Jubilee Motor Inn

Mount Gambier is South Australia's second largest City, located midway between the major capitals of Melbourne and Adelaide, set amidst a unique and ancient landscape of volcanic craters, lakes, caves and mysterious underground aquifers. Mount Gambier and its surrounds offer one of the most diverse tourist destinations in South Australia.

The Blue Lake:
Did you know that Blue Lake is the only lake in the world that changes from sombre grey to brilliant turquoise blue each summer?

The Blue Lake, the source of water supply for the city and surrounds is just one of the lakes within the three craters of the extinct volcano.

Each year in November, it mysteriously starts its colour change to the unbelievable turquoise blue. From March each year it gradually makes the change back to its more sombre winter blue which is still a magnificent sight.

The lakes area offers picnic and BBQ facilities, Wildlife Park and Boardwalk, Adventure Playground,18 hole golf links and tours to the surface of the Blue Lake.


The Lady Nelson Discovery Centre
Take a walk in time through "The Lady Nelson" Discovery Centre to see how our land was before European Settlement.

Interact with the high technological displays to see the ghostly figure of Christina Smith as she steps down from the photograph to tell of her experiences.

Walk on the exciting glass floor of the Cave Walk. See and hear the neon volcano explode and hear Lieutenant James Grant tell his story of discovery.

Centenary Tower
Walk to the Historic Centenary Tower, which was opened in 1904 to commemorate the first sighting of Mount Gambier by Lt. Grant on the Lady Nelson in 1800. Being the highest point in the district, it commands magnificent views of the Crater Lakes, the city, surrounding district including a coastal outlook. Illuminated at night, the Tower is a spectacular vision, and can be seen from many points around the city and district.

Aquifer Tours
Experience this fascinating 45 minute tour which takes visitors in a glass panelled lift down the original dolomite well shaft, from which water was originally extracted. Walk through a tunnel to see the Blue Lake at close proximity. Learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier's water supply and the aquifer system. Hear the interesting stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and aboriginal legend.

The Crater Lakes
Comprising of three craters, Blue Lake Crater, Valley Lake Crater and Leg of Mutton Lake Crater, this area is a significant site within the Volcanoes Discovery Trail The Valley Lake , situated in the largest of the three craters, is very popular all year round with its excellent enclosed Adventure Playground and Recreational Area.

Umpherston Sinkhole:
Once a cave formed through dissolution of the limestone, this sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber fell to the floor of the cave, creating the perfect environment for its "sunken garden".

Originally beautified by James Umpherston around 1886, it is open at all times, from dusk each evening the area comes alive with possums as they venture into the floodlit gardens to feed.

The Cave Gardens:
Situated in the centre of the city this sinkhole was the original source of water supply for the early settlers.

Famous for its roses, the Cave Gardens is a great place for a picnic. Its beauty and significance can be appreciated from the viewing areas.

Walk down into the cave and venture out onto the suspended viewing platforms for an awesome view into the cave which directs storm water run-off from the city streets down under the city where it is believed to eventually enter the underground water system.

With its spectacular lighting, it is well worthwhile a visit at night.

Blue Lake Papermill
Join the tour at Blue Lake Papermill, makers of fine art paper. Experience the romance of traditional hand papermaking. See how paper was made centuries ago, and how with unique equipment it is made today.

The Zaadstra Art Gallery
Just 10 minutes west of the city is The Zaadstra Art Gallery, operating studio featuring art-works by the family Zaadstra. Old time charge and atmosphere ehanced by craft articles and antiques, open only by appointment.

Mount Schank
Take the walking trail to the top of this extinct volcano. Walk around the rim took look into the crater and take in the panoramic view of the coastal land.

Princes Margaret Rose Cave
This natural limestone cave housing spectacular formations is situated in a National Park on the banks of the Glenelg River.

Coonawarra Wine Reqion
The Coonawarra has long been recognised as one of Australia's premium wine producing regions. The Coonawarra boasts some 21 easily accessible Cellar Doors. Spend a relaxing day exploring the world famous Coonawarra.

The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre
The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, which is dedicated to explaining a very interesting period in the History of the South-East of South Australia, a story with a strong focus on the life of Blessed, (hopefully soon to be Saint) Mary MacKillop.

Naracoorte Caves National Park: South Australia's only World Heritage Site.
Show cave tours are guided by professional interpreters through highly decorated caves with some tours visiting amazing fossil deposits. Modern technology has been utilised to show visitors the normally inaccessible interior of Bat Cave, where thousands of bats breed each year. Other opportunities include adventure caving, a selection of specialty tours and special events.

Glenelg River Tours:
Cruise the majestic Glenelg River from the estuary to the beautiful Princes Margaret Rose Cave.

Tantanoola Cave
A magnificent ancient sea cliff towers over the Princes Highway between Mount Gambier and Millicent. Nestling inside the cliff is one of Australia's most beautiful caves, filled with a spectacular array of formations in one large dolomite cavern. The formations have developed over many thousands of years. A constant dripping of water from the cave ceiling has carried the dissolved calcite in solution and deposited it within the cave. In 1983, the entrance of the cave was lowered and gently sloping paths were laid, making this Australia's first wheelchair access cave.

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