Mount Gambia was just a place name on the map and a convenient distance from Adelaide to lay our heads for the night before embarking on the Great Ocean Road.

As we approached the town we were pleasantly surprised by its size and bustling streets - a contrast to many sleepy towns we drive through.

The caravan park we'd chosen to stay in was up a hill near a lake which we'd heard was worth seeing. As we drove up through the pine forest we got a further surprise by the picturesque lake with an unreal looking deep blue colour to its water. It was like someone had tipped food dye in it!

The grass verges, golf course and caravan park were lush green and there was a surrounding area of pine forests, farm fields and rolling hills.

We both took an instant liking to the place so decided to stay a couple of nights. There were various walks on offer so we did a 5km one around the blue lake. The information boards along the route explained the lake was formed around 20,000 years ago by volcanic activity and filled with water from the underground waterways through the limestone rock. It gets it's blue colouring throughout the summer and even on a cloudy day during these months the water is still very vivid. In winter it changes to a steel blue.

Water from the lake travels in droplet form through the limestone to Mount Schank 13km away and then out to sea. Each droplet takes about 500 years to complete the journey!

The town uses water from the lake which is why the landscape looks so healthy, but as water levels are falling each year they limit the amount.

Richard took the opportunity to play another round of golf on the flourishing course while I lazed around the campsite soaking up the sun. The camp had a park like feel with large trees and ample space. It is the best one we've stayed at in Australia by a mile and also one of the cheapest at $22.50 with our Big4 10% discount.

The campsite was also very helpful in recommending a garage when we had a slight hiccup with the car. On the journey to Mount Gambia we'd noticed an oil leak underneath and around the transfer case. Much to our delight the mechanic found it was caused by being over filled at the service in Port August. Phew!

Katy