
Engelbrecht Cave Mount Gambier South Australia Australia
Explore a unique limestone cave system beneath Mount Gambier, once a garbage dump, now home to a stunning subterranean lake.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially a personal tour!

Engelbrecht Cave Mount Gambier South Australia Australia
Best Time
Potentially a personal tour!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a unique limestone cave system beneath Mount Gambier, once a garbage dump, now home to a stunning subterranean lake.
"A captivating look into the region's past with exceptional tour guides."

🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Tours are small and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Steps can be wet and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good soles are a must for safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Subterranean Lake
Inside Engelbrecht Cave
Discover a hidden, crystal-clear lake deep within the earth, a stunning natural wonder.

Expert-Led Cave Tours
Engelbrecht Cave Visitor Centre
Engage with passionate guides sharing captivating stories of the cave's history and diving.

Unique Urban Sinkhole
Engelbrecht Cave Entrance
Witness a striking natural sinkhole nestled surprisingly within a residential area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Wear Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Tours are small and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Steps can be wet and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good soles are a must for safety.
💧 Dry Cave Surprise
Surprisingly dry even in heavy rain! A unique experience contrasting with the weather.
💰 Reasonable Tour Cost
The tour price is considered very reasonable for the informative experience provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Tours are small and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Steps can be wet and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good soles are a must for safety.
💧 Dry Cave Surprise
Surprisingly dry even in heavy rain! A unique experience contrasting with the weather.
💰 Reasonable Tour Cost
The tour price is considered very reasonable for the informative experience provided.
🗺️ Under the City
This cave system runs right under Mount Gambier, connecting to vast aquifers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Engelbrecht Cave for its knowledgeable guides and the unique history of the site, including its transformation from a former garbage dump to a natural wonder. The subterranean lake is a highlight, and the reasonable tour cost adds to its appeal. Some find the price a bit steep, and it's important to note it's a dry cave without typical formations.
"Don't expect a physically demanding climb—the small Engelbrecht Cave is easily navigated. While it lacks the formations of a wet cave, its true value lies in the exceptional tour guides. They're experts in the cave's history, the local environment, and the thrill of cave diving, giving you a captivating look into the region's past. Parking is free and convenient. To guarantee your spot in a tour, which are kept small for a better experience, you should book well ahead of your visit."
Ziard
"A truly magnificent natural formation that has gradually evolved and taken shape over many years. Nestled right in the heart of a residential block, it stretches deep beneath the surface, extending far beyond what the eye can see, creating a striking contrast between urban development and untouched natural beauty."
hazem aboualfa
"I booked in for the last tour on a Tuesday afternoon in late July, and ended up being the only one. Zita still took me into the cave(s) and gave me a personal tour, with all the history and interesting facts about it. She was very knowledgeable and happy to answer my questions.
Reception has a few souvenirs, drinks, local information and a video playing of some dives in the cave, which is still being explored.
The cost was very reasonable. You do need to wear covered in shoes with good soles as the many steps can be wet and slippery."
Lisa Morice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Engelbrecht Cave is conveniently located right in the heart of Mount Gambier, often described as being under a residential block. Parking is available and free, making it easily accessible by car.
The cave is easily navigated with small, manageable steps. However, it's important to wear appropriate footwear as the steps can be wet and slippery. It's not described as physically demanding.
No, you can only access Engelbrecht Cave with a guided tour. This ensures safety and allows guides to share the rich history and information about the cave system.
Tour times can vary, and it's recommended to check their official schedule. Booking in advance is highly advised, especially for specific times like the first tour of the day.
Yes, the Mount Gambier region is known for its caves. Nearby attractions include Umpherston Sinkhole, Blue Lake, Tantanoola Caves, and the Naracoorte Caves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost for the tour is considered very reasonable. While one review mentioned it being 'a bit steep,' others found it to be a good value for the informative experience.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially if you want to guarantee a spot or visit during peak times. While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking online is the safest bet.
The tour price includes a guided exploration of the cave system, insights into its history, geology, and the sport of cave diving. You'll also learn about its past use as a garbage dump and subsequent cleanup.
While you can sometimes get tickets at the shop if a tour has spaces, it's best to book online beforehand. They do have facilities at the shop to do online bookings if you arrive without a reservation.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the general consensus is that the tour price offers good value for the experience. It's always worth checking their official website for any current promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tours are approximately 30-45 minutes long and led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating details about the cave's history, geology, and cave diving. Tours are kept small for a better experience.
You'll explore a unique limestone cave system, including a subterranean lake and tunnels. You'll learn about its past as a garbage dump and the efforts to clean it up, as well as its connection to underground rivers.
Engelbrecht Cave is described as a dry cave and lacks the typical stalactite and stalagmite formations found in wet caves. Its appeal lies in its history and the subterranean lake.
While the cave is connected to extensive aquifers and rivers, and cave diving is mentioned as part of its exploration, visitors on the standard tour do not participate in diving. A special license is required.
Historically, Engelbrecht Cave was used as the public garbage dump for over 90 years. It has since been cleaned up, though some remnants may still be visible. It's also a gateway to kilometers of underground waterways.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Engelbrecht Cave, and many visitors capture the unique subterranean lake and cave features. Be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
The crystal-clear, mirror-like subterranean lake is a prime subject for photography. The contrast of the natural cave against the urban setting above also makes for interesting shots.
Given the potentially low light conditions inside the cave, consider using a wider aperture and a higher ISO if your camera allows. A tripod might be helpful for sharper images, but be mindful of space and other visitors.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions for Engelbrecht Cave, but it's always advisable to check local regulations and obtain permission if necessary before flying a drone in any tourist area.
The visitor center often plays videos of cave dives. While you can't film the screen directly without permission, you can certainly enjoy watching these fascinating glimpses into the cave's exploration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure children wear appropriate footwear as the steps can be slippery. Booking tours in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially if traveling with children during busy periods. The unique nature of a cave hidden beneath a town can spark curiosity and make for a memorable outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Book your tour online in advance to secure your spot. Consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays, as you might even get a personal tour, as one reviewer experienced. Combine your visit with other free or low-cost attractions in Mount Gambier, such as the Umpherston Sinkhole or Blue Lake, to make the most of your trip.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Be prepared for potentially low-light conditions inside the cave; consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if space allows. While photography is generally permitted, always be respectful of your guide and other visitors. The videos shown at the visitor center also offer a glimpse into the adventurous world of cave diving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating History of Engelbrecht Cave
Beyond its time as a dump, the cave is a gateway to a vast underground network. It connects to kilometers of aquifers and rivers, hinting at the extensive geological processes that shaped the region. This connection to the subterranean waterways is a key aspect of its natural wonder and a point of fascination for visitors, especially those interested in geology and hydrology.
The cave's discovery as a significant natural formation, rather than just a disposal site, led to its development as a tourist attraction. Today, guided tours offer a captivating look into this dual history, blending the story of human impact with the enduring power of nature.
Exploring Engelbrecht Cave: What to Expect on a Tour
During the tour, you'll navigate through the cave system, which is described as a dry cave, meaning it lacks the typical stalactite and stalagmite formations. Instead, the focus is on the cave's unique features, such as the striking subterranean lake with its crystal-clear, mirror-like waters. You'll also learn about the cave's past use as a garbage dump and the subsequent cleanup efforts, providing a compelling narrative of the site's transformation.
Practical advice for visitors includes wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good soles, as the steps can be wet and slippery. While the cave is easily navigated and not physically demanding, proper footwear is crucial for safety. The tour offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty hidden beneath the urban landscape of Mount Gambier.
The Allure of Cave Diving at Engelbrecht Cave
While the standard visitor tours do not involve diving, the guides often share insights and show videos of cave diving expeditions that have taken place within Engelbrecht Cave. These visuals offer a thrilling glimpse into the challenges and discoveries associated with exploring these submerged environments. To engage in cave diving here, a special diving suit and a level 3 license are mentioned as requirements, highlighting the expertise and preparation needed for such an adventure.
The ongoing exploration of the cave system means that new discoveries are still being made. The visitor center may feature videos showcasing some of these dives, providing a deeper understanding of the cave's potential and the dedication of the diving community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit