Kilsby Sinkhole’s natural beauty and crystal clear water to be experienced by general public
Hidden in the middle of a sheep grazing property in the state’s South East is a world-renowned freshwater dive site for experienced cave divers. Now, it’s opening to the public.
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Hidden in the middle of a sheep grazing property in the state’s South East is a world-renowned freshwater dive site, heralded for its natural beauty and spectacular visibility.
The Kilsby Sinkhole, about 20km southwest of Mt Gambier, previously only allowed experienced cave divers to explore its 60m-deep limestone cavity and crystal clear waters.
But now the general public can book a visit to snorkel and swim at the site, under supervision, in a move expected to be a tourism boon for the region.
The Kilsby family, who have farmed the land for four generations, have made the decision to provide greater access to the once exclusive, and at times hazardous, sinkhole.
“We have incredible diving right here in SA that is available for the world to see and we’re really happy to be making this possible,” Ben Kilsby said.
“It’s quite unique being located in the middle of a working sheep farm and I’m not sure whether any other farms have employed a diving instructor.”
For a long time the sinkhole was only accessed by the Cave Diving Association of Australia (CDAA), but in 2015 it was opened to about 15 recreational diving licensees across Australia.
The move allowed 2000 certified scuba divers and freedivers to visit the site last year.
“We’re the only freshwater dive site of its kind in Australia, where you can participate from entry level diving activity through to the most advanced,” Mr Kilsby said.
“The water is what really sells this site and provides consistent access throughout the year.”
The sinkhole’s history is both tragic and interesting.
In the 1960s, Mr Kilsby says his father would have “frequent knocking on the door” by open water divers keen to explore the site at a time when the cave diving was unregulated.
After a tragic double drowning of novice divers in 1969 — two of 11 cave dive deaths in the region around that time which prompted the CDAA to form — it was closed to divers.
In the 70s, the sinkhole was the site of secret Barra Sonobuoy submarine detection tests and is now used as a training ground for the SA Police water operations unit.
Mr Kilsby’s brother, Graham, who owns the farm, has done extensive works at the site to include landscaping, a pontoon, ground-level viewing platform and training room facilities.
The Kilsby Sinkhole is one of about 22 identified dive sites in the region and on the back of the extreme sport’s popularity, the Reef 2 Ridge dive shop opened in Mt Gambier in December last year.
“Mt Gambier is one of a few places around the world to have this type of congregation of caves in one space and we’re world-renowned for that,” Mr Kilsby said
“Farming properties which have sinkholes are kind of restricted and people can’t experience their beauty, so we want to lead by example about how these sites can be engaged.”
Snorkelling will be offered initially on weekends, then five days a week, while dry tours will start next year. To find out more and for online bookings, go to kilsbysinkhole.com
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