BUCKET LIST SA | Natural wonders of the Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast is home to some of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders. Sinkholes, or cenotes, make up one of the many jaw-dropping marvels to see, from prehistoric caves to expansive lakes.

UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE/BALUMBUL

The beauty of the Umpherston Sinkhole has to be seen to be believed. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole, then walk down into the sinkhole, along the terraces and behind the hanging vines.

This sinkhole, also known as the sunken garden, was once a cave formed through dissolution of the limestone. The sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards.

Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier

Kilsby Sinkhole

Serenely located beneath a private rural farming property, Kilsby Sinkhole is world-renowned as one of the best cenote dive sites due to its crystal clear water and breathtaking visibility.

Scuba dive or snorkel the crystal clear limestonefiltered water with a certified guide. Above the water tours are also available, which explore the history of the cenote and include a tasting of locally made Sinkhole Gin.

525 Sisters Rd, Moorak

HELL’S HOLE

According to local legend, the ominouslynamed Hell’s Hole tucked deep within a forest was discovered long ago by two nighttime travellers.

Venture into the pine forests off Glenelg River Road and you will find Hell’s Hole.

Take a look down into the cenote from the viewing platform. At first, it may look like deep black water but as you look closer you will start to notice the clarity of the water.

Sea Coast Hill Road, Caveton

BEST OFF-GRID ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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YAMBARA TINY CABIN, EYRE PENINSULA

Experience the raw and rugged beauty of the Eyre Peninsula and escape, off-grid, to a world of wonder.

You’ll find Yambara just 80m from Sandy Point Beach, a private oasis overlooking Sleaford Bay and the Port Lincoln National Park. eyreway.com/stay/yambara

Jane ReillyTravels

Jane Reilly OAM is a well-known face around Adelaide, previously working as an announcer on FIVEaa’s breakfast program and as a weather presenter at Channel 10.

Destination Daylesford

Book online at ascp.online/escape

SINKHOLE CONTEMPORARY

AUSTRALIAN GIN | $79.99 RRP

A crisp, floral and incredibly easy drinking contemporary Australian gin. Small-batch distilled from limestone-filtered water, Sinkhole Gin features a range of select botanicals including local honey and native muntries foraged from coastal areas throughout the limestone coast. sinkholegin.com discovermountgambier.com.au

@visitmountgambier

CABN, ADELAIDE HILLS AND FLEURIEU PENINSULA

This is the minimalist, offgrid, nature experience you have been waiting for. Explore the landscapes by day and get cosy at night, star gazing into the dark skies unpolluted by the city lights.

Located amongst serene and secluded locations across South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula. cabn.life

HILLOCKS OCEAN POD, YORKE PENINSULA

Leave your phone behind and escape the city for a green getaway on the coast. Hillocks Ocean Pods provide a glamour camping experience. The contemporary designed accommodation is situated in coastal bush with magnificent views of Butler’s Beach and Hillocks Point.

FLINDERS BUSH RETREATS ECO TENT, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK

Hidden away in an almost untouched corner of the Flinders Ranges, experience the unique outback way of life in sustainable style at Flinders Bush Retreats.

Offering a boutique farm stay experience in Hawker with selfcontained houses, glamping and camping options. flindersbushretreats.com.au

PIKE RIVER LUXURY ECO VILLAS, RIVERLAND

Sitting riverfront, clocking off from city life and onto river time at Pike River

Luxury Eco Villas is a guaranteed ticket to riverside relaxation.

The five unique villas have all been built with sustainability in mind without compromising on comfort. pikeriver.com.au

Jane Reilly recently travelled to Daylesford, Victoria. Here she shares with FIFTY+SA her top three experiences in the stunning region. Nestled in the epicentre of Australia’s Spa Country, Daylesford, Victoria offers an amazing multitude of cultural and nature experiences. From Adelaide, Daylesford is a comfortable eight hour drive, or a one hour drive from Melbourne Airport.

From the moment we arrived I fell in love with this quaint, boutique town. The main street, Vincent Street, is lined with gorgeous cafes, homeware stores, galleries and fashion boutiques. Elegant Victorian homes and gardens throughout the town are the legacy of the goldrush of the 1850’s. Our accommodation, the delightful Haiku cottage, was within easy walking distance to the Vincent Street shops and offered us the perfect location to explore this fascinating town and nearby attractions.

There is so much to see and do in this stunning region that I thought I would tell you about my three favourite Daylesford experiences.

Described as Australia’s most beautiful art gallery, the 19th century building was a convent and later a boarding school. It’s now a wonderful display of art, history and culture. It’s very easy to spend a couple of hours here, wandering the beautifully restored rooms and delightful garden.

Allow time to pop into the Bad Habits Café. The raspberry tea cake served with berry coulis and a dollop of double cream was heavenly!

Perched on the summit of an extinct volcano, some of the trees in the stunning Wombat Hill Botanic Garden date back to when the Gardens were first opened in 1854. Magnificent trees soar into the sky creating a canopy of filtered light. The lush lawns are perfect for a romantic picnic or to enjoy the locally sourced menu in the Wombat Hill House Café.

3. HEPBURN BATHHOUSE AND SPA

No visit to the region would be complete without visiting one of the many spas either in Daylesford or nearby Hepburn Springs. Since the 1880’s visitors have been coming to “take the waters”, renowned for their revitalising and relaxing powers.

We opted for the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Swimming in the mineral rich pool was just amazing. Followed by a massage, I was “floating’ as we walked out and headed back to our cottage.

Destination Daylesford fulfilled all our expectations and we look forward to visiting again in the future.