How deep is Piccaninnie Ponds?
The ‘First Pond’ is an open depression about 10 metres (33 ft) deep with a silt floor and vegetated fringe supporting much aquatic life. The ‘Chasm’ is a sinkhole with a depth of over 100 metres (330 ft), and the ‘Cathedral’ is an enclosed area with limestone formations and a depth of about 35 metres (115 ft).
What lives in Piccaninnie ponds?
There are a total of ten native fish in Piccaninnie Ponds CP including seven diadromous species and three freshwater obligate species. This includes the short-finned eel, dwarf galaxis, pouched lamprey, southern pygmy perch, common jollytail, small mouthed hardy head, congoli and the Yarra pygmy perch.
Can you swim at Piccaninnie ponds?
The view across Piccaninnie ponds is also very nice. There are picnic areas and toilets at both areas. That said, we felt Ewens Ponds was the better snorkel. Swimming from pond to channel at Ewens is fun and the current carries you along without much effort too.
What to do at Piccaninnie Ponds National Park?
Recreational diving. Piccaninnie Ponds is a popular site for both snorkelling and cave diving. In 1964–1965, prior to its proclamation as a national park in 1969, underwater explorer Valerie Taylor described the ponds as “one of the most beautiful sights in Australia” and said that the crystal clear water gave her a feeling…
How much does it cost to scuba dive at Piccaninnie Ponds?
The Fee for snorkelling is $14.50 for a single permit and $56 for an annual permit and for diving is $38.50 for a single and $79.50 for an annual permit. You must purchase your permit before arrival and they can be purchased from National Parks SA. The diving time slots are for 60 minutes and there is a limit of 2 sessions per person, per day.
How big is the chasm in Piccaninnie Ponds?
The ‘Chasm’ is a sinkhole with a depth of over 100 metres (330 ft), and the ‘Cathedral’ is an enclosed area with limestone formations and a depth of about 35 metres (115 ft). Underwater visibility is excellent and may exceed 40 metres (130 ft). Snorkelling and cave diving at Piccaninnie Ponds is by permit only.
What kind of fish live in Piccaninnie Ponds?
Several fish species have been recorded in the Ponds including the short finned eel, southern pigmy perch and Yarra pigmy perch. To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
