Local Attractions

Naracoorte Caves

The Naracoorte caves is a must see. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994 for extensive fossil deposits found within the cave, the caves reveal a world beyond the time of man.

The caves have acted as pitfall traps and owl roosting sites, collecting animals for at least 500,000 years. The Caves preserve the most complete fossil record we have for this period of time, spanning several ice ages, the arrival of humans in the area and the extinction of Australia’s iconic Megafauna roughly 60,000 years ago.

The bones of Megafauna species such as Thylacoleo carnifex Marsupial Lion, Thylacine, Zygomaturus and sthenurine kangaroos have been found in the fossil deposits.

Palaeontologists have excavated and dated many of the fossils in Naracoorte Caves and have reconstructed the skeletons of a number of the megafauna that inhabited the area so many years ago.

Wineries

Visit the Coonawarra Wine region (within 20mins drive) and sample some of the award winning wines of the many cellar doors in the area, many of which have meals and/or tasting plates for you to try, and there are several restaurants serving food prepared with local produce.

For further information visit:  https://coonawarra.org/

The Padthaway Wine region is situated about 35km north of Naracoorte. Today the region is represented by the majority of major wine companies and an increasing number of private producers. The Padthaway Wine Region is about 60 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide with the Riddoch Highway running through the middle of it.

For further information visit: https://www.padthawaywineregion.com/

Sheep’s Back Museum

The Sheep’s Back Museum is a lovingly created portrayal of the stories of the people and the wool industry in the area. The museum is located in a stone flour mill built in the 1860’s. A separate wool technology display includes a huge and unique robotic shearing machine.

Other interesting outside exhibits are also available to view with the purchase of a ticket.

For further information visit: http://thesheepsbackmuseum.org.au/

Bool Lagoon

Bool Lagoon Game Reserve is one of the largest and most diverse freshwater lagoon systems in southern Australia. It is recognised as a “Wetland of International Importance”. Approximately 150 birds species frequent the area and can be seen via the many boardwalks available.

The lagoon supports a diversity of species and habitats, and in particular provides an important refuge for migratory waders and a significant breeding habitat for a variety of water birds.

Bool Lagoon is a seasonal wetland and the amount of birdlife present is highly dependant on climatic conditions and seasonal variations do occur. To avoid disappointment it is advised that you check current conditions by contacting the Naracoorte Visitor Information Centre or Department for Environment and Heritage.

Swimming Lake

Located in town close to the Nature Park is the Naracoorte Swimming Lake. The lake is a huge man made lake, covering almost a hectare and holding 11 million litres of water, making the lake one big swimming pool. The Lake is seven times the size of an Olympic swimming pool and is made from a concrete wall and floors, it holds chlorinated water and ranges from 1m to 2m deep.

Although made from concrete the lake has a natural appearance. Sand surrounds the edge of the lake, the water is sparkling clear and immaculate lawns and shaded picnic areas are set around the lake, it’s a piece of paradise inland for the town of Naracoorte.

For further information click here

Naracoorte Golf Club

Naracoorte Golf Club has joined the list of Australia’s TOP – 100 public access golf courses in Australia. The announcement was made on December the 18th in the January 2015 publication of Golf Australia. Naracoorte Golf Club makes its debut in this ranking and some might suggest it is long overdue. The par 72 is not overly long and the rolling terrain makes it an enjoyable walk.

The course is nicely manicured and would be the envy of many city courses with bigger budgets. The greens and the 30-plus bunkers scattered throughout are very good. The practice of cutting the greens right to the edge of some bunkers-as practised throughout the Melbourne Sandbelt-adds to the challenge of keeping your ball in position for the best approach to the flag.

Guests are welcome to the golf club 7 days a week.

For further information go to: http://www.naracoortegolf.com.au/

​Bruce & Denise Edwards