The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Mount Gambier, South Australia

The dazzling pink and blue exterior signals a warm welcome at this centrally located heritage hotel. Of the 13 rooms, the upstairs economy twin rooms have shared bathroom facilities, and the ground floor offers studio twin, queen and family rooms with en-suites. Dining is all sorted at the on-site House of Schnitzel bistro where you can choose from their stellar range – our favourite is the Godfather with bacon, pepperoni, chorizo, napoli sauce and cheese. But, if that’s not for you, there are 23 other combinations to choose from.

Sip your morning cappuccino as you settle into one of the soft leather couches or retreat to the private courtyard of one of these four self-catering two- or three-bedroom apartments, set in a quiet residential area just 1km (0.6mi) from the centre of town. All have open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas. The decor pops with red cushions and feature walls. The two-bedroom apartment is pet-friendly, just bring your pooch’s favourite bedding (and don’t let them jump into the jetted tub). All apartments are easy walking distance from the beautiful nearby Blue Lake.

Options abound in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, modern purple-hued home that can accommodate up to eight guests. There are two living areas, a modern kitchen with a dishwasher and a fully equipped laundry. Keep warm with fully ducted heating on those cooler days. Just 45 minutes away is the renowned Coonawarra wine growing region, perfect for exploring the cellar doors and bringing a bottle back to taste and enjoy around a BBQ in the huge outdoor dining area.

This is the perfect spot for large groups, with three bedrooms including a master with en-suite and a range of bed configurations to accommodate up to 12 guests. Set in a quiet residential street, there’s a kitchen perfect for creative cook-ups with a five-hob gas burner and large island bench. Sink into the trendy red leather couches or relax in the large outdoor covered area with BBQ and secure backyard. It’s the perfect place to launch your exploration of the nearby Umpherston Garden, a beautifully cultivated terraced garden at the bottom of an enormous sinkhole, a popular attraction since 1886.

Comfort Inn the Lakes stands atop one of the highest points in town, with views over the surrounding countryside and the beautiful Blue Lake. Swim in the indoor swimming pool or work out in the adjacent gym under steel beams. There’s a large range of accommodation, from a single executive room through to family rooms catering for up to seven guests. Enjoy the in-house restaurant and bar, Thyme at the Lakes, with extraordinary modern cuisine. We love the crispy skin barramundi, from a menu that features freshly caught delicacies from the fleet in the nearby coastal town of Robe.

Directly opposite Botanic Park and just a short stroll to the Blue Lake Lookout with views across Mount Gambier Valley Lake, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom house allows for various configurations for up to six people. You’ll love the fully equipped kitchen, laundry, open-plan kitchen diner and lounge. There is a BBQ on the wraparound upstairs balcony, the perfect place to recline and enjoy the views of the sun setting across the nearby lake.

The rooms may be modern, but you can expect an old-fashioned warm welcome at this regional motel, featuring rooms which range from deluxe king through to a three-bedroom apartment. The Gates Restaurant is open for breakfast, dinner or, if you prefer, room service meals. There’s a great range of modern Aussie classics to choose from, including a large range of steaks. You’ll drool over the surf and turf Scotch fillet, served with creamy garlic prawns and crispy squid. Promise.