Halfway down the Lower South Australian coast, Kingston SE is a quiet fishing town, often used by travellers as a southern base for tours into the unique environment of The Coorong (see adjacent section). Those arriving from the northern end of town will be greeted by a ten metre lobster named Larry, which is testament not only to the fishing fleet's main catch, but to the Australian obsession with enlarged flora and fauna. Behind the gargantuan crustacean, the town's tourist centre can provide extra information on the area's major highlights, which include the rocket-shaped Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and the week long Lobsterfest celebration in January. Seafood lovers who can't make it for January needn't despair, as freshly cooked lobster is available from the jetty between October and April.

Directly south of Kingston SE via a detour of the main highway, the historic fishing towns of Robe and Beachport are two of the most charming seaside hamlets anywhere on the South Australian coastline. Boasting peaceful atmospheres and settings on picturesque bays ideal for swimming and fishing, both have not surprisingly become extremely popular holiday destinations with the citysiders of Adelaide, especially during the summer months when the towns populations can swell to almost three times their normal size. Book ahead!

94 kilometres inland from Kingston SE, the large rural town of Naracoorte is located on the main road connecting Keith and Mount Gambier (see adjacent sections). Although Naracoorte is one of the oldest settlements in the state, its most famous attraction has nothing to do with its colonial history, but everything to do with the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park, just south of the town centre. The extraordinary limestone caves contained within the park are some of the most fascinating underground chambers on the continent, and fortunately, the four most spectacular are open to the public for daily tours. The Victoria Fossil Cave is particularly noteworthy, featuring a wealth of animal fossils including the enormous, Ice Age relatives of both the kangaroo and wombat. At the entrance to the park, the outstanding Wonambi Fossil Centre has recreated the lush rainforest environment which was once the domain of these "megafauna", as well as life-sized, computer controlled models of the actual beasts.

A few more kilometres out of Naracoorte, the Bool Lagoon Game Reserve is one of the largest freshwater lagoon systems remaining in Australia, and an absolute must for bird-watchers. A series of elevated boardwalks penetrate deep into the home of over 150 different bird species (some migratory), providing the perfect vantage point for watching all the feathered interaction. While in town, the intriguing Naracoorte Museum and Snake Pit, and the award-winning Sheep's Back Museum are also worth a look.

Just over thirty kilometres directly south of Naracoote, the tiny town of Coonawarra is another good reason for travellers to visit this corner of Lower South Australia. Although the township itself is not much more than general store and a quaint little church, it is surrounded by a compact yet celebrated wine growing area, responsible for putting Coonawarra on the international map. The Coonawarra's twenty or so wineries are renowned for their superb red and white table wines, and most are open daily for tastings and cellar-door sales. (for a listing, see Wineries under Things To Do)

After a few glasses of a smooth red, there's more than a good chance you may wish to stay in the area overnight (or even longer). The best bet accommodation wise, is the gorgeous old town of Penola, just a few hundred metres away from the Coonawarra southern most wineries. Considering its population, the Penola district boasts an excellent range of comfortable places to stay, including many historic cottages which have been converted into cosy guesthouses and B&B's. Any visit to Penola should also include a stroll down Petticoat Lane, where art and craft outlets, colonial buildings, and monuments to Aussie saint Mother Mary MacKillop line the pavement.

At the bottom end of Lower South Australia, Mount Gambier is the largest town of the district, close to the Victorian border and the famous scenery of the Great Ocean Road. Mount Gambier's scenery is nothing to be sneezed at either, beautifully set on the slopes of the extinct volcano from which the town takes its name. The volcano's main crater is also the town's major drawcard, holding the brilliantly coloured waters of the amazing Blue Lake. During the warmer months, the lake mysteriously changes colour from a wintery steel grey to a striking blue that simply has to be seen to be believed. The five kilometre scenic drive which circumnavigates the lake provides many excellent vantage points to soak in the views, as well as access to the mountain's wildlife reserve, walking trails, and generous scattering of picnic areas.

The actual township of Mount Gambier is pretty to look at as well, boasting many fine Victorian buildings (particularly the grand old hotels on the main street), together with well-kept parklands and gardens. Places to stay and eat are in also in abundant supply, as are other things to do in and around town. The helpful tourist centre on the Jubilee Highway is an attraction in itself, featuring a replica of the Lady Nelson among other local memorabilia.

On the coast 28 kilometres directly south of Mount Gambier, the once thriving town of Port MacDonnell used to be South Australia's second busiest port, exporting large amounts of wool and wheat during the 1860's and 70's. The impressive two-story customs house, is one of a number of imposing buildings bearing witness to it's early prominence. These days, Port MacDonnell travels at a much gentler pace, concentrating on the more peaceful pursuit of rock-lobster fishing. The town's lobster fishing fleet has grown to the largest in the state, and during the afternoons between October and May, fresh lobster can be bought straight from the jetty on their return. Not far from the outskirts of town, there are several worthwhile walking trails skirting the area's rugged coastline and wetlands. Further out, more enthusiastic hikers can follow a steep trail to the crater of the extinct volcano Mount Shank.

Less than fifty kilometres north-west of Mount Gambier, Millicent is a bustling commercial centre, surrounded by the largest soft-pine plantation in the country. The town makes the ideal base for visiting the nearby Canunda National Park, famous for its enormous sand dune system and abundant coastal flora and fauna. Millicent's excellent visitors centre (also houses the award-winning National Trust museum and Admella Gallery) at the southern end of George Street can provide camping permits and further park information.