Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park — One of Australia's most spectacular freshwater diving sites, Piccaninnie Ponds consists of a series of spring-fed clear pools connected by…
Natural Landmark in South Australia
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About Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
One of Australia's most spectacular freshwater diving sites, Piccaninnie Ponds consists of a series of spring-fed clear pools connected by underwater passages to the Great Artesian aquifer. The main chamber — the 'Chasm' — drops to over 100m with extraordinary visibility. The water is so clear that the underwater formations are visible from the surface.
About
One of Australia's most spectacular freshwater diving sites, Piccaninnie Ponds consists of a series of spring-fed clear pools connected by underwater passages to the Great Artesian aquifer. The main chamber — the 'Chasm' — drops to over 100m with extraordinary visibility. The water is so clear that the underwater formations are visible from the surface. Access is managed by permit to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Warnings
Getting There
Located 15km east of Mount Gambier near the South Australian–Victorian border, via Port MacDonnell Road.
Nearest airport
Visitor Tips
- •Book permits well in advance — numbers are strictly limited per day. Even for non-divers, snorkelling in the main pond is extraordinary due to the clarity of the water.
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 2–4 hours
- Best Time
- Year-round for clarity; November–April for warmest water (~20°C surface)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours. Visitor centre daily 10am-4pm.
Location
- Area
- Donovans
- Region
- Kangaroo Island
- State
- South Australia
Highlights
Activities
Features
Facilities
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(4)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(4)
Port MacDonnell Dump Point
Free · 22.3km
Mount Gambier Showgrounds Dump Point
Free · 28km
Mount Gambier Dump Point
Free · 30.1km
Dartmoor RV Dump point
Free · 31.6km
Pubs(1)
Fast Food(5)
Golf Courses(2)
State Forests(5)
National Parks(5)
Unnamed (No.HA1457) Heritage Agreement
Nature Reserve · 1.3km
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
Conservation Park · 2.6km
Nelson Streamside Reserve
Nature Reserve · 4.5km
Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park
Conservation Park · 5.9km
Dry Creek Forest Reserve
Nature Reserve · 9.3km