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Published -
- June 7, 2021
- 11:00 pm
Trevor Ashby’s property south of Mount Gambier looks like a typical dairy farm from the roadside, but hidden among the cows is a tiny portal into a world-class dive site.
The hole in the ground is so small that equipment and divers have to be lowered separately.
But below the humble entrance is a huge, seemingly bottomless chamber.
“We’ve had people who have dived all around the world and have come to here and they just couldn’t believe the size of the room that we’ve got under our feet here in the middle of a cow paddock,” cave diving instructor Gary Barclay said.
The Shaft, as it is known, is the darkest and deepest recorded sinkhole in the region, dropping more than 120 meters.
It was discovered by the owner’s grandfather when he was plowing a paddock and the horse put its hoof through the surface.
A pile of rubble 35 meters down was the family’s unsuccessful attempt to fill it.
“We really didn’t have a clue how big it was underneath. We had no hope of filling it up,” Mr. Ashby, a third-generation farmer, said.
“It looks like an anthill down there and we’ve tipped a thousand tonnes of stone down there.”
What impact has sinkhole tourism had on the local economy, and how have businesses adapted to cater to visitors?
World-Class Sinkholes Attract Divers to South Australian Farms
The South Australian outback has long been known for its rugged terrain and unique landscapes. However, a growing number of visitors are flocking to the region, specifically to its sinkholes, to explore their underwater depths. These sinkholes have quickly become a hot spot for divers from around the world, lured in by the crystal-clear waters and unique ecosystem.
The sinkholes are located in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. They were formed by the collapse of limestone cliffs and caves that created these deep depressions, which filled with groundwater over time. The sinkholes of this region have formed over thousands of years, producing an awe-inspiring natural wonder for visitors.
The world-class sinkholes attract not only scuba divers but also snorkelers, swimmers, and tourists. The stunning contrast between the bright blue water and the stark white limestone walls can provide an almost surreal experience for those who venture into the depths. The sinkholes range in size from tiny pools to enormous bodies of water, like the famous Kilsby Sinkhole that is 80 meters deep and 30 meters wide, with a consistent water temperature year-round.
Moreover, these sinkholes have become an ecological hotspot, a secret place for divers to observe and document unique marine life. The ecosystem of the sinkholes is extremely fragile and needs careful handling while diving. Snorkelers and divers should not touch the rocks or stir up the sediment at the bottom of the sinkhole, which can harm the delicate ecosystem. Certain species, such as the rare blind cave eel, can only be found in these sinkholes, making them essential locations for researchers and conservationists.
The Limestone Coast region has seen a boom in tourism since the sinkholes have become popular attractions. The sinkholes are located on private farms, and the farmers have capitalized on the interest in their properties by allowing visitors to dive and explore them. These farms have started offering guided dives which have quickly become a major attraction for visitors. The local economy has also benefited from the tourism, with many restaurants, cafes, and hotels springing up to cater to the influx of tourists.
In conclusion, the sinkholes of South Australia have become some of the most attractive diving locations in the world. The stunning natural phenomenon, combined with exotic marine life, has breathed life into the regional tourism industry. It has also allowed visitors to connect with the environment, observe the ecosystem and contribute to its preservation. There is no doubt that these magnificent sinkholes will continue to attract nature lovers, adventurers, and thrill-seekers from around the world to explore their underwater wonder.
