Visiting Mount Schank State Heritage Area

Crater walks, Mount Schank

Mount Schank is a prominent volcanic cone approximately 10 minutes drive south of Mount Gambier, off the road to Port MacDonnell. A set of interpretive panels at the carpark provides information about the geology and history of this impressive landform. A toilet block is adjacent to the carpark, but no other tourist facilities are provided in this area.

While some visitors prefer to remain at the volcano's base, the walking track up its western side offers spectacular scenery of the surrounding district, with frequent rest stops along the way. This moderately challenging climb is rewarded at the top with a breathtaking view into Mount Schank's crater. For the more adventurous there is a further track down into the bowl of the crater, and another track that follows its rim. A few hours should be set aside to complete all walk options, and hikers should ensure that they have suitable shoes and supplies.

View detailed information about the Mount Schank State Heritage Area.

Virtual Tour

		Mount Schank State Heritage Area boundary
		Click on the arrows to see the photograph of each view or access links below

NB. This map is a diagrammatical representation of the Mount Schank State Heritage Area.

1. Distant view of Mount Schank
2. Basaltic 'tower' indicating the end of the original fissure and lava flow
3. Line of small scoria cones
4. Looking across the saddle of the volcano's rim
5. Looking towards the bowl of the volcanic crater
6. The start of the walking track
7. Basalt lava flow now quarried for road metal
8. Near the summit
9. View from the volcano's rim
10. Earlier cone and ash ring (the southern maar)
11. Small blowhole and ash ring from the crater's rim
12. Blowhole with ash ring