Ewen Ponds

'Ewen Ponds' is located 50 minutes from Portland or 10 kilometres east of Port MacDonnell and access is via a dirt road which is well sign posted. Ewen Ponds is a series of 3 fresh water shallow basin shaped ponds approximately 9-13 metres deep fed continuously by fresh water springs which flow out of the ground through 'sand boils' at the bottom of each pond; and each pond is connected by a shallow channel. For Open water divers or snorkellers without cave qualifications Ewen Ponds beckons. The Ponds can be dived all year round however the best diving is on a sunny day with no wind and it is recommended to wear a thick protective suit as the water temperature is a chilly 10-15 degrees. The highlight of the Ponds is the visibility! - It is not uncommon to be able to see from one side of the pond to the other - approximately 80 metres. There is a slight current that runs through the ponds that will help carry you through the shallow channels that connect the ponds together. The narrow channels are located at the southern end of each pond. Drifting through the ponds you will see aquatic weeds, plants and the rare Ewen's pygmy perch. Entry is via a pontoon with a ladder in Pond 1 and exit is via a ladder to a pontoon in Pond 3. It is suggested that you get there early to avoid the visibility being compromised by other divers who may stir up the bottom. This is a great night dive! You can only dive the Ponds from pond 1 to pond 3; you cannot come back upstream! After exiting at Pond 3 there is a short walk back to the car park via a dirt walking track. In summer, please be careful to watch your step when walking back to the car park as there could be the odd red belly brown snake or two sunbaking on the track and they are venomous.