Dive in Mount Gambier

Travel to Mount Gambier

Halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, Mount Gambier is a pretty town with an interesting volcanic landscape, great wineries, the Blue Lake and cool parks and wildlife. 

You can drive from either Melbourne or Adelaide; it’ll take you roughly five hours.  There are also regular bus services from both cities.  Having a car is the best way to see the region.

There are hotels, motels, B&B’s and caravan parks for accommodation in town.  Double rooms start at $80 so camping or a caravan is a great budget option.  A deluxe room with a spa bath can be found for around $130. 

Be sure to visit the Blue Lake and take a pleasant walk around.  Mt Shank is an extinct volcano you can climb and the area is famous for its great wine so be sure to visit the local vineyards.  Diving and snorkelling in the limestone caves and sinkholes is very popular in the region and really worth doing.

There are around 40 freshwater caves to explore but most of them are owned by the government or on private property so permits are needed to do the dives.  Sea life is sparse but pretty cool.  You can see the rare pygmy perch, eels, spiny sprayfish, lobsters and maybe a freshwater turtle.  

The most popular site is the Piccininnie Ponds and you need to book ahead to do this dive as the number of visitors per day is restricted.  The limestone cathedral here is amazing.  The Ewen Ponds is a nice shallow site and one of the only places you don’t need a permit.  You will need cave certification to penetrate any of the caves.

There’s a whole new world to discover in Mount Gambier , with some of Australia ’s best cave and cavern diving and wine region, you’re in for a treat.

(By Kelly Luckman)