Stinging Nettle Cave

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Temporary Forest Closure due to Fire Danger, Exclusive Access or Operations

• Fire Danger: See CFS Fire Danger Rating effecting site access. The forest is closed on a day of declared total fire ban. See Terms and Conditions for more information.
• Exclusive Access: No current activities effecting site access
• Operations in Locality: No current operations effecting site access

ABOUT STINGING NETTLE CAVE

Rating: CDAA: Advanced Cave.

Registered CEGSA cave feature number 5L186. 

Location -37.75393853678002, 140.5455126699682

The passage from the entrance of Stinging Nettle Cave leads divers down a steep slope, past static boulders. The cave has been described as "deceptively large" by divers, once restriction has been negotiated at about 10m. 

A low profile dive configuration (side mounts) is required to dive this site and caution should be exercised when proceeding through the slippery entrance. 

Stinging Nettle Cave is only available for diving on Saturdays and Sundays. A maximum of four divers per day, with one dive each per day, is permitted.

A locked hatch has been placed at this site, with the key available for collection from the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre. At least two members of the dive party must be present to show their issued dive permits and collect the key in person.

ACCESS CONDITIONS FOR FORESTRYSA DIVE SITES 

A permit is required to dive in all ForestrySA sinkholes and wet caves. 

Permits are issued on a session or per-day basis. Sessions are valid from start time on the day of the permit. 

All divers must read and agree to ForestrySA Conditions and Indemnity statements upon booking.

A diver may book provided they meet the following conditions: 

• They are trained and qualified to an appropriate standard and are members of one of the following body; Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA) and; 
• They meet the minimum qualification level for the rating of the cave. 
• They are a student under the supervision of an instructor or guide registered with ForestrySA. 
• Divers who are members of another body (eg. international divers) must first obtain membership with one of the above recognised bodies. Some training may be necessary prior to booking. 
• Cancellation - ForestrySA: Upon the occurrence of permit cancellation by ForestrySA, ForestrySA shall elect to refund to the purchaser, (minus administration fees). 
• Cancellation – Purchaser: Upon the occurrence of the permit cancellation by the Purchaser, ForestrySA shall elect to refund the purchaser when this is undertaken more than 3 full business days prior to the dive.  A cancellation fee of $5 plus administration fees will apply.  No refunds are available for cancellations less than 3 full business days prior to the dive. 
• Forest Closure due to fire danger: Ensure you check weather conditions before arrival, particularly during the Fire Danger Season and visit the Country Fire Service website or call the Fire Ban Hotline on 1300 362 361 to stay up to date with current fire bans and restrictions. 
• Navigational aids within the cave are common property and are there for the benefit of divers of all organisations. ForestrySA retains ownership of the caves and all cave access infrastructure.
• When booking, provide all details of the persons diving.
• You must have a diving buddy. You are not permitted to dive unless you are with a minimum of one other person (each diver must complete a separate permit) At the time of booking, or if booking separately, please both quote the same name for your GROUP. (i.e this could be a selected surname) as proof of buddy partner.
• Time slots are valid for time stated on permit.
• Timeslots do not apply for Commercial Operators. It is recommended Commercial Operators display their signage on site to inform other divers of their operations.
• Maximum number of people permitted on site per timeslot must not exceed 15, including divers, observers and instructors. You may arrive on site to prepare for your dive early but you must not enter the water until your time slot begins. You must be out of the water before your time slot expires.
• Each diver must read and acknowledge the ForestrySA Conditions and Indemnity before booking. 
• You must identify your dive qualification to confirm you are qualified under your training to enter the type of cave.
• Some dive sites require a key for entry. These are collected from the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, please bring permit for proof of approval.
• Instructors must first obtain a Commercial Operators License through the ForestrySA application process, prior to booking. Contact ForestrySA via email at recreation@forestrysa.com.au

All images supplied by CDAA