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The Mount Gambier district has plenty of lakes and sinkholes some say there are over 200 diveable holes in the area, but only about 40 are visited for scuba diving, snorkeling and underwater photography on a regula basis .
Located close to the Victorian border, Mount Gambier was discovered by divers in the early sixties, and a small number began exploration of its extraordinary sinkholes. As word got out, more and more divers headed to the area, and eventually lack of experience and guidance led to several deaths.
To address the problem, the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA) was formed, to instruct divers on safe diving procedures, and to categorise each sinkhole. Ewens Ponds is the only lake in the area that can be dived without a CDAA permit.
All other sinkholes are categorised as follows: cavern (CN), sinkhole (S), cave (C) and penetration (P). Most of the sinkholes in the area are found on private property or government land, so permission and permits must be obtained before diving. However the red tape is worth the effort.
Ewens Ponds is a series of three small, incredibly clear, interconnected lakes 15 km south of Mount Gambier. The first pond is 50 m in diameter, and divers are usually able to see the far side clearly. While swimming over grasses and reeds to the bottom at 10 m, it is difficult to tell if there is any water at all, you could be flying over a rolling grassy hill. The only give-away is the occasional small fish and the bubbles rising from the vegetation oxygen being produced by photosynthesis.( photo: Neville Coleman)
When entering the shallow channel at the far side of the pond that leads to the next pond, there is no need to fin as the strong current quickly pulls you into the second pond. This second pond (40 m in diameter) is home to a larger fish population, including black bream, tupong, pygmy perch, and a few eels. The sand at the bottom bubbles where spring water enters the pond. After a short drift through the next channel, divers are deposited in a 30 m-diameter pond, the last in the series. Small fish dart across the bottom, and at 9 m, freshwater lobsters hide on a rocky ledge. This is where most divers terminate their dive, but it is possible to follow the shallow Eight Mile Creek for another 3 km. Just remember, it is a long walk back, so arrange for a car to pick you up.
The Double - spined Crayfish Euastacus bispinosus can be seen out foraging during the day. The bottom of the sink holes are very silty and a great deal of care must be taken with buoyancy, so as not to stir up the mud and reduce the visibility for others. ( photo: Neville Coleman)
The Mount Gambier district has plenty of lakes and sinkholes some say there are over 200 diveable holes in the area, but only about 40 are visited regularly. Located close to the Victorian border, Mount Gambier was discovered by divers in the early sixties, and a small number began exploration of its extraordinary sinkholes. As word got out, more and more divers headed to the area, and eventually lack of experience and guidance led to several deaths. To address the problem, the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA) was formed, to instruct divers on safe diving procedures, and to categorise each sinkhole. Ewens Ponds is the only lake in the area that can be dived without a CDAA permit. All other sinkholes are categorised as follows: cavern (CN), sinkhole (S), cave (C) and penetration (P). Most of the sinkholes in the area are found on private property or government land, so permission and permits must be obtained before dicing. However the red tape is worth the effort.
During night dives a lot more aquatic creatures venture forth. Besides Double - spined Crayfish there are crabs, shrimps, eels, fish, frogs and fresh water turtles.
( photo: Neville Coleman)
Air fills can be obtained from a number of shops in the area. For more information on the sinkholes, closed seasons, cave diver training, and permits, contact the Cave Divers Association of Australia.
Piccaninnie Ponds (S)
The most famous and popular sinkhole in Mount Gambier is Piccaninnie Ponds. After entering the water from a small landing, divers swim across a small pond and then over The Chasm. This gaping hole (about 5 m wide and 50 m long) drops to 60 m. The depths below look very inviting during the descent down the algae-covered walls, but remember the limit of 36 m on all dives in the area. At 10 m is an opening in the wall, The Cathedral, and impressive chamber 30 m high and 20 m wide, with white limestone walls. From here you can exit from a second hole at 25 m, and explore the limestone walls of The Chasm. A variety of animals can be seen in Piccaninnie Ponds, including tortoises, freshwater lobsters, crabs, shrimp, eels, pygmy perch, diving beetles and other insects. Both divers and snorkelers will enjoy Piccaninnie Ponds, but since visitor numbers are restricted, book well ahead.
Little Blue (S)
A number of objects have been dumped in this hole over the years, including cars, which now litter the bottom at 35 m.
Gouldens Hole (CN)
Many ledges are found in depths to 25 m in Gouldens Hole. A pumping station ramp allows easy access, but watch out for duck weed and silt.
One Tree (S)
Typical of most sinkholes in the area, One Tree is a funnel-style cave, with a collapsed roof forming a rock pile 30 m below the surface. Passages lead down from the rock pile to 50 m, well beyond the safe diving limits.
The Pines (C)
The surface of this hole is covered in duckweed, but beneath the greenery lies clear water and a white limestone bottom. At The Pines there are many tunnels and caves to explore in depths to 30 m. Fossilised mollusc shells can be seen embedded in the walls.
The Shaft (S)
Closed for 16 years after the tragic death of four divers, The Shaft is without doubt one of the most notorious holes in the area. Access is through a manhole-sized opening, with the water surface 10 m below. A rock pile is found at 35 m, and recent exploration by a film crew (using trimix) established the bottom at 87 m. Permission to dive this infamous hole, which is located on a private farm, is rarely granted.
Port Macdonnell Victor Harbour Adelaide
Kangaroo Island Yorke Peninsula Spencer Gulf Port Lincoln
Eyre Peninsula - Great Australian Bight
