Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier is the second most populated city in South Australia, with an estimated urban population of 33,233 as of 2021. The city is located on the slopes of Mount Gambier, a volcano in the southeast of the state, about 450 kilometres (280 mi) southeast of the capital Adelaide and just 17 kilometres (11 mi) from the Victorian border. The traditional owners of the area are the Bungandidj (or Boandik) people. Mount Gambier is the most important settlement in the Limestone Coast region and the seat of government for both the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant.
The city is well known for its geographical features, particularly its volcanic and limestone features, most notably Blue Lake / Warwar, and its parks, gardens, caves and sinkholes.
credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gambier
Fore more on what to do in Mount Gambier, visit the City of Mount Gambier’s website.
Getting here
Mount Gambier sits on a number of highways that connect the city to other major towns in the region, as well as to Adelaide and Melbourne.
- Princes Highway(Jubilee Highway) travels through the city east to west.
- to Melbourne via Dartmoor, Portland and Warrnambool
- to Adelaide via Millicent, Kingston SE and Meningie
- Riddoch Highway(Penola / Bay Road) travels through the city north to south.
- to Adelaide via Naracoorte and Keith
The trip from Adelaide to Mount Gambier takes around 5 hours by car, and there are two different routes you can take. Inland via Keith on A66, or Coastal via Kingston on B1. If you want to turn the road trip into an adventure, here’s some suggestions for stops along the way:
https://exploringsouthaustralia.com.au/adelaide-to-mount-gambier-road-trip/
There are also bus and flight options if you don’t want to bring your car. Check out some of the other travel options here.
From Melbourne the road trip is also just under 5 hours via Highway A1. There are a number of ways to travel including car, bus and flights. Check some details here about your options.
Getting to the Fair
The Mount Gambier Showgrounds is located at 1 Pick Avenue, or 5R62+F2 Mount Gambier, South Australia. Parking is via the first gate on Pick Avenue, with a gold coin donation to the Royal Flying Doctors Service, however all entry is by foot via the main gate as detailed in the map below.
There is also temporary drop parks for disabled patrons at the main gate entrance.
Accommodation
If you’re bringing a caravan, then the ideal place for you is located on the grounds of the Fair.
Please contact the Showgrounds direct to book a camp space https://www.mgshow.com.au/campground
The Camping Park has a black dump point.
We also recommend the following businesses that support the Fantasy Medieval Fair.
Arkana Motor Inn & Apartments.
https://arkanamotel.com.au/
Mention the Fantasy Medieval Fair for a discount.
Blue Lake Motel
https://www.bluelakemotel.com.au/
Located within walking distance of the Showgrounds.
Limestone Coast Tourist Park
https://www.limestonecoasttouristpark.com/
Or, if you’re a history lover, then the Old Mount Gambier Gaol is also a great option. Enjoy a range of accommodation options at the 150-year-old decommissioned prison site.