Naracoorte is a self-contained visitor destination as well as the ideal centre to explore the rest of the region.

We've got world famous Caves and wetlands, museums and galleries, playgrounds and parks, a unique Swimming Lake, supermarkets (open seven days a week), many excellent retail shops and accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

Make your holiday plans using Naracoorte as a base. It's surrounded by three premium wine areas. From Naracoorte it's 30 minutes to Lucindale, home of the South East Field Days; an hour to the beach at Robe or Kingston; and an hour to the regional centre of Mount Gambier.

Naracoorte Caves National Park – the only World Heritage site in South Australia, listed because of its rich deposits of fossil mammals. Spend an hour or a day. Visit Wonambi Fossil Centre, marvel at limestone formations in the Caves, view the fossil beds in Victoria Fossil Cave, go adventure caving and see bats swarm out of the Bat Cave. Phone the Caves on (08) 8762 2340. And relax for a snack or a meal at the licensed Caves Cafe.

Bool Lagoon – seasonally dry but a wetland of international importance and the habitat for more than 150 species of birds, some from as far as Siberia. Boardwalks and “hides” let you watch ibises, cranes, black swans, Cape Barren geese and other waterbirds feeding and nesting.

The Sheep's Back museum – an award-winning National Trust museum of the wool industry from the 1840s to today. Also see its pioneering buildings.

Mini Jumbuk Centre – a shop window to this manufacturer and exporter of quality woollen bedding products. See the factory from a viewing gallery and buy souvenirs and warm woollies.

Naracoorte Swimming Lake – seven times the size of an Oympic pool, with a concrete floor and walls, chlorinated and reticulated water, a safety fence and lifeguards in hot weather. Enjoy the lawns, shady trees and barbecue. Open December to March.

Naracoorte Community Playground – close to The Sheep's Back museum and Visitor Information Centre, this playground is large, modern and family friendly. The Skate Park is on the same site.

Lions Pioneer Park – a hillside park with extensive lawns, trees, public toilets and barbecues. See the only 1877 V9 class steam locomotive in Australia.

Tiny Train Park – take the family to this popular, creekside park with mini golf, miniature train rides and a kiosk at Naracoorte Holiday Park.

Galleries – Naracoorte Art Gallery has frequent exhibitions of painting, craft and pottery; and has a permanent collection – phone (08) 8762 3390. Yulgilbar Wood Gallery, near the Caves, specialises in fine red gum furniture, bowls and craft.

Wine – Premium wine is all around. Naracoorte is in the centre of Wrattonbully wine area, celebrated for its distinctive red wines. Coonawarra, 10-20 minutes south, is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon grown on terra rossa soil over limestone. Padthaway, 15-30 minutes north, is renowned for both reds and varietal white wines.

Sports – The 18-hole Naracoorte golf course has watered fairways and immaculate greens. All the major sports and recreations are catered for in town.

Horse riding – available at Limestone Coast Adventures, Struan.

Shopping – Naracoorte is a thriving retail centre with many excellent shops, seven-day supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, takeaway food places and service stations (some open 24 hours).