This summer, plan a day trip from our beautiful town for some sun, sand and relaxation. Here are our picks for the best beaches and fishing destinations within easy driving distance of Mount Gambier.
Carpenter Rocks
The pristine waters of Carpenter Rocks surround this charming beach town. Located around 35km from Mount Gambier, the beach sits in a wine glass-shaped bay, framed by rocks and looking out to the Southern Ocean.
A handful of permanent residents call Carpenter Rocks home but visitors come to fish and swim. Show up and you’ll find a general store and a campsite located near the Cape Banks Lighthouse. Some excellent local holiday houses available to rent include this pet-friendly five-bedroom beach house with an additional cabin and these light-filled luxury apartments close to the beach.
Carpenter Rocks is usually a quiet spot. Facilities are limited so pack your esky if you are planning a visit, and if you want to extend your stay, you can visit the nearby Canunda National Park.
Nene Valley
It should take you well under an hour to reach Nene Valley from Mount Gambier. The name of this beach is derived from a ship called Nene Valley, which was wrecked off the coastline back in 1854.
The water here is usually safe for swimming and suitable for children but there are no lifesavers on patrol. It’s also a recommended spot for fishing because of the offshore reef that surrounds the swimming area. There can be some decent surf breaks along the coastline here as well.
If you have a 4WD, you can take your vehicle off-road to add some adventure to your day trip.
For an extended stay at Nene Valley, there are a few accommodation options, including this well-presented home that’s listed on Stayz.
Browns Bay
Another option for a beach close to Mount Gambier is Eight Mile Creek’s Browns Bay. This has a beautiful expanse of white sand and crystal-clear blue water. It is located close to the town of Port MacDonnell, which has shops and accommodation. The sand stretches for more than six kilometres so you should be able to find plenty of room to set up your umbrella and towels.
There are no amenities so a picnic lunch is on order for your day trip. Rips occur here and the beach is not patrolled, so be careful if you are not a strong swimmer or if you have small children with you.
Like its neighbours Nene Valley and Carpenter Rocks, Browns Bay is good for fishing and can be fun for ‘offroading’ in your 4WD. There are limited campsites available close to the ocean.
Note: Don’t accidentally set your GPS for ‘Browns Beach’, which is on the other side of Adelaide!
How’s the serenity?
Forget jam-packed beaches, the Limestone Coast is all about serenity and a gentle pace. The beaches are popular in summer but you don’t have to show up at sunrise just to find somewhere to park!
Safety is important when you’re visiting a remote beach so pack a first aid kit as well as your suncream and plenty of drinking water. If you do decide to go for a 4WD, make sure you have the equipment you need to get out of a sandy or boggy spot. Remember to check the surf reports and always keep small children within arm’s reach when they are swimming.
Plan a weekend trip away from Mount Gambier with our helpful guide or reach out to us for more information about the local area.
