Location #3: South Australia - Mt. Gambier

Welcome to the Edges of Earth Expedition Log. We're journeying to the most remote and interesting dive sites in the world, connecting with people who have dedicated their lives to ocean science, conservation and restoration.

In the midst of alarming environmental news, this log highlights the progress and positive impact made by individuals and communities—from those living on the fringe to those in the center of it all.?

From our in-field team: we're happy to have you here. We hope these stories and insights from the edges of earth offer a fresh perspective, reminding you there's progress and impact happening all around us.

WHERE WE’VE BEEN?

June 2023 - Mt. Gambier, South Australia?

What lies beneath Mt. Gambier is what makes it the freshwater capital of Australia. From sinkholes to cave systems, the Limestone Coast is a geological wonder. With 95% of sinkholes in a 20km radius, we were eager to meet those who have spent their lives protecting and preserving this unparalleled destination. Not to mention, learn about life as an advanced cave diver, exploring some of the most extreme sites in the world, found only here.?

READ ABOUT IT

From learning about how ancient sinkholes have been protected here to what it takes to become an elite cave explorer, we went deep in Mt. Gambier.?

• ?? READ OUR PARTNER LOG - Secrets from the Underground: A review of Mt. Gambier's most interesting and remote dive sites, and the people who’ve put them on the map and preserved them.

• ?? READ OUR FIELD LOG - Beyond the Chill: Braving the cold during the winter solstice to explore Mt. Gambier's Kilsby Sinkhole & Ewen Ponds—the only two sites for non-certified cave divers here.

• ?? READ OUR STORY in Oceanographic Magazine - From Sheep Farm to Dive Site: Meeting the generational custodian of Kilsby Sinkhole gave us insights into the site’s geological significance and the efforts made to preserve it over decades.

• ?? READ OUT STORY in SSI Scuba Schools International - Exploring the Darkness with Australia's Cave Divers: In Mt. Gambier, signs led us to Josh Richards, a cave diving legend. Our interaction with him inspired a strong desire to earn our cave certification.

WANT TO SEE IT??

PEOPLE WE LOVE

Beyond pushing us to get in these wild waters, the legends of Mt. Gambier reminded us of the importance of protecting our own backyards, relentlessly pushing past our own instilled limits, while always embracing the spirit of exploration in every aspect of life. Their wisdom serves as a constant reminder that every corner of our world, including what we call home, is worth discovering and protecting.?

Graham Kilsby: As a fourth-generation owner of Australia's only family-operated site called “Kilsby Sinkhole,” Graham is a steward of this unique natural wonder. Originally excavated for farming irrigation, the sinkhole has evolved into a multifaceted resource that has served the agricultural, military, and diving communities. Graham's visionary management has transformed this once-overlooked feature into an iconic destination, demonstrating the transformative power of local initiative.

Darren Mitchell: The owner of Dive Experience, Darren is one of the few operators qualified to take recreational divers to Mt. Gambier's elusive sinkholes. Passionate about building the cave diving community, he effortlessly juggles the roles of host, guide, and mentor. With his in-depth knowledge and adventurous spirit, Darren offers invaluable insights into these hidden wonders while challenging divers to push their limits.

Josh Richards: Known as a local legend in Mt. Gambier's dive community, Josh is one of the past masterminds behind "The Habitat," a community-driven hostel that has served as a hub for budding cave divers. He's also the leader of an elite diving group, "The Soggy Wombats," dedicated to exploring and mapping new underground systems. With his knack for fostering community and pushing the boundaries of cave diving, Josh has become an indispensable figure for the next generation of adventurers in South Australia.

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