Ewens Ponds

Ewens Ponds, a series of three crystalline freshwater sinkholes near Port Macdonnell in South Australia, offers one of the most surreal snorkelling and diving experiences in the country. With visibility often exceeding 40 metres, these limestone ponds reveal a submerged world of ancient rock formations, vivid aquatic plants, and endemic fish. The constant 15°C water temperature makes a wetsuit essential, but the clarity and stillness create an almost otherworldly sensation of floating through liquid glass.

Highlights & What to See

• First Pond (Main Pond): Easily accessible via a boardwalk and stairs, this is the most popular spot for snorkellers. Glide over sandy shallows and rocky ledges where schools of pygmy perch and flathead hover in the gin-clear water.
• Second & Third Ponds: Deeper and more secluded, these ponds are favoured by divers who explore the vertical limestone walls and the cavern-like overhangs. Keep an eye out for the rare Mount Gambier cave shrimp.
• Submerged Vegetation: The ponds are carpeted with stoneworts and other charophytes that sway gently in the current, creating a prehistoric-looking landscape. The vivid greens and blues are mesmerising.
• Picnic & Walking Trails: Above water, the surrounding bushland has picnic tables and a short walking track linking the ponds, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours at Ewens Ponds, which allows for a leisurely snorkel in the first pond, a short walk to the second pond, and a picnic break. If you plan to dive the deeper ponds or have your own gear, allow a half-day. The site is compact, so it works well as a stop on a self-drive itinerary between Mount Gambier and Port Macdonnell.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park: Another world-class freshwater snorkelling and diving spot, known for its dramatic chasm and cathedral-like caves, just a short drive east.
• Mount Gambier: The regional hub offers the stunning Blue Lake (especially vibrant in summer), Umpherston Sinkhole, and the historic Cave Gardens – all within 20 minutes of Ewens Ponds.
• Port Macdonnell: A charming fishing village with a working port, sandy beaches, and the iconic Cape Northumberland lighthouse. Great for a seafood lunch or a coastal walk.
• Canunda National Park: Rugged coastal dunes and limestone cliffs, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting southern right whales (June–September).
• Nelson (Victoria): Just across the border, this sleepy river town offers kayaking on the Glenelg River and the historic Nelson Coastal Reserve.

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