History preserved.
With 30,000 years of first nations, early settler pioneering, gold mining, religious, geological, agricultural, forestry and maritime history, the significance of our past peoples has been painstakingly preserved by locals to share with you.
Engage with our
First Nations Culture.
For at least 30,000 years, the Limestone Coast has been home to the Boandik, Bindjali and Ngarrindjeri people.
Our communities are committed to commemorating and honouring their culture and traditions through our towns, National Parks and Forestry Reserves by sharing their stories through interpretive signage and exhibitions.
For a truly immersive First Nations experience, jump on a tour with Boandik Elder, Uncle Ken Jones on a cultural and foraging journey to identify, touch and taste some of our finest bush foods along the incredible Port MacDonnell coastline.
Our Museums.
With endless stories and history to share, from our rich pioneering, geological, agricultural heritage to our famous forestry and maritime history, communities across the region have painstakingly curated their stories and artefacts into fascinating exhibits in museums throughout the region!
Some of the key museums not to miss across the region include Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum, Sheep's Back Museum, Millicent National Trust Museum, Beachport Old Wool and Grain Store National Trust Museum, Clayton Farm Heritage Museum, Nangwarry Forestry and Logging Museum, and the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse Museum.
Heritage
Walks.
The towns and villages of the Limestone Coast are laced with historic buildings and cottages, telling the early stories of settlers in the region, which you can explore via self-paced walking trails.
Take your packed picnic lunch and stroll through the streets of Robe on their Historic Walks, or head up the coast to Kingston to wander the streets of their Heritage Trail.
While in Mount Gambier, amble your way along Commercial Street to see some of South Australia's oldest Heritage Hotels before stretching your legs on the City Heritage Walk to uncover buildings dating back to 1863, with interpretive signs along the way.
In Penola, a Walk with History self-guided tour will take you past the many State Heritage listed buildings that make up the region's oldest inland town.
Yallum Park.
Just outside of Penola you'll find the magnificent Yallum Park. Said to be the best-preserved Victorian House in Australia in its original condition, the homestead sits amongst 20 acres of parkland gardens and is regualarly open for tours.
Built in 1880, the homestead features one of the largest collections of wallpapers and an extensive list of original furnishings and fixtures including eleven Italian marble mantelpieces.
Tours of the homestead are available every fourth Sunday of the month.
Mary MacKillop Penola Centre.
In the heart of our legendary Coonawarra, you'll find the hallowed ground of the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre and Petticoat.
Having been canonised in 2010, ‘Saint Mary of the Cross’ MacKillop forged her legacy of childhood education right here in Penola, in the Schoolhouse. From humble beginnings in the 1860’s her legend lives on today with the historic (and tiny!) timber and stone cottages of Petticoat Lane seemingly frozen in time.
Take time to check out the exhibits in the centre before grabbing the cottage keys and strolling into the old part of town where you can stop by the community Herb Garden on Petticoat Lane.
Glencoe Woolshed.
At Glencoe Woolshed near Mount Gambier, it’s those age-old blackwood beams and piercing slivers of light... That deliciously muggy waft of sheep and sweat, and cathedral-like arches that have stood guard over ringers and rouseabouts since 1863. Now a museum, this spot holds a unique place in Australian history, having never been converted to mechanised shearing.
While these days you’ll only see shearers here for the annual Blades Of Glencoe event, take a stroll along those creaking wooden floorboards and you’ll soon find yourself wandering back to a picture of early pioneering.
Immerse yourself in our History & Heritage.
Looking for ways to unearth the rich history and heritage of our region?Â
Fore more opportunities to seek, search and discover the Limestone Coast's historical icons, simply toggle the map below and click on the icons, or open the Map in 'Full Screen'.
Stories & Travel Tips.
WE KNOW THERE IS NOTHING LIKE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING A HOLIDAY, SO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE CAREFULLY CURATED STORIES AND TRAVEL TIPS TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP!