Robe To Mount Gambier.

Our journey continued along the Princes Highway from Robe and then onto the Southern Ports Highway past Beachport and into Millicent. There were several places that stood out as potentials for exploring on the return journey.

In Millicent, to refuel, it was great to be greeted by the friendly Service Station staff who commented enviously about our caravan. If I had a dollar for each time someone says that they wished they doing what we are doing we will have secure financial future.

Staff at the Tourist Centre were also friendly and helpful with suggestions for where to eat and directions. It was great to have a place to  park our car and caravan in the spacious  parking area especially for RVs and caravans at the rear of the Tourist Centre.  A short walk down the main street and there were a couple of interesting murals with historic and cultural themes.

Setting Up At Mount Gambier.

We chose the Central Caravan Park at Mount Gambier as our base for the next four nights. It is not the most salubrious park, but it is central to most of the things that we want to do while in the Mount. Many interesting places are within walking distance, and the facilities are fine for a short stay.

Jen’ s Hotel

Lunch on the first full day in the Mount was at Jen’s Hotel, a great old building (the first hotel built in Mount Gambier). It is a magnificent building on the outside and even more spectacular inside. There were stained glass windows, timber panelling, flocked wallpaper, a wide impressive staircase and an old interesting shaped mirror above a fireplace and mantel in the entrance.

 Wandering Around The Main Corner.

The centre of the city has an aptly named building and surrounds called the Main Corner. After lunch we took a short time to walk around to discover what was happening there. The Old Town Hall (part of the Main Corner Complex) is another magnificent building with its clock tower and leadlight room.

Another feature there is the Cave Garden. More about that in another post. Here’s a photo for now.

We visited the Riddoch Gallery to view the Riverton artist Robert Hannaford’s exhibition. A great selection of works from this well known portrait artist and sculptor. It was interesting to read the background to the exhibits displayed.

We were also intrigued to know that the iconic (and delicious) Haigh’s Chocolates have returned to Mount Gambier, with a limited range (including the giant chocolate frogs) in the Art Gallery Foyer. They originally started in the Mount in 1905 before going to the Beehive Corner in Adelaide 10 years later.

We had a quick drive around the Blue Lake, and will have to return in the next day or so, hopefully when the sun is shining to check  just how blue the lake is at this time of year. Lots of things to explore, and well worth more than the 4 days that we can spare on this trip.