Hamilton to Mount Gambier road trip: Best stops, distance & time

By car, the Hamilton to Mount Gambier drive covers a 125km distance in a driving time of around 1h21m. The best road trip stops along the Hamilton to Mount Gambier driving route are Dartmoor and the South Australia border sign.

The drive from Hamilton to Mount Gambier takes you from western Victoria into South Australia’s Limestone Coast. For most travellers, this drive is likely to be the last leg on a Ballarat to Mount Gambier road trip, or the short route from Melbourne to Mount Gambier.

Hamilton is just to the south of the Grampians. To find accommodation in Hamilton, search here.

Highlights of Mount Gambier include the Cave Garden inside the Umpherston Sinkhole and the eerily blue Blue Lake. To pick out the best Mount Gambier accommodation, look for deals here.

This guide aims to help travellers plan their perfect Hamilton to Mount Gambier road trip itinerary.

Hamilton to Mount Gambier distance and driving time

By car along sealed roads, the distance from Hamilton to Mount Gambier is 125km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 21 minutes.

The best stops to add to a Hamliton to Mount Gambier road trip itinerary are Dartmoor and the South Australia border sign.

Hamilton to Mount Gambier drive: Road trip attractions

You’ll leave Hamilton along the Dartmoor-Hamilton Road, and there are a few pleasant streamside reserves along the Stokes River before you reach Dartmoor.

In Dartmoor, you join the Princes Highway. The town itself has a golf course, the Dartmoor Hotel pub and a decent photo stop in the Korrey Smith Hill Lookout. You can also fill your water bottles at the Dartmoor Natural Spring.

Just before the South Australian border, you’ll reach the Palpara Plantation. The Palpara Picnic Area is a decent spot for an al-fresco lunch. But otherwise, hop out to take a photo of the border sign, then drive into South Australia.

Mount Gambier is just on the other side of the border. You’ll pass the Borderline Speedway and Little Rippa Brewing Company on the way into the town centre.

Top Mount Gambier accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Mount Gambier are:

For something fun and unusual: Old Mount Gambier Gaol.
For 19^th century charm and grandeur: Colhurst House.
For a good quality motel with low prices: Blue Lake Motel.
For studio apartments with kitchenettes, washing machines & tumble dryers: Aloha Central Premium Studios.