Meet the site
Ela Elap is a large, deep sinkhole at Mount Schank that the CDAA lists as Basic Cave but currently closed. Its entry notes stand out for one reason: the association states the water is always cold, around 10-11°C, several degrees colder than the usual 14-15°C of the region's groundwater. Visibility at depth can be excellent.
When the site was open, access was an arrangement with the landowners through Bellum Hotel management: four keys for diver groups, two locked gates on the property, a fixed ladder into the sinkhole, and a non-negotiable requirement to show a valid CDAA card. Compressors were banned during fire bans and smoking was prohibited on site. Diving was at times agreeable to the landowners.
Underwater it is a classic big, deep Mount Schank sinkhole – an open bowl with walls dropping into dark, clear water. The combination of depth and cold makes gas planning and thermal protection more important than at most Basic Cave sites; a drysuit with good undergarments is the sensible choice. Published information on depth and layout is scant, so any reopened access should come with a site briefing. The row remains in the database because the site appears on the CDAA register and in older guides. Treat it as closed until the CDAA says otherwise. Private-site closures in the Mount Gambier region often follow changes in land ownership or insurance, and some sites have reopened after new agreements were negotiated by the CDAA, so the closure need not be permanent. Divers are asked not to contact landowners directly about closed sites but to go through the CDAA site officers.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ela Elap is recorded as Sinkhole/Cenote in Mount Gambier Sinkholes & Caves. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Ela Elap suitable for my certification?
The record lists Cave/Cavern certification. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Ela Elap through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Not documented
Location
A large, deep, very cold sinkhole at Mount Schank with a fixed ladder; excellent visibility at depth; currently closed.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
cavedivers.com.aucavedivers.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.