Ewens Ponds – guided & accredited tours only (closed 1 Sep–1 Dec)
Ewens Ponds are spring-fed freshwater ponds that may be dived only as part of a guided, accredited tour, and the park is closed every year from 1 September to 1 December for vegetation regeneration (it reopened on 1 December after the 2025 closure). It has also been closed several times over two years because of low water levels. The three basins are about 10 m deep with plants growing to 6 m. Snorkelling permits are booked online by one-hour time slot; permits are not sold on site. Unlike the caves, this is open to Open Water divers.
Facts
- Region: Australia – Mount Gambier Sinkholes & Caves
- Area: Lower South East sinkholes & caves
- Depth: 0–10 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: moderate
- Type: freshwater, spring, shore
- Coordinates: -38.0257, 140.7906 (approximate)
- Highlights: three spring-fed basins ~10 m deep, aquatic plants growing to ~6 m, very clear water
- Permit: Permit booked online from DEW/NPWS SA (one-hour slot); diving only as part of a guided, accredited tour; park closed 1 September–1 December each year and at times of low water.
- Issuer / contact: NPWS SA – Mount Gambier / online booking
- Tips: Diving only with a guided, accredited tour; minimum ISO 24801-2 (Autonomous diver, e.g. PADI Open Water). No freediving, body boards, flotation devices or boats. Book a one-hour slot online (max two per person per day). Fees refunded if the park closes. CDAA lists Ewens Ponds as unrated, owner DEW.