Meet the site
Nettlebed Cave was discovered and named by Adelaide cave diver Grant Pearce on 27 January 1990, and it is one of the more sensitive sites on the ForestrySA list. The CDAA lists it under its Cave heading, while the detailed page describes Advanced Cave-level demands – excellent buoyancy control and near-perfect finning technique.
The layout is a sequence of distinct rooms. A restrictive, mud-choked entrance leads to The Gallery, a chamber with markings of archaeological interest; beyond it is a larger chamber with boulders and silt, then a low, clay-floored passage into a final chamber at about 28 m. Actual penetration from the surface is about 80 m. The low passages and clay floors mean silt is ever-present, and the rules are to stick close to the permanent guidelines and avoid touching the ceiling, floor and walls.
Nettlebed is registered as a suspected Aboriginal site, and divers must comply with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 – the markings in The Gallery are the reason for the care demanded, and any disturbance is both a heritage and a diving offence. Combined with the entrance restriction, this makes it a site for experienced, meticulous cave divers rather than a casual tick. It is booked through ForestrySA and closed on Total Fire Ban days. For those with the skills it offers a fascinating mix of cave diving and cultural heritage. Its discovery in 1990 also illustrates how much of the Gambier karst remained unknown until relatively recently, and exploration of new passage continues in the region. Visit only in small teams, and plan a slow, deliberate exit so that the fragile Gallery is passed once in each direction without contact.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Nettlebed Cave 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 Nettlebed Cave 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 Nettlebed Cave 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
Very little – occasional cave crustaceans
Location
A ForestrySA cave discovered in 1990 with a restrictive mud-choked entrance leading to 'The Gallery', a boulder chamber and a final room at about 28 m, 80 m in.
Facilities nearby
None – forest 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.auforestrysa.com.aucavedivers.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.