Plans unveiled for accommodation, cafe and gin distillery at Kilsby Sinkhole

Accommodation, a gin distillery and cafe are in the works as part of a tourism expansion at the world-renowned Kilsby Sinkhole dive site.

A diver explores Kilsby Sinkhole on South Australia Limestone Coast. Picture: Jessie Cripps / SATC

It is a world-renowned dive site has been used a top secret weapon research facility but plans have now been unveiled to turn Kilsby Sinkhole into the centrepiece of a growing tourism hub.

The famous limestone diving cave, 20km out of Mount Gambier, had been in the Kilsby family for nearly 130 years before it was opened to the public in 2018.

The site was even off limits to the family and under armed guard for 17 years as it was used to develop technology that is now used to track submarines, planes and ships.

Owner of Kilsby Sinkhole, Graham Kilsby wants to give more people the chance to explore the natural wonder that he grew up with in his backyard. Picture: Jessica Ball

Now, fourth generation Graham Kilsby, wants to share the 60m-deep limestone cavity and crystal clear waters with as many people as possible.

Mr Kilsby will build six cabins at the site – set to open by November – and hoped to add a cafe, tasting room and gin distillery all overlooking the sinkhole.

“When I was growing up, I just took it for granted until I started showing people,” Mr Kilsby said.

“A long time ago divers were coming here and just knocking on the door to get access.

“Once the weapons research had left, the only people that could access the site were experienced cave divers so I always felt that it would be lovely to open it up for more people to enjoy.”

Six cabins are set to be constructed at Kilsby Sinkhole. Picture: Designs By Solly

Mr Kilsby said construction on the accommodation would begin shortly, with six cabins in a horseshoe shape complemented by a barbecue area and undercover fire pit.

While stage two is yet to receive council approval, Mr Kilsby planned to add the coffee shop, tasting room and a small distillery as soon as the accommodation is complete.

“It will give people a different reason to come out here,” he said.

Six cabins are set to be constructed at Kilsby Sinkhole. Picture: Designs By Solly

“When people have finished their snorkelling tour, they can just walk around have a gin, a wine or a coffee.

“Hopefully we can have functions, we could have weddings, we could have a whole different range of things.”

Over the past two years Mr Kilsby has built up the tourism experience offering snorkelling and sinkhole tours and crafting Sinkhole Gin from the water and muntries – a native ingredient that only grows on the country’s southern coastline.