Meet the site
Max's Hole is a small Cave-rated site that the CDAA lists as closed pending new access arrangements. Its description is concise and unglamorous: a 20 m ladder drop down a shaft leads to two small pools; thick black silt throughout this small cave; beware of snakes at the bottom of the shaft.
Those few lines sum up the dive. The shaft is deep enough that the ladder climb dominates the logistics, and snakes that fall into the shaft and cannot climb out are an unusual but real hazard at the bottom. Underwater, the cave is small and the thick black silt means any disturbance ends the visibility almost immediately, so it has always been a site for small, disciplined teams with excellent trim, a guideline from the pool and a willingness to accept a short dive.
It has no published depth or survey information in the sources consulted, and it has never been a mainstream destination. It is recorded here because it remains on the CDAA register and appears in older logs and site lists. Closures pending new access arrangements usually mean the CDAA is negotiating with a landowner, so the site may return. If it does, it will suit experienced Cave divers who like exploring small, obscure sites and are comfortable with long ladders and zero-visibility exits. In the meantime, similar small-cave experience can be had at open sites such as Mud Hole and Allendale East Cave, both of which share the silt-sensitive character. The closure also removes one of the few sites where snakes are a listed underwater-adjacent hazard.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Max's Hole is recorded as Cave/Cavern 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Max's Hole 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 Max's Hole 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 small cave reached by a 20 m ladder drop down a shaft to two small pools with thick black silt; closed pending new access arrangements.
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.