Wildlife & Nature
Sinkholes, springs & wetland birdlife
The best wildlife & nature in Port MacDonnell
Crystalline freshwater springs, mirror-still sinkholes, ancient cave systems and internationally significant wetlands make the Limestone Coast a natural wonderland — and a haven for birds, bats and rare aquatic life.
The Limestone Coast sits on a vast bed of limestone, and water shapes nearly all of its natural wonders. Crystal-clear springs at Piccaninnie Ponds and Ewens Ponds draw snorkellers and cave divers from around the world, while the cobalt Blue Lake and the cascading ferns of Umpherston Sinkhole reveal the volcanic side of the region.
Wildlife thrives in the wetlands and parks. Bool Lagoon and the lakes around Naracoorte host tens of thousands of waterbirds, and the Naracoorte Caves preserve a World Heritage fossil record of Australia's vanished megafauna. Along the coast, Little Dip Conservation Park shelters kangaroos, emus and seabirds among its dunes and lakes.
Much of this nature is accessible on short, well-marked walks and boardwalks, making it ideal for families and casual visitors. Dawn and dusk are the best times for spotting wildlife, and the cooler months bring peak birdlife to the wetlands.