Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
The freshwater sinkhole of Piccaninne Ponds is regarded as one of the best snorkeling and cave diving sites in Australia.
With visibility that can exceed 40 metres it offers an amazing underwater world like no other - where tiny fish dart through the water, aquatic plants grow up to six metres tall and mysterious underwater caves beckon.
The magnificent beauty of these caves is what attracts experienced divers from around the world. Formed over thousands of years, the caves have been created by water bubbling up through the limestone from deep underground springs. Where water pressure has weakened the limestone, large walls of limestone have collapsed, resulting in spectacular underwater features like The Chasm and The Cathedral.
For cave divers descending into The Chasm is the ultimate thrill. Dropping well over 100 metres, it gets darker the deeper you go. While The Cathedral, known for the beautiful green algae, which clings to its sheer white walls, is another highlight.
For snorkellers, you can drift across the top of The Chasm and peer into the dark depths below. Or let the current gently carry you along while looking for aquatic life such as fish, shrimp, tortoises or crabs searching for food.
To protect this fragile environment a permit to snorkel or dive is compulsory. A booking system is used, allowing a limit of eight people in the water at any one time.
Snorkelling and diving fees.
Sinkhole diving:
AUD55.00 adult annual permit, AUD25.00 adult single permit.
Please note: Sinkhole divers must be a member of the Cave Drivers Association of Australia.
Snorkelling:
AUD33.00 adult annual permit, AUD8.00 adult single permit.
AUD26.00 concession (pensioner/student) annual permit, AUD6.50 concession single permit.
AUD20.00 child annual permit, AUD4.50 child single permit.
Timeslots:
Morning 5am to 6am, 8am to 9am, 11am to 12pm.
Afternoon 2pm to 3pm, 5pm to 6pm.
Evening 8pm to 9pm, 11pm to 12am.
Timeslots are in South Australian time and must be booked in advance.
Piccaninnie Ponds is located near the South Australian/Victorian border, just 28 kilometres from Mount Gambier.
For permits or more information please contact the Department for Environment and Heritage office at Mount Gambier on 08 8735 1177.
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Phone: 08 8735 1177 Fax: 08 8735 1135 |
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