Meet the site
Stinging Nettle Cave is a ForestrySA Advanced Cave site near Tantanoola. The CDAA's description is brief but telling: low-profile dive configuration (sidemounts) is required, the entrance is slippery and needs care, and the cave is deceptively large once the restriction is negotiated at about 10 m.
That restriction defines the dive. Backmounted doubles will not pass, so divers configure sidemount, and the passage demands careful body position and line control. Beyond it the cave opens into a much larger space than the entrance suggests – a common pattern in the Gambier limestone, where narrow solution features connect to wider phreatic passages. No published survey, depth or visibility figures were found, so teams should seek a briefing from divers who know the site.
The name almost certainly comes from the nettles that grow around the entrance, a small hazard in itself for anyone kitting up in shorts. Being on forestry land, it is booked through ForestrySA's portal and closed on Total Fire Ban days. It suits experienced Advanced Cave sidemount divers who are comfortable with restrictions and want a quieter site than Tank Cave. Plan gas conservatively: the restriction slows exits and a silt-out on the way back through it is the scenario to rehearse. Teams usually dive it as pairs rather than larger groups, keeping the passage clear for one diver at a time. Treat it as a site to build towards after gaining restriction experience elsewhere. Its location near Tantanoola makes it convenient to pair with Fossil Cave or Tank Cave on the same trip, though the booking systems differ (ForestrySA versus DEW and 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.
Stinging Nettle 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Stinging Nettle 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 Stinging Nettle 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
Not documented
Location
A ForestrySA Advanced Cave site near Tantanoola with a slippery entrance and a restriction at about 10 m that opens into a deceptively large cave; sidemount required.
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.