The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre (previously known as the Main Corner Complex) is one of Mount Gambier’s most popular attractions. This exciting modern building and garden house several innovative entertainment and education venues.
Though a variety of exhibitions and multimedia displays, the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre tells the story of Mount Gambier and its people.
Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, Volcano, Opening Hours, Mount Gambier
It is a must-see for anyone with an interest in geology. Find out more by visiting the First Floor Theatre, where a first-class cinematic experience will tell you more about the area’s unique geological history and show you the beautiful blue lake, caverns and crystal pools that you may see on your tours around the region.
Be sure to make a visit in the evening also, when there are a sound and light display in the cave garden. At 7pm, gentle coloured lights shine out from the cave onto the rear wall of The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre, which comes alive with photos and footage highlighting Mount Gambier’s European heritage and history. Following this at 7:30pm, a spectacular sound and light show tells the Dreamtime stories of the Boandik people and their connection to the cave and the Blue Lake.
Alongside the various venues that are offered for hire, the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre also houses the largest regional art gallery in South Australia, which is known as the Riddoch Gallery. This gallery shows state and national touring exhibitions and also provides gallery space for artists from the local community.
Also housed here are intriguing exhibitions on the history of Mount Gambier, including the tale of Australia’s oldest boomerang.
We are planning to visit Mt Gambier for a couple of nights early in the new year. Are attractions and restaurants open on New Years Day?
Hi Bob, thanks for contacting us.
As most of the attractions in Mt. Gambier are outdoors (without opening hours), there are plenty of things to do on New Years Day.
The Blue Lake is open 24/7 so you can take a drive around the lake and stop for a look. You can also climb up to Centenary Tower, that is if you have the energy after New Years Eve!
I would recommend visiting Engelbrecht Cave which is open on New Years Day. This is a beautiful cave located within the Mt. Gambier township. Not far from here (5 mins drive) is the Umpherston Sinkhole which is a beautiful garden, but I would recommend going later in the afternoon/dusk so you can see the possums come out to feed.
If you have access to a car, I would definitely recommend a trip out to the Tantanoola Caves and Naracoorte Caves, both of which are open on public holidays.
Restaurants are not our specialty, but I can certainly make a recommendation from personal experience. Without a doubt, the best restaurant near Mt. Gambier is The Barn. They serve delicious meals including the best steak I’ve had in a very long time. The service is impeccable, but I would recommend giving them a call to make a reservation early, as they often book out ahead of time. Find their details here.
If you need to sort your accommodation, we have links to most of the providers in the area here.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Mt. Gambier!
Regards,
Jess
Holiday Point