WHERE COMFORT MEETS CLASS

Attractions

Attractions, Pubs, Clubs & Landmarks Near Arkana Motor Inn

A simplified guest guide featuring nearby attractions, nature spots, and local experiences around Arkana Motor Inn & Terrace Apartments, Mount Gambier.

Lakes, Sinkholes & Volcanoes

  • Blue Lake / Warwar

    Iconic volcanic crater lake, changes color seasonally. (2 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Little Blue Lake

    Natural sinkhole lake for swimming & diving. (15 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Valley Lake / Ketla Malpi

    Crater lake with trails & wildlife. (3 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Centenary Tower

    Lookout tower with panoramic views. (3 km). Entry: ~$2. Hours: When flag flying.

  • Umpherston Sinkhole (Balumbul)

    Sunken garden with evening possums. (4 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Dawn–dusk.

  • Cave Gardens (City Centre)

    Sunken garden in Mount Gambier CBD. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Caroline Sinkhole (Penambol Park)

    Bushland sinkhole with viewing platform. (20 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Daytime.

  • Mount Schank Volcano

    Extinct volcano with rim walking track. (12 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

Caves & Underground Wonders

  • Engelbrecht Cave

    Guided tours & cave diving. (2 km). Entry: ~$14.50. Hours: 10 am–3 pm.

  • Tantanoola Caves

    Wheelchair-accessible show cave with tours. (29 km). Entry: Fees apply. Hours: 10 am–3 pm.

  • Kilsby Sinkhole

    World-famous diving/snorkelling site. (15 km). Entry: Tour only. Hours: By booking.

  • Fossil Cave (Green Waterhole)

    Scientific flooded cave, mainly for diving. (25 km). Entry: Permit. Hours: Varies.

  • Naracoorte Caves

    World Heritage cave system with tours & fossils. (95 km). Entry: Fees apply. Hours: 9 am–5 pm. Notes: Day Trip

Parks, Walks & Nature

  • Penambol Conservation Park

    Butterfly Walk & Wombat Walk trails. (20 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Daytime.

  • Railway Lands

    Nature play, gardens, and walking tracks. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Dingley Dell Conservation Park

    Historic cottage and bushland walks. (25 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Daytime.

  • Piccaninnie Ponds

    Freshwater ponds, snorkelling/diving by permit.

    (32 km). Entry: Permit. Hours: Daytime.

  • Ewens Ponds

    Crystal-clear ponds for diving/snorkeling (permit).

    (25 km). Entry: Permit. Hours: Daytime.

Heritage & Culture

  • Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

    Exhibitions, cultural events, ‘Volcano’ film. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 10 am–5 pm.

  • Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre

    Local history and tourist info hub. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 9 am–5 pm.

  • Old Town Hall & Historic Buildings

    Heritage walk in Commercial Street precinct. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Mount Gambier Fire Station

    1955 heritage-listed fire station. (1 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Varies.

  • Father Woods Sculpture Park

    Outdoor religious & cultural sculpture trail. (40 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Mary MacKillop Centre

    Historic and pilgrimage site nearby. (50 km). Entry: Free. Hours: Varies.

Farm & Family Experiences

  • Echo Farm

    Interactive farm experience with animals & history. (7 km). Entry: Fees apply. Hours: 10 am–4 pm.

Coastal & Day Trips

  • Port MacDonnell

    Fishing town, crayfish fleet, beaches & coastal walks. (30 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7.

  • Robe – Historic coastal town with Long Beach, Obelisk, heritage gaol.

    (130 km). Entry: Free. Hours: 24/7. Notes: Day Trip

  • Coonawarra Wine Region

    Famous red wine cellar doors. (50 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: Varies. Notes: Day Trip

Pubs, Clubs & Restaurants

  • Jens Hotel – Historic pub with bar, bistro & accommodation.

    (1 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: 11 am–late.

  • South Eastern Hotel

    Classic pub meals, sports bar & beer garden. (2 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: 11 am–late.

  • Mac’s Hotel

    Popular pub in city centre with dining & live music. (1 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: 11 am–late.

  • The Gambier Hotel

    Modern pub dining and accommodation. (1 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: 11 am–late.

  • Mount Gambier RSL

    Community club with meals & entertainment. (2 km). Entry: Varies. Hours: 10 am–late.

Penambol Conservation Park

Discover Nature’s Hidden Haven (20 km from Arkana Motor Inn)

Step into the serene wilderness of Penambol Conservation Park, one of Mount Gambier’s best-kept natural treasures. Just a 20-minute drive from Arkana Motor Inn, the park invites you to explore its two signature trails — the Butterfly Walk and the Wombat Walk.

The Butterfly Walk comes alive in spring, with vibrant wildflowers and fluttering native butterflies creating a magical atmosphere. The Wombat Walk, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the lives of the park’s nocturnal residents — keep an eye out for wombat burrows scattered along the trail.

Perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families, Penambol is a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with the outdoors. Enjoy the crisp air, listen to the birdsong, and unwind amid lush bushland.

Entry: Free
Hours: Daytime access only

Return to Arkana for a comfortable stay after your nature adventure.

Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

Mount Gambier’s Creative Heart (5 mins from Arkana Motor Inn)

Discover the vibrant spirit of Mount Gambier at the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre, the city’s hub for art, history, and creativity. Located just a short drive from Arkana Motor Inn, this award-winning centre offers an inspiring mix of art exhibitions, immersive multimedia experiences, and regional heritage displays.

Step inside to explore stunning contemporary artworks by local and national artists, or dive into the fascinating story of Mount Gambier’s volcanic landscape through the “Volcano” 3D cinematic experience — a must-see for visitors of all ages. The centre also hosts workshops, film screenings, and cultural events throughout the year, making every visit unique.

After exploring the galleries, relax in the on-site café or browse the gift shop for locally crafted souvenirs.

Entry: Free (fees may apply for some exhibitions)
Hours: Open daily (check website for times)

Echo Farm

A Charming Hands-On Country Experience

Step back in time and enjoy an authentic taste of country life at Echo Farm, just a short 10-minute drive from Arkana Motor Inn. This interactive heritage farm offers a delightful blend of farm animals, history, and hands-on experiences — perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

Wander through the picturesque property, feed friendly farm animals, and learn about traditional Australian farming practices. Every visit is personal and memorable, with opportunities to chat with the owners, explore vintage tools, and see how life once was in rural South Australia. Children will love meeting goats, chickens, donkeys, and alpacas up close, while adults can appreciate the serene atmosphere and charming heritage displays.

After your visit, enjoy refreshments at the farm café before heading back to Arkana for a comfortable stay.

Entry: Fees apply

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm

Echo Farm

Step Back in Time and Meet Friendly Farm Animals (7 km)

Just a short 10-minute drive from Arkana Motor Inn & Terrace Apartments, Echo Farm offers a hands-on and heartwarming country experience for visitors of all ages. This working heritage farm invites you to interact with friendly animals, from cuddly lambs and goats to chickens, donkeys, and cows — all while learning about Australia’s rural history.

Wander through the charming paddocks, feed the animals, and explore vintage farm tools, homestead gardens, and rustic sheds that tell stories of Mount Gambier’s farming past. The farm’s peaceful setting and authentic charm make it a perfect family outing or couple’s day trip.

Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with entry fees applying, Echo Farm is a true country escape — offering the chance to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a genuine slice of rural life.