Surrounding Area
Things to see & do in the surrounding area
Mount Schank
Walk into an extinct volcano! Part of the Kanawinka Global Geopark, Australia‟s only internationally recognised Geopark. Lieutenant Grant named this fascinating remnant volcano at the time he named Mount Gambier. It was named after a friend, Captain Schank. There is a track which leads to the top and it is possible to descend into the crater of the extinct volcano. The walk from the carpark to the top and around the edges of the old volcano is estimated as being of moderate difficulty and should take about 2½ hours.
Germein Reserve
This is a diverse and unique remnant of our natural environment. The 55ha reserve was established in 1978 and expanded in 1995. Walk along the boardwalk through native flora, popular wetland areas and natural regeneration. Enjoy the network of easy walking trails ranging from 750metres to 1250metres. For further enquiries contact Port MacDonnell Landcare Group on 08 8738 8070.
Dingley Dell
Where Adam Lindsay Gordon, one of Australia's most famous 19th century poets, lived from 1864 to 1867. The cottage has been restored to give a glimpse of life 1860‟s style at Dingley Dell Conservation Park. An informative self-guided walking trail meanders through the surrounding pocket of bushland. Bus and school groups welcome; phone 08 8738 2221 or mobile 0408 382 222. Entrance fee applies.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop; a journey of discovery
Visit the Port MacDonnell Jetty, where Saint Mary MacKillop boarded the ship SS Penola on 22 June 1867 for the journey to Adelaide where she established the Cathedral Hall School. http://www.visitmarymackillop.com.au/
Feast's Classic Car Collection & Memorabilia
Located 2km on the right at Lower Nelson Road. Phone 08 8738 2191 or 0429 368 342 for bookings. Entrance fee applies
Allendale East Cave
Once used as a watering hole for Bullock Teams, the main road from Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell is divided in Allendale East to go around the cave, which is now used for diving practice by Emergency Services and Police divers.
Piccaninnie Ponds
Located along the coast and reaching the Victorian border, this is a large reed swamp with subterranean springs which has a reputation as one of Australia's best cave diving destinations. The caves are actually sinkholes and require considerable skill. The main sinkhole, Piccaninnie Pond, can be dived but a permit is needed from the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Mount Gambier.
Ewen Ponds Conservation Park
Located 6 kms north east of Port MacDonnell this is an important and interesting wetland habitat characterized by dense Sringybark, Blackwood, Christmas bush and a range of interesting orchids. It is also an area of sinkholes which are popular with divers.
Little Blue Lake
The Bellum Hotel
Originally built in 1866, by Thomas Edwards, the great, great, great grandfather of the current licensee. Originally used as a halfway stop over point for travellers from Mount Gambier to the busy port of Port MacDonnell it was known for many years as The Halfway House Hotel Bellum Bellum, with many believing the term „Bellum Bellum‟ told of a fierce war held by the local Boandik tribe. Thomas Edwards, settled in the Mount Schank area in 1854 after finding 1000 pounds of gold at Forest Creek, and decedents still farm the same land to this day. One of the past licensees was Henry Smith (1868) who received a medal for bravery in the rescue of survivors of the Admella shipwreck; and a photo of this medal hangs on the wall, along with other pictures of the hotel and surrounding area from the 1800‟s until today. Part of the Bar‟s floor is glass showing how the builders dug the original cellar by hand through the local limestone, Accommodation, meals and fantastic country hospitality available 7 days a week; phone/fax 08 87385269 http://www.bellumhotel.com.au/
Canunda National Park
4 wheel driving