Trevor Ashby’s property, situated south of the Australian town of Mount Gambier, may outwardly resemble an ordinary dairy farm with a modest aperture. However, as the diver descended into the depths, a previously unsuspected and intricate world unfolded before him.
The passage through the floor is so narrow that the diving equipment and the diver themselves must be lowered separately. Yet, beneath this deceptively petite opening lies an expansive, almost unfathomable cave. Gary Barclay, a cave diving instructor, expressed astonishment, stating, “We’ve had individuals exploring some of the most breathtaking locations globally, and we were simply astounded by the size of the space beneath our feet.” The depth of this remarkable cavern is estimated to exceed 120 meters.
Renowned for its pristine water and the way sunlight gracefully penetrates on clear days, the chasm gained fame in the 1970s when the Ministry of Defense leased it for testing purposes. “It’s the closest place to space. It’s a totally different underground world,” remarks Ball, a diver who frequents the site.
To divers, this concealed marvel is akin to the Holy Grail. Yet, for those above ground, it remains merely a hole in the earth, concealing an immense reservoir of water.
