

Best for advanced divers, 0-100m, shore entry.
Piccanninie Ponds is a technical freshwater cave system in South Australia featuring a main sinkhole with passages reaching depths of 100 metres. The site is defined by its limestone formations and overhead environments, including the Cathedral and Chasm. Visibility varies significantly from 2 to 40 metres, often impacted by algal blooms. Water temperatures remain cold, between 12 and 16C, necessitating thermal protection. Shore entry is via a pontoon accessible by a gravel path. Due to the depth, overhead hazards, and potential for silt-out, this site is strictly for advanced divers with appropriate cave certification and gas planning. Snorkelling is possible but limited in scope.
-38.04770, 140.94410
Carry at least two dive lights and plan your gas with a hard thirds rule given the overhead environment and potential for silt-out in the deeper passages. Facilities on site include parking, toilets and changing rooms, so a full kit setup before entry is straightforward.
Located 32km south-east of Mount Gambier via Piccaninnie Ponds Road. A permit from National Parks SA is required for all water activities and must be purchased online before arrival. Access to the water is via a pontoon and step ladder. IMPORTANT: The site is currently closed for all immersive water activities (diving and snorkelling) until further notice due to a filamentous algae outbreak.
The park has wheelchair-accessible toilets and a firm gravel path to the pontoon.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 100m
Visibility
2-40m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-16°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
30 min
Best Time
Year-round
The freshwater ecosystem supports short finned eels, southern pigmy perch, Yarra pigmy perch, common galaxias, spotted galaxias, long-necked tortoises, and crayfish.
No, this is an advanced site requiring cave diving certification, proper gas planning, and experience with overhead environments.
The system reaches depths of up to 100 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres.
Yes, entry is via a pontoon reached by a firm gravel path from the parking area.
Snorkelling is permitted, though the site is primarily designed for technical cave diving.
The site is open for diving and snorkelling throughout the year, from January to December.
Diving at Piccanninie Ponds in Mount Gambier requires the following certifications: Cave, Deep, Technical. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Piccanninie Ponds in Mount Gambier. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 16°C.
Visibility at Piccanninie Ponds in Mount Gambier typically ranges from 2 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.