Nov 23 to 25  We settle down at the value for money camp site at the Mount Gambier showgrounds for a 3 day stay to check out the town and its history and surrounds.  Mount Gambier’s location half way between Adelaide and Melbourne makes it an ideal stopover for travellers to and from Kangaroo Island, The Great Ocean Road or the Grampians, it is also a perfect destination for longer stays to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the surrounding region, the caves and sinkholes, coastline, rivers, lakes and wineries.

Mount Gambier has been the subject of much volcanic activity in the past. Evidence of this can be seen very close to the town, namely with the spectacular “Blue Lake’ situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. There are also may caves to explore.

We had a game of golf at the town golf club – very enjoyable course, although a little hilly to walk.

Nov 21,22  Portland is located on the far south-west coast of Victoria. It was the site of Victoria’s first permanent settlement back in 1834, with the town quickly prospering due to fishing, pastoral and agricultural industries. Portland is the only deep-water sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a major centre for sea transport of goods and produce from the surrounding areas. A large sheltered harbour provides calm waters for a marina, wharves and shipping berths.