy onsite, but contact Echo Farm before attending if you plan on having a large group attend so a suitable area can be arranged.
Accessibility features
Farm paths are gravel or naturally formed, so you may encounter some uneven ground when exploring. Please call to discuss wheelchair accessibility; unfortunately access to an area may be affected by weather for some wheelchairs. Accessible toilet onsite.
Sinkhole in Mt Gambier. Photo by @Mitch.Toft
9. The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre
Details
Where: 1 Bay Rd, Mount Gambier.
When: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Saturday, Sunday and most Public Holidays 10am to 2pm.
Cost: Free
Dating back to 1868, the historic Mount Gambier Institute is home to the Riddoch Art Collection, consisting of over 1500 paintings, sculptures and prints valued at around $3.5 million. The Riddoch displays works of contemporary Australian art, including First Nations artists, wood art, and works by regional artists past and present.
There is plenty for the kids to do, with a variety of engaging school holiday activities on offer. Guided tours, group tours and school tours are also available.
Get your cultural fix at the Riddoch!
Accessibility features
The Riddoch website advises it is continually improving the accessibility of its premises with the assistance of Purple Orange. Currently, the centre has an automated front door accessed by a push button, and is equipped with lifts to different levels of the centre and galleries. Galleries are wheelchair accessible, as are the amenities and public programs. High-contrast signage is used in digital displays for orientation.
10. Beachport Old Wool and Grain Store Museum
Details
Where: Railway Tce, Beachport.
When: Daily. Summer months open from 10am to 4pm. Winter months open from 10am to 3pm.
Cost: Adults $5, Concessions $4, Children $2, Family $10, Bus Tour Groups $4 per person.
Built in 1879 as a shipping house and warehouse, the Beachport Old Wool and Grain Store Museum displays the history of the local fishing, whaling and agricultural industries. There is also a display that focuses on interactions between the Buandik people and Beachport’s European settlers. A blacksmith’s shop is set up just as it would have been when operational.
One for the history buffs!
Accessibility features
Wheelchair access is available on the ground floor only. Upper floor access is only by stairs.
If any of these activities have caught your interest, why not speak to your Lifestyle Attendant about how they can support you to enjoy a day out in the beautiful Limestone Coast area!
Don’t have a Lifestyle Attendant? Get in touch with us and find out how we can help you!
Robe Obelisk. Photo by Benjamin Goode.
