Meet the site
Horse and Cart is a small sinkhole on Penola Park Estate at Wye, one of two sites (with Tea Tree) that the Perkins family opens to CDAA divers. The CDAA description is brief: eight metres of ladder required; shallow water with algae, some tree debris, small fish in the water, and snakes in the reeds and underbrush. The site is graded Basic Cave in the CDAA listing.
This is not a site for depth or dramatic visibility. The sunlit shallow water supports algae and weed, and fallen timber lies around the margins and floor. Small native fish dart among the debris. Its value is as a quiet, uncomplicated sinkhole close to the Victorian border that can be combined with Tea Tree on the same property and arranged with a simple phone call or email, rather than the formal booking systems of DEW or ForestrySA sites.
The name hints at local folklore – a horse and cart lost into the hole – but no published source consulted confirms the story. Practical preparation matters more: bring an 8 m ladder (or confirm one is in place), plan how to lower cylinders, wear boots for the reeds, and keep an eye out for snakes in summer. It suits CDAA Basic Cave divers looking for an easy, novel sinkhole to add to a Mount Gambier trip. Because the landowner arranges access personally, turn up at the agreed time, leave gates as found and take all rubbish away; the goodwill of private owners is what keeps small sites like this open to the CDAA.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Horse and Cart 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.
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 Horse and Cart 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 Horse and Cart 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
Algae, small native fish, freshwater crustaceans
Location
A small, shallow sinkhole on Penola Park Estate at 117 ACI Road, Wye, south-east of Mount Gambier, reached by an 8 m ladder.
Facilities nearby
None – farm parking. Fills in Mount Gambier.
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.