Centenary Tower
Historic stone tower offering 360° views over Mount Gambier's volcanic landscape and lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tower access & fewer crowds
Centenary Tower
Best Time
Tower access & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic stone tower offering 360° views over Mount Gambier's volcanic landscape and lakes.
"The effort is absolutely worth it though. From the summit, the views are incredible sweeping panoramas."
👟 Steep Climb Ahead!
The walk up is very steep, but there are benches to rest. An AED is at the top!
🚩 Check Tower Access
The tower is open when the flag is flying. The walk is always accessible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit of Mount Gambier
Breathtaking 360° vistas of Mount Gambier, Blue Lake, Valley Lake, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
+1
Historic Stone Tower
Summit of Mount Gambier
An impressive early 1900s stone structure commemorating Lieutenant James Grant's 1800 sighting.
Challenging Ascent
Trail to the summit
A steep, rewarding climb that doubles as a great workout, with resting spots along the way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Check the Tower Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Steep Climb Ahead!
The walk up is very steep, but there are benches to rest. An AED is at the top!
🚩 Check Tower Access
The tower is open when the flag is flying. The walk is always accessible.
📸 Drone-Friendly Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the tower and surrounding landscape.
📍 Near Blue Lake
Combine your visit with the nearby Blue Lake for a complete experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Steep Climb Ahead!
The walk up is very steep, but there are benches to rest. An AED is at the top!
🚩 Check Tower Access
The tower is open when the flag is flying. The walk is always accessible.
📸 Drone-Friendly Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the tower and surrounding landscape.
📍 Near Blue Lake
Combine your visit with the nearby Blue Lake for a complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Centenary Tower, calling the challenging, steep climb 'absolutely worth it.' The historic stone structure and its commemorative significance add to the appeal. While the tower itself has limited opening hours, the accessible walk and rewarding vistas make it a highly recommended stop in Mount Gambier.
"While walking around the Blue Lake, we noticed a tall hill adjacent to it with a stone tower at the top the Centenary Tower and decided to meet friends and make the climb. Be prepared: the walk up is steep, and I mean properly steep, so it doubles as a great cardio workout. In fact, there’s even a defibrillator at the top in case of emergencies, which makes sense once you’ve tackled the incline! Its about 190m above sea level
The effort is absolutely worth it though. From the summit, the views are incredible sweeping panoramas of Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake, Valley Lake, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. On a clear day you can see for miles across the lush countryside. The tower itself is an impressive stone structure dating back to the early 1900s, built to commemorate the first sighting of Mount Gambier by Lieutenant James Grant in 1800.
There are resting spots along the way, including a chair near the top where you can catch your breath before heading back down. The entrance is via the second gate (not through the caravan park), with clear signage to guide you.
This was a challenging but very rewarding walk for us, and a great warm-up before tackling the Grampians later in the week. A must-do if you enjoy history, fitness, and breathtaking views.
These are the open hours for the tower the walk is open every day.
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 10 am–2 pm"
John Winter
"Amazing views. Walk is very steep. Can be done by unfit person though. I survived.. lol
Worth it for the view. Definitely go check out the lake/sink hole below it. Very beautiful"
Tenielle Richards
"360° view from top. 300 meters only from the car park . Very steep going up but don't worry AED machine is on the top for an emergency."
Ivan Wolfy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Centenary Tower is located on a hill adjacent to the Blue Lake. Access is via the second gate, not through the caravan park, with clear signage. The walk up from the car park is about 300 meters.
Yes, there is parking available near the base of the hill leading up to Centenary Tower.
No, you cannot drive to the very top. The final ascent is a steep walk.
Many visitors park at the base and walk up the steep trail. It's a popular route for a good workout.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Centenary Tower are limited. Driving is the most common method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access the grounds or walk up to Centenary Tower. The walk is open daily.
The tower itself has specific opening hours, typically Monday from 10 am to 2 pm. The walk up the hill is accessible at any time.
For tower access, visit on a Monday between 10 am and 2 pm. For the walk and views, any clear day is great, though weekdays might be less crowded.
There is no entry fee to visit Centenary Tower or to walk up the hill.
The tower structure itself is typically closed on weekends. However, the walk up the hill and the surrounding views are accessible anytime.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360° panoramic views of Mount Gambier and its lakes. Drone shots are also popular for capturing the tower and landscape.
Yes, drone footage from Centenary Tower provides stunning aerial perspectives of the volcanic landscape and the tower itself.
For daytime shots, consider settings like f/6.3, ISO 100, and a shutter speed around 1/125s, adjusting for light conditions.
If the tower is open, you can take photos inside. The exterior and the views from the top are the primary photographic draws.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for landscape photography, while midday provides clear, expansive views.
♿ 💪 Fitness & Accessibility
The walk is described as very steep and a significant cardio workout. However, many visitors, including those who are unfit, have managed it.
Yes, there is a defibrillator (AED) located at the top of the tower for emergency use.
Yes, there are resting spots, including a chair near the top, to catch your breath during the steep ascent.
The walk is steep, so younger children might need assistance or to be carried. The views from the top are enjoyable for all ages.
The tower is approximately 190 meters above sea level.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Family Tips:
* Pace Yourselves: Take breaks on the way up.
* Carry Little Ones: Be prepared to assist younger children.
* Combine with Lakes: Visit the nearby Blue Lake and Valley Lake.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Fitness Focus:
* Intense Cardio: A challenging, steep climb.
* Scenic Route: Enjoy the views as you ascend.
* Reward: Spectacular panoramic vistas await.
📸 Photographers & Drone Pilots
Drone pilots will find this spot particularly appealing, with numerous reels showcasing breathtaking aerial footage of the tower and its surroundings.
+1 The open space and dramatic topography offer dynamic compositions. Remember to check local drone regulations before flying. +1Photography Tips:
* Golden Hour: Capture stunning light on the landscape.
* Drone Views: Excellent for aerial perspectives.
+1* Historic Architecture: Frame the tower against the scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ascent: A Rewarding Challenge
For those who prefer a less strenuous approach, it's worth noting that while the tower structure has limited hours, the walk up the hill is accessible at any time.
Key Takeaways for the Climb:
* Steepness: Be prepared for a significant incline.
* Rest Stops: Benches are available for breaks.
* Accessibility: While steep, it's achievable for many fitness levels.
* Emergency Preparedness: An AED is located at the summit.
Views from the Top: A Historical Panorama
The tower itself is a significant historical landmark, built in the early 1900s to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lieutenant James Grant's 1800 sighting of Mount Gambier.
Highlights of the View:
* 360° Vistas: Uninterrupted views of the surrounding area.
* Landmarks: See the Blue Lake, Valley Lake, and volcanic craters.
* Historical Significance: The tower commemorates early exploration.
* Photography Gold: Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit