Region’s natural wonders in the spotlight

“The underwater caves near Mount Gambier, just four hours from Adelaide, offer one of the most premier diving locations anywhere in the world.”

That is how 2019 Australian of the Year Dr Richard Harris OAM describes his experience of the Limestone Coast in his recently aired documentary ‘The Underwater World’ that showcased our region’s underwater world.

The showcase of the natural attractions of the Limestone Coast aired on Channel 9 and if you missed last week’s Channel 9 broadcast you can always head to Nine Now to stream the doco.

Dr Harris is an avid cave diver, made world-famous for his heroic efforts in the Tham Luang cave rescue and the documentary takes viewers on a unique journey back tens-of-thousands of years inside the underwater caves where only the most trained divers can access.

The Dr Harris project was made in conjunction with the South Australian Tourism Commission, delivering on a South Australia Government election promise to better promote the Limestone Coast and its attractions.

Local content production company 57 Films worked with Richard’s film company Speleopix to create the documentary which showcases the unique geography and sinkholes in the Limestone Coast.

“People would drive through the Limestone Coast and have no idea what is beneath their feet – kilometres of some of the most pristine water-filled tunnels in the country,” Dr Harris said. “The opportunity for genuine original exploration still exists on this planet, and, byand-large the only place to do that is in caves – and that’s what brings me back every single time.”

Plans are in the works to potentially distribute the documentary internationally for even more exposure for the Limestone Coast.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell welcomed the exposure for the region in the eco-tourism space.

“The documentary ‘My Underwater World’ presents an exciting opportunity to showcase our region to a global audience,” he said. “The Limestone Coast boasts world-class natural wonders that many people simply don’t know about. Projects like this, along with the SATC’s Southern Ocean Drive Road trip, are essential in highlighting our attractions and enticing tourists to explore the unique experiences our region offers.”

‘My Underwater World’ was shot at underwater caves near Mount Gambier, and showcases Kilsby Sinkhole, which is world-renowned as one of the best sinkhole dive sites due to its crystal-clear water and breathtaking visibility.

Kilsby Sinkhole is the only site of its kind that welcomes snorkellers, freedivers and open water certified scuba divers under the supervision of a licensed and industry-qualified guide.

As one of the many natural wonders on offer in the region, Kilsby Sinkhole, among other sinkholes in the region including Umpherston Sinkhole, provide a unique tourism drawcard for the Limestone Coast.

They feature in the SATC’s Southern Ocean Drive Road trip, one of six itineraries promoting destinations and attractions across the state which target the valuable self-drive market.

South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said this special documentary, and the worldwide recognition of Dr Richard Harris OAM, was an exciting opportunity to put one of our state’s tourism gems in the spotlight.

“The premiere of ‘My Underwater World’ will help showcase South Australia as a must-see destination which offers unique natural wonders like the Naracoorte Caves and the sinkholes in our state’s south-east,” Minister Bettison said.

“Tourism is hugely important to regions like the Limestone Coast and with visitor spend in the region worth $524 million, it is crucial we continue to find new ways to promote this wonderful part of our state to audiences both nationally and abroad.”